I had this interesting thing happen to me on Saturday. A friend from church who is a friend of mine on Facebook (FB) – I think my whole church is on Facebook! LOL!- left a comment on my wall after I mentioned that I was going out to celebrate with a good friend of mine who was turning 60. Anyway, my FB friend said she was glad I was going out because I never mention getting out on my 4Walls.
My first response was, “Oh gosh. Did I forget to mention that I do get out. I don’t want people thinking I’m lying.” But then I stepped back and… realized, the truth was I wasn’t getting out very much. As a matter of fact, since January, I think I have been to 2 movies, an art show (which one of my friends was part of) and then celebrating my friends 60th birthday party.
I can’t remember a time since I first got sick that I have been this housebound. I’m not so bad that I don’t get out at all. I just do the essentials and then head home. Until my friend pointed that out, I really hadn’t realized how much time I had spent within my 4Walls and A View.
Despite that I did go to my friend’s birthday party. For the first time in over six (6) months my energy levels were good, as well as, my pain levels. I was at a 1-2 level! I was stoked because that meant I could go out and have fun for the first time in a long time.
About 2 o’clock, however, I developed a really bad headache (and ringing in both ears). I almost called my friend and told her I couldn’t make it. But I got really mad because I’m tired of ‘not making it’ and this time it was ‘just’ a headache. So I decided to go anyway, headache or not. I am so glad I did. I had a ball. 18 people showed up! Yes, my friend is quite popular! I don’t seem to have that problem! LOL!
Anyway, I got to chat with my pastor and some friends from church I haven’t seen in a while. I did pretty good except for that stupid headache. I did have a lot of problems with conversation. It was so loud in the restaurant with music, a Mariachi band playing, a band outside playing, lots of people talking … well, you get the idea. Anyway, it was really hard to hear and follow the conversation.
My pastor told me about a one day course he was hosting at church in June for those in church who wanted help in the process of writing a book and getting it published which got me totally stoked!! My pastor rocks! When I got home, however, I couldn’t recall much of the additional details he told me. Gosh I hate that.
I did take one ‘bathroom’ break just to get a break from the noise. For me, it was to loud. I don’t like loud anymore. But it was fun! And it suited my friend to the tee.
After dinner, everyone left and I stayed with my friend for another hour or so. And … I danced! Ha! Take that CFIDS! It has been years since I have danced. Gosh I miss it. My friend dared me and I went. I love R&B music! The band, G-Note, was really good and so I danced 4 times … I think.
I made one mistake though. I danced 2 songs back to back. Won’t be doing that again. Wow, was I nauseous and dizzy afterwards. It makes me melancholy sometimes to realize that I can’t dance for 8 hours straight anymore. Two dances and I about fell over!
Sunday, as you can imagine, I was quite sore! I felt like I was walking like a duck! My legs felt like rubber and were all quivery. Interestingly, though, my energy held out. However, that darn headache would not let go. Oh yeah. I also had that burning sensation in the palm of my hands again while the bottom of my feet hurt like … I had scrapped them raw. Weird.
Monday was better in the stiffness, achy, pain, duck-walking way. 
Actually, the headache even abated. But my dear old friend fatigue came to visit again. I wish I could ban him from my house for eternity! But I have to admit, considering how much I did, I’m actually recovering pretty quick.
Unfortunately, the headache returned about 11:30 pm Monday night so I am back in bed trying to get my energy back up and get rid of this headache.
If you could see me, though, you would know I was smirking … because this time my payback is the result of a lot of FUN!
Determined to continue forward,
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Ha ha, loved this! I used to dance all night too. I can just about jig along to a song on the radio now. It’s nice to get a bit of time off from the aches and pains now and again. Really glad you had a good time
Jo´s last blog ..Pooped Again
Jo – Thanks and I did. I am paying for it still…but it was worth it! he he
What a great weekend, Dominique….sounds like a blast!! It’s such a great feeling to take CFIDS on….and win!!
Linda´s last blog ..CFS Sufferers…need your help
Linda – Yes it is. Wouldn’t it be great to do this every day!
How wonderful for you Dominique…I used to love to dance too…Such a free feeling isn’t it. We all need a taste of that freedom ~ it keeps us moving ahead with determination!
I will tell you that the burning in your hands and feeling of raw feet is part of neuropathy. I have it at some level all the time alot with pins and needles, burning, and raw skin feeling all over my body. I guess it might be good to keep track of it Dominique.
