The stress and exhaustion of CAD leads to reading and resting at home

Everything seemed normal when I left the game on Friday night. Our Hillcrest Knights were hosting a volleyball tournament, and I went for the fellowship and food. At present, my anemia is keeping me fairly close to home, but I was starved for conversation with another human.

I didn’t stay long. I watched the girls’ final game and then the boys started warming up. I blocked a ball that accidentally volleyed straight toward my face, and another one was powerfully spiked into the stands. That was enough for me!

Living so close to the edge is more than I can handle right now. I have low energy levels from cold agglutinin disease (CAD), and any activity stresses my body, resulting in chest pain and coughing. CAD is a rare disease, and I’ve already won the long odds. The odds of being hit by a stray volleyball at this game were apparently much lower. I packed up and went home to safety.

For me, stress shows up with any physical exertion, fatigue, or even excitement. It’s the body’s response to demands, which is distinct from anxiety. By the time I got home, I was coughing and weak from my experience. Therefore, on Saturday and Sunday, I stayed in bed to recover. But resting and avoiding excitement can be very boring. It’s imperative to create an atmosphere of tranquility and beauty, so I’ve developed strategies to reach these goals.

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Creating a tranquil sanctuary

First off, I make the bed every day if I’m strong enough. Neatness gives me a feeling of accomplishment and order, a first step in making an area pretty. I also decorate with flowers from my garden, which brings sunshine and color into a place that could swiftly become monotonous.

Second, I keep up on current events, a habit from my 1960s childhood that I’ve not broken yet. But I only do it to a point, because when situations become turbulent, I turn my attention elsewhere. Just reading the headlines can cause me coughing spells.

When I’m not reading current events, I take online courses in disciplines of interest. For example, last year I dabbled in cartoon-making and animation. I’ve also studied web design, English history, and World War II history. My interest in the Pacific theater was sparked by the fact that the Japanese occupied this region where I live in Papua, Indonesia, ahead of the arrival of Allied forces led by Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

Reading and writing

Mostly, I read. One of my children said many years ago that all I do is “lay in bed, drink Diet Coke, and read Regency romances.” That’s not entirely accurate, but it isn’t false, either. I’ve always been a bibliophile. I’m anticipating the publication later this month of “The Hawk Is Dead,” a crime thriller by Peter James. With King Charles and Queen Camilla as characters, the title is on my must-read list.

I’ve also found that it helps to keep a daily journal. I write about everything — emotions, wishes, ideas for vacation times, and any sundry idea that pops into my head. I’ll be drawing from it next month as I abandon all other activities and attempt to write 50,000 words of a novel. The previous novels I’ve written during November are still sitting in my folders, unedited, unrevised, and unread by others.

It’s for my benefit that I write. It keeps me busy when I shouldn’t be moving. It keeps my mind busy while I develop plots and intrigues. I invent the type of people I should be and those I shouldn’t be. Perhaps one day my writing will bring me fame and fortune.

I desire to soon leave my cozy retreat and venture forth into the wild world once again. Until then, I build my fortress within my room and retreat into calmness and peace.

Note: Cold Agglutinin Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cold Agglutinin Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cold agglutinin disease.