ENERGY

[Rebekah]

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to increase energy? I have Disseminated Cocci and I also have four kids and three dogs the lack of energy is robbing us all. Its bad... any help is much appreciated. Its starting to cause problems in my marraige because my husband thinks I have become lazy. I feel like I should be starting to get energy its been 2 months.?
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Keep the Faith! Rebekah Nelson

[mike luscombe]

energy seems to be the biggest drawback, especially for folks who work or-and have families. im retired,so that i dont have. i take about an inch of energy drink in a glass of water twice a day and for me it seems to help to get me up and going. keeping up with a good multi vitamin to boost immune system also. bottom line nothing is going to restore you energy fully but time and healing.

[etteloc]

I am 38 & have 2 young children and 2 dogs. I was diagnosed I think just over 2 years ago now. Mine was not disseminated so I don't know exactly what you are going through, but I know I am tired and I tire very easily. I get to the point some days where I feel like I can't even stand up. When I was first diagnosed my mother came to stay with us to help with the kids so I could rest because I ended up getting pneumonia. So I would say to help with your energy: (1) rest. I feel like I am pretty well recovered other than strange symptoms that pop up here and there. I feel much older than my years & am often tired, but for the energy I believe in still exercising (2) exercise; and I take a really good vitamin mix in powder form that I absolutely believe has helped me along. (3) nutrition. I absolutely believe food can affect your body. Make sure you are eating well. My best to you. You will get through it. I am not sure when you were diagnosed, but I was told it takes a good year to recover. I would say after a year I did start feeling better, but like I said, I have things creep up on me.

[epenney]

Rebekah,

Good daily balanced diet, multi-vitamins, probiotic pill, garlic pill, REST, and an energy drink when needed can help. And of course, take your ID doc prescribed meds on time as directed.

I'm very distressed that your husband apparently does not understand what it is you're going through with your VF. He needs to realize that without his help, you might take much longer to get better. I've had desiminated VF for the past 18 months, and suffered through extreme fatigue early on. I still have occasional bouts of fatigue even now but it is not as bad or as often as last year. Without the daily & ongoing support of my wife, relatives, and friends, to help do the chores and other things I did prior to contracting VF, I know I would be in much worse shape today.

About my wonderful wife of 38 years (marriage, not age). She has MS, and has not been able for many years to help around the house with any chores that require a healthy person's level of exertion. I do not think she is lazy.

I'm now back to doing the regular yard work and house work. But I still need occasional help from others when doing real heavy work around the place.

Hang in there. You will get better, especially with the help and understanding of your family and friends.

-Eric

[Sassia]

I take several times a day upto 6 times Emergency C ...that helps me with the tiredness. BUT the best is to listen to your body and rest when you are getting there. Dont push yourself , since you will only end up worse.

I am on my second round with VF . The first one 5 years ago almost killed. This one is not as bad, but we are still waiting for more test results.

It took me about 2 years after the first round to be more normal....never gained my old energy level back.
But at that time you got used to do things slower and easier.

Please have your husband read these post of get Sharons book and have him read the stories form other VF survivors.

Hang in there!

[Linda E.]

Hi Rebekah....

I got valley fever in 2003 and finally became "stable/dormant" in 2006. I was on Diflucan for 8 months, and then was finally able to go off of it. My initial titer was 1:16 and I am not down to <1:2 last year with my lastest check.

I will say all the advise on how to gain energy is great but to be honest with you I have not felt the same since I was diagnosed with vf in the summer of 2003. Arthritis and exhaustion are my two biggest complaints. Like one girl I think it was listen to your body, when you feel tired.....rest. Maybe invite your husband here to read some stories and if he has any questions they can be answered. I can tell you from experience many people think it is just the flu and if you take ur medicine you'll get over it. Once you get valley fever you have it for life!!! Listen to your body

Best of luck,
Linda
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VFS Support Group Director - Phoenix-Glendale Chapter 2006

My website: http://mistyblue2.bravehost.com/index2.htm

[Ria]

Rebekah,
I use to suffer from fatigue with my valley fever until I cut down on the amount of carbs I was eating. Hope this helps!
Ria