challenging fatigue; need advice

[Anna1]

I love this thread. I've had severe TMS / fibromyalgia and beated it 6 (?) years ago. Several forms have come up since. But I've never really had exhaustion beaten like TMS. Last january I was extremely sick and exhausted. I tried to see it as TMS but it didnt work. I happened to have a parasite (Giardia Lamblia) and with antibiotics all symptoms disappeared.
Now in the midst of universal Corona anxiety the exhaustion and a light version of other symptoms returned. Yesterday I thought, the parasite is back and I need another antibiotics cure. But today I thought, what if my brain simply used this symptom as the last thing that I'm still "buying" as a pure physical thing? So I am trying the TMS approach today. I went running, I'm enjoying my day. So far so good. Just to be sure I will try to get a parasite test this week.

But I started with a meditation. And I will meditate now again. The fear that I'm picking up when I'm outside is tremendous. (we're still allowed to be out in Netherlands with 1,5 m distance from one another)...

When I read all of your comments I suspect that anxiety and exhaustion are very closely related. So I will meditate and feel the fear and accompany myself to a calm place within. Tara Brach has great meditations on her podcast and website.

 

[Winning]

So there are 3 main aspects to my TMS symptoms; joint stiffnes, anxiety/OCD, and chronic fatigue. The first two are relatively straightforward when it comes to challenging them; just do it; DO things that hurt especially when you know it is TMS, DO things that cause anxiety. not easy at all, but doesnt take a rocket scientist once you get the basic premise of what the brain is doing.

My question is with chronic fatigue. I've been challenging it extra lately, as my joint stiffness has eased in the prior months; doing more activity like brisk walks, yoga, etc. It feels though like its a different animal when I push the fatigue. IBS is worse, brain fog is worse, I dont know if I'd trust myself to drive right now after latest workout. I havent really challenged it to the point I'm passing out or anything; but for example if I were to go surfing for 2 hours I'd be concerned about driving home as I'd have this kind of drunk wasted feeling; same thing if I ran a couple miles, or did any heavy cardio for more than 15 minutes.

I'd love to read about others experience when it comes to "challenging" the chronic fatigue. Does it work best to "just do it" and go for broke? Do you treat it as you would any other symptom like pain or anxiety?
I feel like my body is telling me to ease up and not sure to listen or to push push....whats been your experience?

I think you’re getting all kinds of good advice here. I would add that prayer and confidence in God will also help a lot with all that you do.
Remember the words of Jesus. “Fear nothing, for I am always with you”.

Embrace His words as they will bring you peace. Peace will end the fear and healing of TMS happens when the fear is gone and trust in God is there. We are called to trust in God at all times in all circumstances no matter what.
Of course we can trust Him. He’s our creator and all powerful loving God. He is pure love.

It’s a lot like Peter walking on the water...