PPS Fatigue

Question: The most annoying aspect about fatigue is its variability. Every day is different and my reserves aren't consistent. Some days I achieve a huge amount without any subsequent fatigue. At other times a fraction of that effort will have me crashed out for days. I’ve noticed that today’s overexertion doesn't always cause tomorrows crash. My body’s reaction can be several days later or it can be an accumulation of several weeks’ worth of tiny exertions. I consciously try to listen to my body, limiting my efforts but every now & then (and increasingly), without warning my body says NOT TODAY!!

Dr. Bruno’s Response: You are actually defining the predictability of Post-Polio fatigue: ". . . today’s

overexertion doesn't always cause tomorrows crash. The body's reaction can be several days later or it can be an accumulation of several weeks’ worth of tiny exertions."

      And you are describing what we call the "48 Hour Rule”: Fatigue after exertion doesn’t necessarily occur the next day but commonly takes two days to reveal itself. This is why it’s so important to measure steps walked and keep a daily log of activities to see how long it takes for your PPS symptoms to show up after exertion.

There are many articles about Fatigue under that topic in the Encyclopedia of Polio and PPS.