Sunsick

Headache.  Nausea.  Fatigue.  All after half a day in the sun.  Coincidence?  Punishment?  I'm not sure...maybe I am more photosensitive than I thought.

My workplace does a lot of community service events, which I like, but they usually always involve physical, outdoor activities.  Most people like them because it let's them get out of the office, and they usually follow up by doing something "fun" like going on a hike.

As a lupie, this doesn't quite work for me, but I go along with it because it is somewhat expected for me to participate and I don't want to make things difficult.  In this particular instance, the group I was with was not the folks I usually work with in my department (who know about my condition).  It was a cross-functional group of folks across the organization who I don't know very well.  I didn't want to bring up my condition because you never know what kind of prejudices people have, and it could be very likely that I might want to apply for a position in their department in the future.  At the same time, I was feeling weak and sick trying to do yard work in the hot sun and didn't want to look like a lazy slacker.  I tried to take it easy for as long as I could, but eventually had to go for a long water break.  I was somewhat relieved when it started raining, sending everyone to head for shelter...at least for a while.  I took on easy jobs where I could -- raking, pulling weeds, etc., but I think I probably ended up looking like a slacker.

After lunch, most of the folks went on a hike, but I declined and went home early.  The hike was optional, and I wasn't the only one who didn't participate, so I didn't feel as guilty.

I got home, took a shower, and took a long nap.  I woke up to a pounding headache, took some Alieve, then went back to sleep.  It's now the morning after, and I feel a lot better.  Not sure what I should do next time we have another outdoor activity...

- a little lupie -