Aftermath of a Crash

A few weeks ago I had another crash. A crash is when I run out of energy and I'm usally overwhelmed with fatigue and pain. Sometimes a crash can go away after a short nap, other times it can last for days. Crashes for me happen most often in the week before my next IVIG or blood infusion. Sometimes if I have a crash in the week before my infusion, the crash will last until after I a get my IVIG and sometimes for days later as I recover.

Day 1

The day of the crash I worked hard to use my coping skills that day. I rested. I surrounded myself with family. I tried to do things that I enjoy that will distract myself from my depression. I also drank lots of water and tried to hydrate myself.

That night I continued to have problems. I tossed and turned all night long. Laying this way made my back hurt and laying that was made my legs and hips hurt. Nothing seemed to be comfortable and although incredibly fatigued, sleep still evaded me. My puppy dog Rockystar, who snuggles up with me, kept waking up each time I moved. I felt so bad for him, but I just couldn't get any real sleep.

Day 2

Early in the morning I got up early. I was still incredlible fatigued. I felt so weak that a simple glass of water was heavy to me and I need to use two hands. Walking was difficult today also. My legs were weak and keep giving out, so I kept stumbling around. I have a desire to do some crafts and such, but it feels like too much effort to do so. Just holding my book open is exhausting. My depression seems to be lingering around, but I am able to distract myself away from it.

I am trying to help myself recover through my diet. I had a nutrious NutriBlast this morning with fruit and vegetables. I am also drinking lots of water. I am resting and spending my time chatting with family, reading and such. I took a long naps a few times today.

Day 3

Today I feel better. I slept better during the night. This morning I played with the doggies. I went for a very short walk with the dogs, which was about half what we usually do. I am able to do a bit of beading and crochet. I feel incredible weak still and have a lot of body aches and pains all over. Lots of napping still.

Day 4

I am able to go for a walk with my dogs- the usual route. Afterward I was in pain and exhausted. I am resting for shorter periods of time between being able to do things. I needed to still take lots of naps and drink lots of water. Burning man taught me to 'pee clear' and I am drinking enough water that I am. Today I have had to super hydrate, (8oz/hr) in preparation for my infusion tomorrow.

Day 5

I finally got my IVIG today. Still super hydrating, (8oz/hr). The infusion went well. I just sat ont he couch all day and did simple things. I was able to go for a short walk today with the dogs before my infusion. After my infusion I took my normal nap.

Day 6

I was able to walk the doggies this morning. I also did some of my exercises. I am still recovering but I am almost up to par. I fell heavy- like gravitiy is pulling me just a little bit more than normal and it's tiring me. A short rest feels suffiencient to get me going again for a while. This has been a long road to recovery.

Day 7

I finally feel up to par or at least pretty close to it. I am able to do most things again. I am not getting fatigued as easily and my energy is lasting much longer- about 3-4 hours of doing simple stationary activities; such as doing my bead work. I also am able to do my exercises and other activities, but not the usual enthusiasm. My body aches are mostly gone and so is most of the body pain. I'm starting to feel so much better.

Day 8

Finally! My go-go juice, (IVIG) has kicked in. I want to go climb Mount Everest!! Who wants to come with me? Okay, just kidding. But HURRAY, I feel better at last.

If you know someone who have CVID or any other form of Primary Immune Deficiency Diseases, then I hope this little post will help you understand the difficulties we have. Fatigue isn't being lazy. Our bodies take a lot more time to rebound from simple things like taking a shower or washing dishes. Sometimes we crash just because we need more rest and/or low on our IgG level. Crashes can also be caused by being sick or having a simple infection, such as a sinus infection. Whatever the cause of a crash, it takes time to get back on our feet. Please support us during this process.

To all the Zebras out there suffering from a crash, hang in there. In time you will get better. Crashes are just part of our normal cycle of ups and downs.

Many hugs to all in my dazzle!