Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired.
-- French author
Jules Renard
Ever since my surgery in December to remove a broken foot bone and my little toe, I've been struggling to get back to my old self.
I knew there would be a recovery period, and I thought I'd psyched myself up for getting back into my daily routine. But I seem to have been mistaken.
The surgery was Dec. 16. I stayed with my mother for the two months afterward, because it would have been hard to stay at home and do for myself while not being able to walk.
I've been home several weeks now, but lately I have been feeling more tired than ever. And achy. And sad. And, well, you get the picture.
RAIN DOESN'T HELP
Over the years I have heard the phrase, "major malaise." I often use it to describe feeling lazy or lackluster. Not sick, per se, just "blah." But after doing some general research online, I believe malaise is a real thing.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary online defines it medically, as a slight or general feeling of not being healthy or happy.
The website of the University of Maryland Medical Center defines malaise as a general feeling of discomfort, illness and lack of well-being, a general ill feeling. It can occur with many health conditions, and is often accompanied by fatigue.
The website lists illnesses associated with malaise, including Lyme disease, AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, leukemia, liver or kidney disease, and diabetes, which I have.
But I really don't think I have a true clinical malaise. I don't feel ill or unhealthy overall, but I will keep an eye on things.
So, could it be fatigue?
We all get overtired or overworked from time to time. But temporary instances usually have a cause and a remedy, like a good night's sleep.
But, according to the website of the Mayo Clinic (MayoClinic.org), there is a level of fatigue that is more profound and not relieved by simple rest. Some people can experience a constant state of weariness that develops over time and reduces energy, motivation and concentration. It can affect our emotional and psychological well-being, too.
Most of the time fatigue can be traced to one or more of our habits or routines. But there can be underlying medical conditions that will eventually require treatment.
One thing to do, they say, is to take an honest inventory of things that could be responsible for fatigue. It can be related to:
• Use of alcohol or drugs
• Excess, or lack of, physical activity (hello!)
• Depression
• Lack of sleep
• Medications
• Unhealthful eating habits
The website suggests that if there are thoughts of harming ourselves or others, it's time to seek professional care. And if fatigue is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat or severe abdominal, pelvic or back pain, you might want to call 911.
RAIN, RAIN, RAIN
After all my reading, I realize that my "blahness" probably isn't medical. I honestly think it's emotional more than anything else.
I miss staying with my mom and having her take care of me. We had a comfortable routine, and it's hard to go back to my old, adult one. I can't thank her enough for all she has done. If a time comes when she needs me, she knows I'll be there.
As for the physical part of this long recovery, my muscles are sometimes sore because I went two months without walking, and now I am walking again, which also can explain tiring out more easily than I like. The weepiness will go away, and it will all get better. I just have to give it time.
Email me at:
rboggs@arkansasonline.com
ActiveStyle on 03/14/2016