After a good few days of getting things done ( I felt enough energy), I am now experiencing extreme lack of motivation and am hounded by feelings of laziness. Very depressing. How do you guys handle this? It's so hard I feel like it makes me a worse mom unable to keep up with life.
Hi, Sonbathing. I believe it’s really important to be mindful of negative self-talk like I’m lazy or worse or somewhat defective. Our illness imposes limitations that require rest. I find turning it around instead and complimenting myself on a job well done and taking a much needed break is far better in the long haul of living with chronic illness. I am not a Mom, but I would bet your son loves you and understands and doesn’t think you are a bad Mom. That you are here reaching out to discuss how your illness has impacted your life and your son’s life in search of support and solutions shows just how caring of a Mom you truly are.
Hugs,
Laurie
Thank you very much for the encouragement. A lot of it does come from my own mind, but my boys do get frustrated. They see me fine for a day or two, if I'm lucky even a week, and then all of a sudden, I just can't do anything. I'll keep trying to explain. Theyre old enough, 17 and 19, and I was diagnosed a year and a half ago. It's been tough trying to explain to everyone. I also have RA which is a whole nother issue.
Oh I understand, my laundry gets done but not folded and put away. The dishes pile up and I cheat on dinner more and more. My boys want to go and play and want me to play with them but I’m so tired. I get inside my own mind all the time and feel like a horrible mom. But when they come up to me when I’m hurting on the couch and kiss me and ask if I need anything. They are only 5 and 9 and don’t understand yet, but they remind me to step out of my own mind and to be thankful for the little things I can do or get done. Some times you can only accomplished one thing a day and that’s ok. 
Thank you for the consolation. My boys are older and get frustrated with my cheat dinners. I manage to make it a morning routine to do the kitchen but the bathrooms lack serious attention and it makes me feel really bad.
Hi, hon. I am sorry. I can hear how badly you are feeling. Since the kids are older, would you feel comfortable asking for their help with chores? It sounds like you’re putting everything on yourself. You’re Mom and that makes you super :), but it doesn’t mean you have to do it all by yourself.
Hugs,
Laurie
Sonbathing said:
Thank you for the consolation. My boys are older and get frustrated with my cheat dinners. I manage to make it a morning routine to do the kitchen but the bathrooms lack serious attention and it makes me feel really bad.
Good afternoon Sonbathing. I feel that way too. My daughter is 12 and she tries to understand why I am unable to do some things occasion. She has been a big help with chores and such. I think it is natural to feel what you are feeling. I recognize the lack of motivation and laziness. I let my family know that I am not well, I need some peace and quite. I usually meditate or do some Tai Chi for relaxation. I then ask for help. I am at the point where I can't rely of just myself. I have to reach out for help as much as possible. At first I felt guilty about it, but now I know I can't do it alone. Good Luck.
I can definitely relate to this. I'm sure it's tougher on you since you're a mom and I'm not, but sometimes, although its slightly depressing, I just give myself that break if I truly am unable to force myself to get up and do something. Also, do you talk to your kids about what you go through so they can at least try to understand?
Try to focus on balance, that helps me. I know that in order for me to work full time, I have to rest during the weekend. Over the last year, I've changed jobs twice, replacing a long commute, and then replacing a job that required too much over time for me. Now I work 8 to 5 and although I'm tired, I'm happy.