After Crash Day

The crash may be over, but there is still going to be the aftermath.

There is always a moment when I know that the worst of the 'crash day' is over. Suddenly I can stand up a little bit straighter, I am rocking or fidgeting less, and it doesn't hurt quite as bad to just exist. The cramping eases just a little bit, my muscles are no longer in an extended length of contraction, and I am no longer fighting back tears.
The crash - this 16 hour crash - is easing up.

There is a wave of relief when I realize the worst part is over. I feel like I can eat without instant repercussions, and I can actually sit on the couch instead of needing to lie in bed for the majority of the day. I can move just a little bit more.
The day after the crash though isn't all rainbows and roses. Just like any brutal change or pain in the body, the after-effects may last for several days, or even weeks. Recovering from a body crash takes more time than just realizing it's done and bouncing right back. It takes time. It takes energy. It takes determination.
Days after a big crash usually include lots of sleep, trying to catch up on chores, but not having enough energy to do so. It's like the crash drained my entire battery - so the next few days my bed acts as my charging station. Each time I allow myself to just lie there and recharge, the more energy I'll have in the coming days.
But we never just let ourselves recharge without interruption, do we? We charge for a bit, then get up and drain the battery more, then charge, then drain the battery.
So it can often take weeks to become 'fully charged'.

Unfortunately for many chronic illness sufferers (myself included), we have a busted battery already. I usually sit at about 30% on any given day. So it doesn't take much to drain my battery, but it takes weeks to reach my capacity.

I felt quite a bit better today compared to yesterday.
Unfortunately, that doesn't mean all that much. I need to go and pick up some medication tomorrow and I am very grateful to have help. I am also very grateful for my wheelchair, as I am almost positive I will require its assistance as well.

At least the crash day is over.
Fingers crossed to avoid another one for at least a few weeks.