Pacing - a management strategy
The ME – Adult & Paediatric : International Consensus Primer for Medical Practitioners (Primer) is clear that pacing is not a cure, but it is essential for patients to make the best use of their limited energy. Pacing aims to prioritise energy needs and budget for its use. The objective with pacing is to maximise daily functioning and activity endurance while avoiding post-exertional physical and mental exhaustion. The Primer suggests patients should budget their energy by:
- Making a first priority to conserve energy for essential daily living activities.
- Conserving some energy for unexpected events that will require additional energy.
- Budgeting some time to share with others through technology or in person. Suggests patients should be aware this can be exhausting and it is important to rest before and after.
- Working towards saving a little energy every day in order to get stronger and invest in future health.
More details on pacing are available in the Primer page 15 or the CDC post exertion malaise section.
