Hello! I was recently diagnoised with AS and I have two young children (1 &4) and I am struggling to keep up with them. I have not started any real treatment yet (such as biologics) but I am having a hard time keeping up with them. My main symptoms are chronic, sometimes crippling fatique, extreme sensitivity to pain (so kids using me as a jungle gym is a form of torture) and neck, back, hip pain (5-6 most days). Hubby isn't always home and works a facotry job so he's pretty exhausted when… read more
Hey Tabitha, the AI response here from the site is on par with my thoughts. Your kids are at high demand ages i recall vividly. My husband was gone when mine were your kids' ages, starting the wars in the MiddleEast from 2001-04. I barely remember those years that i was in survival mode. This too shall pass. For fatigue, normal even without autoimmune conditions, it will help to drink at least half your bodyweight in ounces of water each day as well as eat half your bodyweight plus 20 in grams of protein each day. Collagen peptide powders are helpful and an easy way to bring this up to that amount. High nutrition is paramount along with avoiding the foods that create a crash, sugars, pastas, other sources of low quality carbs. PRE as well as Probiotics are helpful too in getting your gut to absorb the nutrition you put in and get it to your cells. Save movie time with the kids for when you're at rock bottom. I use to try to have new movies they hadn't seen yet for such times. While theyd be absorbed by the new movie I'd rest/snooze on the sofa. Let housework and yardwork go. Do the bare minimum so you can use what little you have caring for the kids. Live in the moment Doll, it wont last forever. Yours in better health P 😌🙏
For managing fatigue and pain while caring for young children, consider these gentle movement options:
• Start with basic stretching exercises you can do at home
• Try walking short distances with the kids, even just around your yard
• Swimming or water activities if available (can be less stressful on joints)
• Gentle Show Full Answer