Learning About Exhaustion

 The past several days have been all about exhaustion.  

I decided to keep a couple of small routines; breakfast with my husband, make dinner.  Otherwise, I do what my body says it is up to doing.  Some days I'd start out on the computer; others, housework.  Some days I'd sit down before running out of energy, while others I collapse on the couch in frustration.  Rarely did I achieve more than 3 hours of "doing".  

There were two small storm systems in the past five days.  I promised myself I would allow myself to feel what the systems did to me.  Pain.  Exhaustion.  Weak joints.  

The pain had several forms.  Skin buzzing.  Buzzing in my ears.  Muscles tightening and releasing (sometimes) without conscious thought.  Muscle pain.  Aching.  Joint pain.

My legs were more unstable than usual, and I found myself nervous about the basement stairs.  More nervous than usual.  One knee and hip send painful reminders that they want to dislocate.

All of this is exhausting.  Then add the management of them.  Keeping track of which rescue meds were already used.  Finding comfortable ways to rest, because there isn't one I have to change position often.

Chronic illness is not easy.  Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is not a joke.