New Normal

I’ve had over 3 months of gradually improving - symptoms getting less, more energy and a longer battery on most days, feeling less like I’m walking on eggshells with my recovery.

The phrase ‘walking a tightrope’ used to go through my head most days but now I feel more confident and able to do stuff without then ending up in bed for hours. It seems like I’m gradually going from “I can’t….” to “I can…”. It’s a good list:

I can drive short distances, EVEN most recently a couple of short journeys in the twilight or dark. With sunglasses because of the headlight glare, but I don’t get a headache any more. Game changer.

Swimming every week. OK, so spending more time in the sauna and steam room than in the pool, but some swimming nevertheless!

Going to my womens weights gym once a week. The biceps are building, I’m gradually able to lift more and feel more confident, and I can do most of them. I was given special needs burpees as the uppy-downy was too much, but I never liked burpees anyway.

Still doing my 20 mins cardio 6 days a week. Still doing 4-5km runs and some Parkruns. Less appealing now it’s colder!

Able to read, do stuff on the laptop (I’m now typing this post rather than dictating with my eyes closed - there’s progress.) and I’m slightly less behind on life admin.

Able to cook meals and cope with the final stage of bringing it all together at the right time and dishing up. Sometimes that used to wipe me out.

Able to go to the shop briefly without cap and sunglasses.

I’m close to completing my course to become a certified Health Coach. That’s a pretty big win for anyone.

I do however still have my limitations - often sleeping during the day, need regular brain breaks, some days feel very low on energy, still struggling with noise and light and too much going on. I’m no longer seeing the Physio or Osteopath and I think this last bit might be a slow, gradual improvement over months, maybe years. It’s important to stop and notice though. I’m so grateful. Will keep going.