Cabin fever

When one is disabled, chronically ill,  or simply unwell for a prolonged period of time, the four walls of one’s home can start to close in; looking at the same view day in day out gets a little tiresome, no visual stimulation, isolation and a feeling of claustrophobia sets in, or as some would call it: “cabin fever”! It is vitally important to have a small outing now and then, to spend a little time outside the confines of one’s own home. Even just a trip to a local café can save one’s sanity and leave one feeling almost refreshed. It’s a fine line to tread, staying active and busy, whilst taking care to rest and not over do things. I plead guilty to “do what I say and not as I do”, for in recent weeks, I have overtaxed myself, and am now paying the price. I was given some very sound advice the other day from someone whose husband had Parkinson’s, and therefore understands all too well my current condition. I realise that I have done too much and must now take things a little easier, slow down and get lots of rest. Realising ones limitations and ever changing circumstances with a degenerative disease and coming to terms with a lifestyle change are all part and parcel of any chronic disease.