*new* ideas on supporting someone.. - Chronic Fatigue Message Board

bigsis1234 · 11-09-2003, 03:47 PM

Does anyone have ideas on how best to support a loved one with chronic fatigue?

I have seen a lot of withdrawal from family, but brief moments of laughter, sharing, etc. too, and I want to support my sister as much as possible.

Thanks!!

simcity · 11-10-2003, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigsis1234

Does anyone have ideas on how best to support a loved one with chronic fatigue?

I have seen a lot of withdrawal from family, but brief moments of laughter, sharing, etc. too, and I want to support my sister as much as possible.

Thanks!!

Hello,

Believe in the illness. This ia a terrible illness and so many people just don't get it. If you know family understands I think it helps so much. Get her out when she can. My daughter had an awful weekend. Last night we went out for a quick dinner. Just getting out like this perks her up. Rent a movie and watch it with her. I don't know if your sister is an adult or child but do something for her often like making dinner or help with homework. (depending on her age) Remember your sister is the same person as before she got sick. She is not her illness.

I hope this helps!

Gingerly · 11-22-2003, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simcity

Hello,

Believe in the illness. This ia a terrible illness and so many people just don't get it. If you know family understands I think it helps so much. Get her out when she can. My daughter had an awful weekend. Last night we went out for a quick dinner. Just getting out like this perks her up. Rent a movie and watch it with her. I don't know if your sister is an adult or child but do something for her often like making dinner or help with homework. (depending on her age) Remember your sister is the same person as before she got sick. She is not her illness.

I hope this helps!

Dear Big Sis:

One thing you can remember about this disease is that it is very painful!! And the symptoms change on a daily basis. What hurt yesterday may not hurt today. Today might not be as bad as another day, but tomorrow can be a real bad day with a lot of pain. What has helpe me (I've had the disease for 4 years) from family members is to ask if she needs anything periodically throughout the day and night. Make her things she likes to eat. A nice massage with lotion or oil always feels good. They have this really neat peppermint lotion for the feet, and it feels great to get your feet rubbed with mint lotion!!! If she is hot, offer her an ice pack. I use mine everyday, because most of the time we feel like we have a fever. Room temperature is very important to a person with CFS. Keep the thermostat at around 70. Buy her new pajamas to cheer her up, like pretty pastels. Buy her a new quilt or beadspread or blanket for change of scenery. Make sure she drinks plenty of water! I could go on and on, but there is just too much to cover. This should help for a start. Good luck to all of you.
Best wishes,
Gingerly

bigsis1234 · 12-02-2003, 11:09 AM

Thanks for your information -- it's difficult being far away but just knowing that things change that frequently helps! That's what the holidays are for...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gingerly

Dear Big Sis:

One thing you can remember about this disease is that it is very painful!! And the symptoms change on a daily basis. What hurt yesterday may not hurt today. Today might not be as bad as another day, but tomorrow can be a real bad day with a lot of pain. What has helpe me (I've had the disease for 4 years) from family members is to ask if she needs anything periodically throughout the day and night. Make her things she likes to eat. A nice massage with lotion or oil always feels good. They have this really neat peppermint lotion for the feet, and it feels great to get your feet rubbed with mint lotion!!! If she is hot, offer her an ice pack. I use mine everyday, because most of the time we feel like we have a fever. Room temperature is very important to a person with CFS. Keep the thermostat at around 70. Buy her new pajamas to cheer her up, like pretty pastels. Buy her a new quilt or beadspread or blanket for change of scenery. Make sure she drinks plenty of water! I could go on and on, but there is just too much to cover. This should help for a start. Good luck to all of you.
Best wishes,
Gingerly