What fun to be able to go to your friend’s party…
On a side note, from what you write I realized you do get out as you take photos and walk the dog and go to the store, etc.
Renee´s last blog ..Saturday’s Scribbles
Renee – Thanks for the info on my hands and feet. Unfortunately the only insurance I have is the VA and I doubt they will do much except try to pump me with medication. Maybe I will mention it to my family’s naturopathic dr. when I’m back in Massachusetts in August. See what he can offer.
Oh, thank you! I was like…did I infer that I don’t get out! Phew! Thank you!
It sounds so wonderful! I used to love dancing. I met a friend when I was out getting my hair done — the first time in 8 months — and he commented “So you’re like pretty much housebound now.” It was shocking to me to realize he was right. I get out once a week to go grocery shopping, and that’s an ordeal. I was just thinking this morning that I’m lucky I love being with my family so much, because I am with my family so much, lol. Thanks for letting me dance vicariously for awhile!
Shelli´s last blog ..Walking Through a Meadow
Shelli – You are most welcome! I hate being stuck inside so much. It felt good to get out. But more than that, it felt good to talk to someone other than Dekker, my pug!
Good for you, Dominique!
Funny, I had wondered the same thing and thought you rarely as in almost NEVER left your home. Glad you had some fun although some of the side effects were not pleasant.
Matt Keegan´s last blog ..PRBeam.com: For Small Businesses & Nonprofits
Matt – I didn’t realize I was creating that picture. I don’t get out a lot except to go grocery shopping every week. But I do get out to walk Dekker or myself, and do things probably once or twice a month. I have had a rough year this year. It normally isn’t this bad. By now I am out and about a lot more.
Sounds like a poll is going on about our impression about whether
Dominique ever leaves her 4 walls. I’m among those who notice you
do – grocery shopping, The Tea Pary Rally, taking
photos, to take Dekker out, and sometimes to movies. Wish it could
be more. So glad you had fun. I was just talking to someone
on the phone who was about to go on a fun trip and I found myself
saying “I need some of that fun stuff”. Have to find new ways
of having fun. Sounds like a reason for a very creative list.
Patricia – Thank you for defending me! You know what I discovered. Is even it I went to dinner with friends, or had them come here, just talking and doing relationship things with my friends was so good for my soul. I don’t technically get lonely, but I can only tell Dekker so much. And he rarely answers!
I know what you mean, finding that you have been at home way too much. I realized that recently, I was staying home more than I should. I need to get out or my world starts to shrink. I don’t want my world to shrink! I think that I was getting to comfortable not going out. I would go, do my one thing and come home. I have been feeling pretty good. That might be because I have pulled in so much, then again, it could be the warmer weather. The cold and damp of central Pa does a number on me. So, I am pushing back a little. Thinking seriously about working a few hours a week and expanding my walls. Is it a good idea? Only time will tell. We all know that sometimes we get by with pushing and sometimes we pay. For me, right now, I’m going to push and have some fun doing it!
Ruth – For me, I am struggling with boundaries. I have entered Phase three and I just don’t find much give and take like I used to 3 years ago from my body, so I think I am doing the same thing as you and pulling in more. I’m not sure that is a bad thing. But it is a struggle to keep some kind of balance.
Working. I have tried that three times and paid dearly. Then I did school and my helped my daughter through her difficult pregnancy. I often wonder if that isn’t why I am struggling so much now? But, I’m glad to see that things are looking up.
You go girl!
Hurray!!! So glad to hear you got out, had fun, and DANCED! I can feel your excitement through your words. I was stuck in the house for much of the winter and know exactly what you mean about being sick of missing things. And I danced at a family wedding two summers ago and remember the thrill! Such a small thing, but so wonderful.
I’m lying here smiling for you – you deserved a fun day out – so glad you got to enjoy it!!
Sue
Sue Jackson´s last blog ..CFS/FM Treatment Webinar Thursday
Sue – Thank you! At my daughter’s wedding I will have to remember to take a break in between dances! LOL! That wouldn’t be too much fun if I passed out on the floor! But, at least I can do a couple of dances … I hope.
“After dinner, everyone left and I stayed with my friend for another hour or so. And … I danced! Ha! ”
Dominique, read that sentence again! Everyone left and YOU stayed with your friend for another hour or so.
YOU stayed later then everyone else!! WOW!! Good for you. Glad you had a good time.
Forgetful Girl´s last blog ..Guess who’s back…
Forgetful Girl – I know! Was that not awesome! Now to fully recover! ha ha! Glad you came by! I love having you drop in!