Managing Chronic Illness Flares: What I Learned During My Low Energy Month
Living with chronic illness means accepting that some months will knock you flat. I recently experienced a perfect storm: an endometriosis flare that sent me to the emergency room, followed immediately by a two-week cold that left me housebound. Here's what I learnt about managing chronic illness setbacks and finding self-compassion during forced rest.
My Endometriosis Emergency Room Experience
A few weeks ago, what started as a restful Saturday turned into a medical emergency. I’d been managing my chronic illness well that week and planned a relaxing Sunday with coffee and food shopping with my parents. Instead, I found myself dealing with severe endometriosis pain and nausea that wouldn’t respond to my usual pain management routine.
At first, I was stubborn about taking pain relief (spoonie tip: don't be like me, if you need it, take it). When my strongest pain medication and anti-nausea tablets didn't touch the pain after an hour or so, my Dad drove me to the emergency department. While I usually try to avoid the emergency room, sometimes chronic illness flares demand medical attention.
Fortunately, it wasn't too busy, and the doctors and nurses I encountered were compassionate and understanding. The nurses were amazing, chasing up doctors, providing medication while I waited, successfully placing an IV on the first try (no small feat with my veins!), and offering warm blankets for comfort. The doctor listened without gaslighting me and prescribed appropriate pain management. After 6-7 hours, I was discharged, relatively quick for an endometriosis flare-up.
Chronic Fatigue and Back-to-Back Health Challenges
The following week brought extreme fatigue and daily pain, typical post-flare recovery for many chronic illness warriors. Just when I thought I was recovering, a severe cold hit. With chronic illness, your immune system often struggles, making simple infections feel overwhelming.
For two weeks, I battled the worst sore throat, ear pain, and sinus congestion. Unable to take conventional cold medication due to my regular medication, I relied on natural remedies: yuzu cha (honey citron tea), steam therapy, herbal decongestants, immune boosters, and plenty of rest. Being housebound for three weeks while managing both chronic and acute illness tested my mental health.
Coping with Forced Rest and Chronic Illness Setbacks
Usually, extended periods of isolation and inactivity would trigger depression and anxiety for me. This time, I managed to maintain better mental health through mindful reframing and acknowledging difficult thoughts without judgment, a crucial skill for chronic illness management.
Self -Care Strategies for Low Energy Periods:
Physical Comfort:
Pet therapy - Cuddling with pets provides natural stress relief and emotional support during difficult periods. Cuddling my little Arnie (my Maltese Shih Tzu) always helps me feel better.
Gentle bathing (if you’re able) - Warm baths or showers can ease pain and congestion and improve mood (those with dysautonomia should be mindful of water temperature to prevent fainting).
Mental Stimulation:
Low energy hobbies - Reading, gentle crafts, art therapy, or cozy gaming provide engagement without overwhelming your low energy reserves.
Comfort Entertainment - Choose uplifting shows, comedies, or familiar favourites that don't require emotional investment.
Social Connection:
Virtual support - text, call, or video chat with understanding friends or family members who get your chronic illness journey.
Spoonie communities - Connect with others who understand the challenges of managing chronic conditions.
Reframing Chronic Illness Setbacks as Reset Opportunities
Instead of viewing flare-ups and forced rest as setbacks, try reframing them as necessary reset periods. You're not starting over, you're returning to basics with self-compassion and renewed focus on fundamental self-care.
Chronic illness teaches us that thriving isn't linear. Some months require more rest, more medical intervention, and more gentle self-care. These periods don't erase your progress; they're part of your ongoing journey toward better chronic illness management.
Finding Your Chronic Illness Community
If you're navigating similar challenges with endometriosis, chronic fatigue, dysautonomia, or other invisible illnesses, know that you're not alone. Managing chronic illness requires a supportive community that understands the unique challenges of spoonie life.
Ready to connect with others who understand your chronic illness journey? Join The Spoonie Dietitian community through our newsletter, or find us on Instagram, Threads, and Pinterest for ongoing support and practical chronic illness management tips.