On July 30th 2015, it makes 6 months as I continue to feel the effects of the Chikungunya virus (Chik-V). Well I know I've been pretty quiet for months regarding this. But when your life has been changed by a virus that you know people generally do not understand, you come to realize that it adds no value to keep talking about its continuing symptoms. People will stop sympathizing with you, in fact, they may very well not believe that you still have symptoms. Especially if you are seeming to go about your daily life normal.
In fact, I've experienced very shocking negative remarks regarding continuing symptoms. One manager from my company has expressed that he does not believe in Chik-V and that no virus can last that long. Another manager sarcastically asked me "Are you sure you're not pretending because you're enjoying the attention from the folks at home, or to get them to do all the choirs?" It was truly heartbreaking to hear this as I was in the peak of the continuous debilitating Chik-V pains at the time. Fortunately, I do not work with any of those managers. There is one manager that has Chik-V and stops me from time to time to ask how I'm doing and to relate how he is being affected.
In fact, I've experienced very shocking negative remarks regarding continuing symptoms. One manager from my company has expressed that he does not believe in Chik-V and that no virus can last that long. Another manager sarcastically asked me "Are you sure you're not pretending because you're enjoying the attention from the folks at home, or to get them to do all the choirs?" It was truly heartbreaking to hear this as I was in the peak of the continuous debilitating Chik-V pains at the time. Fortunately, I do not work with any of those managers. There is one manager that has Chik-V and stops me from time to time to ask how I'm doing and to relate how he is being affected.
The truth about the matter is: I have resumed normal daily activities, but with much limitations. These limitations are not clearly seen by people around me. The consequences of resuming these activities are mostly never seen by them either. So what has it been like - I'll tell you.
Exercise - In May, I had resumed exercising, thinking that the Chik-V had left me. After 5 weeks I had to quit it cause I felt as though I had only aggravated my body and come down with what seemed to be a relapse. At that time, I had two other colleagues that also came down with what seemed to be relapses. One of them had resumed exercising the same time that I had. I try to do walking in the park but my body always tells me when it's had enough. Thus I'm mostly sedentary now and the weight I've gained due to inactivity and steroids taken previously for the Chik-V is staying with me....uggh!!!
Housework - this has been very much of a challenge. I have to plan that either I do cooking and leave out cleaning; or do cleaning and leave out cooking. Either way, by the time I accomplish about an hour of either, my ankles and knees begin to swell and ache, and that's when I know it's time to start slowing down. Usually if I push myself, it takes about an hour for the pains and swelling in my feet to stop.
Recreation - this has been a challenge. My son loves going to the mall and so do I. However there's no more than about an hour of walking around for me in any activity. I cannot stand for very long, much less walk. I have had to cut down on recreation with my son. As a result, I've notice that he has adjusted to a rather sedentary lifestyle himself....I'm not very happy about that at all. But no matter how much I try to prompt him, he's simply following my example. He does go with me to the park when I go walking though. But that happens basically only once a week.
Generally speaking, physical activities tire me very quickly. A simple activity such as punching documents with a two-hole puncher has to be spaced out over a couple of days. So while it seems that I am accomplishing my tasks at my job, I do so much slower than previously. It's a good thing I mostly set my own targets at work.
I am physically sick mostly every weekend, perhaps because of pushing my body during the week. It can be very discouraging to my general disposition if I allow it too, but I try to keep my humor. I continue to take daily vitamins to try to boost my energy. I still seem to pick up every virus that passes by...I'm unsure that this may be related to Chik-V but it happens. Sometimes pains pop up while I'm just resting...that's just how it is.
Even as I write this, I am ill with headaches, fever, upset stomach and body aches that seem to be flu-like symptoms. I cannot wait for the time when "no resident will say 'I am sick'." (Isaiah 33:24). We all need to keep ourselves mentally and spiritually strong as we await this promise. So hang in there!
Your fellow Chick,
Chick-Very
Generally speaking, physical activities tire me very quickly. A simple activity such as punching documents with a two-hole puncher has to be spaced out over a couple of days. So while it seems that I am accomplishing my tasks at my job, I do so much slower than previously. It's a good thing I mostly set my own targets at work.
I am physically sick mostly every weekend, perhaps because of pushing my body during the week. It can be very discouraging to my general disposition if I allow it too, but I try to keep my humor. I continue to take daily vitamins to try to boost my energy. I still seem to pick up every virus that passes by...I'm unsure that this may be related to Chik-V but it happens. Sometimes pains pop up while I'm just resting...that's just how it is.
Even as I write this, I am ill with headaches, fever, upset stomach and body aches that seem to be flu-like symptoms. I cannot wait for the time when "no resident will say 'I am sick'." (Isaiah 33:24). We all need to keep ourselves mentally and spiritually strong as we await this promise. So hang in there!
Your fellow Chick,
Chick-Very
