keepswimming
Senior Member
- Messages
- 341
- Location
- UK
Hi all
I'm finding one big problem in particular when it comes to managing my symptoms. I wondered if anyone can relate, and if anyone can give me any advice.
I find often, before I have a big PEM crash, I get on a high where I just can't switch off. I think it's triggered by me doing too much, or having too much stress, perhaps on one day or over a few days. And then, after that, I lose the ability to relax. I still try to pace, but when I try to rest I can't switch off. I feel fidgety and buzzing, my mind races. I start going too fast, talking too fast, feeling tense and stressed. This lasts for a few days, perhaps even up to a week. And then I crash! And only once the PEM hits can I relax again, start going slow again, and rest and relax properly.
What's so frustrating is I can see what's happening but I don't know how to change it. I know I'm not resting properly. I know I'm heading for a crash. But I just can't seem to switch off, rest and relax, until its too late and PEM has hit...
I know, of course, the best solution would be never to do too much or get stressed! I try not to, but sometimes things do go wrong and that's hard to control. So I want to find a way to cope better once they do.
Does anyone else experience anything similar? And any advice on how I can wind down and rest so I can reduce the PEM that's coming?
Thank you.

I find often, before I have a big PEM crash, I get on a high where I just can't switch off. I think it's triggered by me doing too much, or having too much stress, perhaps on one day or over a few days. And then, after that, I lose the ability to relax. I still try to pace, but when I try to rest I can't switch off. I feel fidgety and buzzing, my mind races. I start going too fast, talking too fast, feeling tense and stressed. This lasts for a few days, perhaps even up to a week. And then I crash! And only once the PEM hits can I relax again, start going slow again, and rest and relax properly.
What's so frustrating is I can see what's happening but I don't know how to change it. I know I'm not resting properly. I know I'm heading for a crash. But I just can't seem to switch off, rest and relax, until its too late and PEM has hit...
I know, of course, the best solution would be never to do too much or get stressed! I try not to, but sometimes things do go wrong and that's hard to control. So I want to find a way to cope better once they do.
Does anyone else experience anything similar? And any advice on how I can wind down and rest so I can reduce the PEM that's coming?
Thank you.