Comforting the Person With CFS
August 1, 2007 by laura
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
I have often written, that I prefer to be alone when I am not feeling well. Actually that’s not exactly true. When things are really bad (such as the pneumonia days) its very difficult for me to be alone. However, when I am just having a regular rough CFS day, I don’t like to be around people. I prefer my space to be dark and quiet. I don’t like it, if I can sense another person in my living space. I find it unnerving.
It can get a little boring, spending alone time ~ and not really be able to entertain myself. During days like this, I am not able to read. I can’t seem to comprehend television shows….even when I am well, I wouldn’t be able to convey the current plot line to Days of Our Lives (or any other soap opera). Sleeping an entire day and night, is not exactly possible for me. So I do have a few hours where I need to be amused. I have a very old standby that I rely on. It is a movie that I have loved my entire life. If I fall asleep, while its playing, I don’t feel bad because I can pretty much recite every line.
I thought I would share one of my favorite scenes from the movie. There are a lot more that I adore, but this one put a smile on my face today. And that was a big accomplishment. So for your viewing pleasure, here is The Sound of Music.
Do you have something that you depend on, when you are having a rough CFS day? Please share.
Did you know that Julie Andrew’s husband (Blake Edwards) has CFS – isn’t that an interesting connection.
Oh yes! I have several movies that I rely on during tough times. One of my favourites is Crossing Delancey (just released on DVD). I’m also a sucker for British “costume dramas.” Rebecca, Daniel Deronda, Persuasion, Pride and Prejudice, The Winslow Boy. Oh, and Lost in Translation. I don’t know why but that movie soothes me.
I love The Sound of Music. I listened to the soundtrack incessantly as a kid. My favourite song is Climb Every Mountain. Unbelievable performance.
Movies are really good for the tough times.
I haven’t heard of Crossing Delancey (will have to check it out). But I love Rebecca (Hitchcock is one of my faves)-that Mrs Danvers, is sooo creepy; and Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth is unbelievable. Colin Firth as Mr Darcy – pass the drool cup!
I love Bill Murray movies (such as Lost in Translation) I think he is a genius. He was in a really great movie, where he was a kind of millionaire mentor to a prep school kid. Can’t remember the title of it…but its fantastic.
Basically I am a big fan of geeky movies. If its smart, I will love it. Sound of Music, makes me feel safe….its that much better, if I am snuggled in my very worn out patchwork quilt, with a hot water bottle.
OK enough rambling!
Usually one of the first things to go for me is my eye focus, so I’m a fan of online radio – especially BBC radio 4 & radio 7 comedies. They are almost always done in short sections, so I only need about 5 minutes of concentration – but if I can’t handle even that, the jokes that do get through are great, and as long as my mind starts working within a week I can always listen to them again.
But if my eyes are working, I have a few favourite books I know almost by heart that I delve into with the same intentions and feelings as your movies!
Jenna,
I am a big fan of the podcast….I have about 400 of various lengths that are always on my ipod ready to listen to. Its a great way to learn a little something – when I have the ability to concentrate.
Favorite books are a great way comfort to yourself, when feeling not fantastic.