Fatigue and Rollator

[Guest guest]

Good morning everyone. I have not posted in a long time, however I

have kept up with the board. I've read the files on fatigue and

earlier discussions about it, and I've researched the info on MS and

fatigue -- which I'm guessing is similar to what we experience.

Here's my question/dilemma:

I have CMT IB -- at least it is confirmed through Athena that I have

an alteration on the MPZ gene. I also have cauda equina syndrome

from a tethered spinal cord which was surgically released at age

42. I wear orthotics in my shoes, and I use a cane to walk any

distance, but not in the office or at home.

I have been struggling to balance exercise (swimming, water pilates, water yoga)

with work (40 to 60 hours a week). And while exercise temporarily " revs " me up,

I " hit the wall " of exhaustion at work earlier in the day because of it. I am

very fortunate to have a job that I love and which allows me to work from home

when I need to.

I am trying to figure out how to take better care of myself. I have

a handicapped placard for my car to reduce walking, I avoid stairs

as much as possible, I go to bed early, and I take as many naps as I

can on weekends. But what this means is that I have no energy or

time for any kind of social life. How can I expend less energy in my

daily routines so that I have a little left over for me -- for fun?

I am wondering if it is time to look at getting rollator so that I

can sit down and rest more frequently when shopping, traveling,

standing in lines, etc. It would be very helpful to me if some of

you who use a rollator, walker, or chair would share with me about

how and when you made the decision to begin using the device, and

how it has helped you to live a more active life.

Sorry this was so long, but I wanted to be really clear about what I

am asking. Thanks so much to you all for sharing your experience

and knowledge. I learn so much from you every time I read the

discussions.

Tami