A catch up with Natalie-Amber

Hey my gorgeous friends,

Hope you have been keeping well? Can you believe how quick summer has flown by and we are heading into the middle of October and the weather is not good. I know some people love this Autumn weather – but it’s not for me – admittedly I love the colours of the leaves, the warm drinks and cosy nights as the nights draw in, but, I shall forever be a summer baby. I wanted to use this month’s blog to talk about fatigue and saying ‘no’ without feeling guilty as it’s something I have struggled with in the past.

With the colder weather comes a higher chance of catching those dreaded winter colds and it really isn’t nice. This means those of us on immunosuppressant’s are prone to catching everything and anything, and those around us need to be aware and become more mindful if they can. I understand that it is hard to avoid if you have children who are in school etc. but by making people aware around you of your condition and medication you take, it means they can start to become aware of things.

For example, if you are due to meet a friend or go into the office on a certain day of the week and somebody is unwell, or starting to become ill, as long as they let you know, you can make the decision of if you want to meet them or be around them. I know not all work environments are as understanding but some will be happy for you to work from home until it has passed to help prevent others who are more vulnerable catching a cold or virus, which for people on immunosuppressants can turn nasty.

Recovery time becomes longer because our weakened immune system must fight harder to get rid of the virus in our body.

I know that avoiding catching any colds/flus over the winter seasons is hard but these tips can help:

Carry sanitizer with 99% alcohol or above with you
Wash your hands with warm water and soap when you return home
Try to keep personal space and social distancing
Wear masks in busy areas or public transport e.g. buses, trains, hospitals, etc
Do not share the same towels or household items e.g. cups/cutlery with somebody who has a cold
Do not touch your face unless you have washed your hands with warm soap and water after being in contact with others
Trying to keep as fit and active as you can
Try to eat healthy and take vitamins when possible, to boost your immunity

Ways that others around you can help and become mindful around you:

Washing their hands regularly with warms water and soap
Using tissues when sneezing or coughing to help trap germs and disposing of them straight away
Tell you if they have a bit of a cold or not feeling 100% before meeting you
Wearing a mask if travelling on public transport or in busy areas especially on days leading up to meeting you if possible
Carrying sanitizer around with them in their bags

This might seem a lot to ask but it really isn’t. If somebody cares about you this is not a big ask at all. They won’t even question you, and they will do everything in their power to keep themselves and you as safe as possible before meeting up. If they have an issue with this, then they aren’t people you need in your life. Your health comes first. If you feel a little anxious about meeting somebody due to catching something you are within your right to say no and rearrange at a more suitable time. The right ones will support you and understand.

This applies when it comes to fatigue, if you are too tired, and your body is refusing to function that day then those who matter will understand if you must rearrange.

I have felt that being a chronic fatigue sufferer it can be a little bit lonely at times. You can often be mistaken for ‘lazy’, but the fact is your body just doesn’t want to cooperate. Again, when somebody who doesn’t have fatigue comments ‘I get tired too’ this can make the person suffering with fatigue feel rubbish and make them feel like their feelings are being shut down. I think its super important to educate your close friends/family and work colleagues on these matters to help them have a better understanding and therefore try to be more mindful and supportive.

The main thing is to not worry about ever saying no. This year I have become a lot better at saying no, this includes going to events or late nights out – I have been honest and said for me it’s not possible for me right now. I have, however suggested alternative options e.g. ‘I can still go but I will leave early’ or ‘let’s have a cosy night in instead and order a takeaway’. The right ones will understand and not be offended at all.

I hope that by reading this blog, you know you are not alone and that saying ‘no’ is okay and is allowed. You must always put yourself first, otherwise you won’t be able to help others if your body is not functioning properly. I cannot believe I am going to write this but the next time we speak will be in 2025! SCARY! I also have some good news to share in January which I have just finished recording an exciting collaboration with the Respond/Eakin team. So just like that I will leave you guessing what it could be…

See you in January and a Merry Christmas in advance.

Love,

Natalie-Amber | @natalie_amber1 x x