Half term hols and fatigue.

tkachev
tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
edited 2. Jun 2011, 05:52 in Living with Arthritis archive
Well like a lot of people on here I am suffering from little or no energy but is half-term and I feel my duty is to get the kids out and about. They have missed out on a lot due to my R.A although OH tries to take them out in shifts(one son is autistic enough to need lots of supervision). One adult with 3 kids is a bit difficult for a bloke(but not impossible).I feel so guilty.
I did manage 2 of the children out at a park in April but I was having a good day.There were lots of seats which helped a lot.
Is there any way of dealing with such fatigue? I am sleeping okay this week but feel washed out all the time.
I took Humira yesterday so hoping it helps with these symptoms, although my chest is now playing up again.
Hope all you mums cope with the holidays.
Best wishes
Elizabeth
Never be bullied into silence.
Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
Accept no ones definition of your life

Define yourself........

Harvey Fierstein

Comments

  • only49
    only49 Member Posts: 1,207
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi elizabeth

    no half term here, its sure is not fun having arthris and kids a bad combination.

    if you feel in need of a bit of support pop into the angels site, me and ron will be glad to see you.
    sylvia :)stern02.gif
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elizabeth

    I am so sorry you feel so very very shift....l wish l could offer you someting helpfull to say, but l CAN say that they do grow up and they do get easier to cope with - even children who have autism tend to.

    If l could l would send yo some strength and energy to get thorugh the week.

    Love and hugs

    toni xx
  • constable
    constable Member Posts: 2,115
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Know exactly how you r feeling Elizabeth. Both me and Tony unable to do anything either. Luckily our girls are of the age that they can go out with friends, or just each other, and get away from us. I do hope that you start feeling better soon, it is horrible having constant tireness.

    Karen xx
    Karen xx
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elizabeth

    No tips I am sorry, its a long time since I had a half term. I just hope that your Humira kicks in soon and makes the holidays a little easier for you,

    Take care
    Juliepf x
  • Poppyg1rl
    Poppyg1rl Member Posts: 1,245
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elizabeth,
    My 3 are on half term too, thankfully my youngest is 13 and theyre all of an age to occupy themselves.
    Hopefully the Humira will help you and the chest will settle down.
    Elizabeth I don't know if this will help, but around here (West Drayton) Hillingdon run half term clubs at the local schools, I wonder if they do something similar near you? Maybe if they went for a day or so? the children really enjoy the activities and food there, I know because I've worked at one helping out occasionally. Why not give children's information centre a call and find out what's going on in your area?
    It would give you and your OH a break and the children will be having a great time in a safe environment.
    Hope that helps Elizabeth, take care love and hugs Xxx
    'grá agus solas'
    'Love and Light' translated from Irish. X
  • princess935
    princess935 Member Posts: 90
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, i can understand how difficult it is, especially with a child with asd, my son too has asd, its all go go go all the time, wanting constant attention, extra supervision.

    I only have the one though and struggle a bit, but have a wonderful ex boyf, the best ever.

    Hope you have an okish week, and that some majic happens and you get loads of energy and all the pain goes, wish it would hey.

    Your not alone xx
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, My husband's on half term too! I hope that you have some good times with your kids and it's great you have a husband who takes some of the load off you. Love Sue
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elizabeth, I don't know what it is but My OH & I have been feeling fatigued since last Monday! Totally drained unable to do a thing! I was even in bed alday Thursday cause I couldn't move my legs and I felt totally tired so I stayed in bed. But even now I still feel drained. So I have to take my hat off to all people who have to look after children. I have one cat and the OH & I get warn out catering to his needs!! (he is spoiled, he's our substitute to a child cause I can't have them). Just hope it isn't a bug!! Amanda.
  • tkachev
    tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
    edited 31. May 2011, 06:52
    Thank you everyone I just feel so guilty. OH was going to take them to a playground in the woods but I decided to go too. I felt I needed to be there.But it was far too much walking. They went on ahead with OH and I staggered behind them to catch up when i could.But they had a great time, 2 ice creams each and some time in the fresh air. But everywhere involves lots of walking.
    Poppy I haven't thought about clubs. Daniel goes to autistic clubs in the major hols and has loads of lovely days out.Oldest son doesn't like going out and daughter has only just got well enough to attend clubs so i haven't considered them but it is a good idea.When son goes to autistic clubs it gives OH time to take the other 2 places but half terms are the worst.

