Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

The truism "Two steps forward, one step back," often describes the path of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. No less so for the teens who suffer from it. When it's your kid it makes it just a little bit more heartbreaking.
Jesse had a really good week, right around his birthday. He was feeling good, going outside, his sleep hours were more normal. And then, he slid back. He's still better than he was a few months ago but he is not as well as he was a few weeks ago.
But that is what often happens with this condition. The trick is to take hold of what's positive and try to let the negative slide off your back. Easier said than done. But the path of CFS, whatever age group, is an erratic line, not a straight one.
It's hard enough on the kid when he has a slide like this. Lord knows what all their thoughts are on the subject. Don't be surprised if they don't much want to talk about it.
You can be a stabilizing anchor for them. If you don't get freaked out with concern then you may help them to be reassured and more secure. If you do get freaked out, you just add to the stress.
Your message needs to be, you are going to be okay. You are going to continue to slowly recover. This is just a temporary setback. And continue to go with what you know. Emphasis is on rest, good food, and creating as positive an environment as you can.
Ultimately, the direction is forward, and don't allow the detours, big or small, to take your focus and hope off that track.

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