Cycle 1, Day 8

Monday 14th January 2019
“Boy, that escalated quickly. I mean, that really got out of hand fast.” — Ron Burgundy

Some progress down the slippery slope today !

Firstly, I didn’t get the best nights sleep. I went to bed a bit later than I’d have hoped, and had took a gamble on taking another laxative before bed. I’ve spent the last 16 hours regretting that decision! Either that did it or I picked up a stomach bug. Anyhow, that affected my sleep a few times, and all day today. It was also the first day I’ve come across an early morning alarm clock.

I helped Jayne get the kids ready for school, then logged on to work for the day from home as planned. All fairly standard stuff, catching up on what I’d missed last week whilst in hospital and off work. However, by 10.30am, I was desperately struggling to stay awake. I boiled the kettle, made a brew and took in some caffeine. This process alone was exhausting, and I found my body telling me to grab a seat while the kettle boiled, instead of standing up to wait, such was the exhaustion.

This went in cycles all day really. The brew perked me up. A bit later I felt tired again so wandered around for food or drink, which was an exhausting affair, etc etc. At points, the struggle to stay awake was real. Yesterday, being physical killed me off, today just sitting and being conscious has been doing the same. Nevertheless, I plodded on and made it to about 4.30pm before I had to throw in the towel. I’d have gone to sleep immediately but dad duties kicked in. After making tea for Parker and a few other bits and bobs, I finally made it to my bed about 6pm to catch up on a bit of sleep. Out like a light ! I really wanted to avoid napping, as I worry I won’t sleep at night now, but even after that nap today I’m still pretty wiped out and I’m hoping that won’t be a problem.

Maybe I do have a stomach bug which is draining extra energy, maybe this is just how it should be. Maybe starting from a point of not having had as much sleep as I have been doing, and broken sleep at that, made today worse than it seemed. I’d still consider myself pretty lucky to have got this far and only really have simple fatigue as the major impact. I’m still finding my feet.

I have noticed over the last 48 hours some tinnitus. It’s not permanent, but that sudden onset of a high pitched beeping noise that sometimes greets you is certainly becoming a regular occurrence, but not the worst thing to put up with.

I’m going into the office tomorrow, lets see how that goes. I’m in the hugely fortunate position that I am under no pressure to do the work thing, I’ve been told my health comes first and foremost, and that the place will still be there when I’m through all this. There are far less fortunate people out there who don’t get sick pay, and need to work through this to continue to make ends meet, I can’t imagine the stress that adds. What it does though is motivate me to keep going in a way. I like my job, it’s a challenge ! What else will I fill my days with ? Mentally I’m still all there, and boredom has often been my enemy. If it doesn’t work out, the support is there.

I will of course stay out of the way of anyone who is ill, working sensible hours, not be shaking hands with anyone (no germs thanks) and be using frequent squirts of alcohol gel. My primary task is not to catch anything.