    Must say i'd love a cat Amanda but decided it is extra to worry about and all those vet bills!!!!

    Sue I am lucky he does take them places but it is difficult taking all 3.As they all go to different schools they often have different days off so that is when they get a special day out.

    Hi Princess, I see you are having a difficult time in your posts.the tiredness is awful and I seem to be fighting it all the time and feeling guilty.
    Hi Julie, The humira is great but it has caused me problems with my chest. I'm still getting to the bottom of it but is possibly asthma.I had a bad time last night.

    Karen my children haven't been able to forge these friendships yet but it is something to look forward to. I can't bring people round for my daughter as son gets agitated with strangers/visitors.My other son doesn't socialise at all just spends all his time on the laptop. Also my daughter has been ill and couldn't have friends or go to others houses. You will be having a difficult time too. I hope you get some rest.

    You are right Toni. They are getting easier as they grow. Its just that i had plans and hopes for getting out and about to broaden their horizons and my tiredness is spoiling things.

    Thank you Sylvia. You are a good friend.

    Elizabeth x
    Never be bullied into silence.
    Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
    Accept no ones definition of your life

    Define yourself........

    Harvey Fierstein
  • tkachev
    tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Since posting this I have had a think(and a very lovely PM). We do do our best and the kids do get trips out. I just wish I could be more involved rather than dumping on OH but I have now made it out twice, plus a family party since beginning of April so it is better than nothing :wink:
    Cheers all
    Elizabeth
    Never be bullied into silence.
    Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
    Accept no ones definition of your life

    Define yourself........

    Harvey Fierstein
  • tkachev
    tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks Lynn,

    I did have big plans for this week(and most of end April and May hol terms) but the tiredness has been getting the better of me. I must learn to go with the flow. If tired I must take it easy. The children know I can't always walk far but I hate spoiling their fun.

    We do have to keep on keeping as some of us have dogs to walk, pets to feed as well as children to nurture.Its just some times it is much harder than others.

    Elizabeth
    Never be bullied into silence.
    Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
    Accept no ones definition of your life

    Define yourself........

    Harvey Fierstein
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Elizabeth, I've kept meaning to put something up on this thread and never quite got round to it.

    It seems to me you're a really good Mum. You can't do all you want to do for your kids but then who can? Do they suffer as a result? I doubt it. My kids were 8 & 11 when I had my first knee replacements and the few years before that were my most difficult. I think kids do know when you're trying your best and, because of our arthritis they acquire an independence that maybe otherwise would have been postponed.

    It's only a short while ago that you were posting about your serious breathing problems. Go easy on yourself. You can't be superwoman. A very good friend once counselled me in those difficult days "just give them plenty of love and affection. They'll be fine." He was right.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,280
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elizabeth
    Sorry Im a bit late, I just want to send you some hugs((((()))))....and I say it again you are a lovely mum, and the kids will remember that, not that you couldnt take them out.
    You can only do your best, my GC have been to a club for a couple of days, the rest have been spent playing tennis in the back garden :grin:
    You take care
    Love
    Barbara
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elizabeth, I wanted to say having a cat isn't that expensive, they are very independant creatures! They are happy alone, and just come and see you if they want feeding or fuss! And the vet bills aren't that expensive just neaturing when they are 6mnths old and general jabs at certain age. Bubba is more expensive because a.) he's spoilt! cause he's our substitute child (cause I can't have children) b.) he does eat a fair amount, again because he's spoilt and also he lets the local cats come and share!! and finally c.) he has a fear of travelling and hates cat carriers and goes totally mad if he has to go in one and rips you to shreads ask my OH! he has a scar on his chest from bubba and our moving house! And also he is 15yrs old this year, so we have to pay for people to come to the house and sort him out!! So it's just him who's expensive, it's not all cats!! :smile: