Why is showering so PEM/OI inducing

[DHagen]

The shower as a modern siren that sings a captivating tune of olden days.
Once you feel its soft and warm touch, it will drown you in PEM and eat you alive.

Beautifully put.

Interestingly, in recent months I have done a bit better with showering. I attempt it very rarely, but twice this summer I gave it a go and found that I survived the experience with far fewer consequences than previously; afterward, I was drained, weak, and heavy, almost like some of the supporting struts in my limbs had been removed, but it didn't get worse than that and I was largely recovered by the next day. Any PEM was minimal at worst and possibly non-existent (I continue to see a great deal of gradation in the symptoms and symptom severity regarding exertion - it is not an on-off switch and may vary between a few minutes of feeling unusually but acutely fatigued all the way up to being wracked by nausea, unable to tolerate light or sound, incapable of sitting up for any length of time, etc. for a week or more). I hit a wall of sorts after a few minutes, the brain-itch from the noise began to reach really uncomfortable levels, but I was able to tolerate things at a reasonably warm temperature for long enough to do some basic washing. Which was pretty great! HOWEVER - I did not experience the pronounced-but-brief symptom relief that I once did, which was a bit of a let-down. As ever, uncertain what might have changed or whether another foray would produce the same result.

These disposable ear plugs are really amazing:

F

Post in thread 'Noise cancelling headphones! Oh Joy! (and other ways to block sound)'

Jun 29, 2026

I might have found a new favourite disposable earplug.

Honeywell Max Lite /
Howard Leight Max Lite
View attachment 29880

I bought them based on the forum recommendations and they've transformed my sleep although I bought them to use primarily during the day and sometimes during the night (if the windows are open).

I didn't realise minor sounds were affecting my sleep so much. With the earplugs I get 10-11 hours of good sleep. Without them, my sleep is very fragmented and I end up wide awake after 7-9h.

• Felis Catus

• 

Thank you! I shall investigate!

 

[Sean]

I have tried noise cancelling headphones, and they do work, and have their place.

But I already live alone in a quiet place, so never need them at home. Though when out in noisy places, like shopping centres, I do have a low limit for how long I can tolerate increased background noise. I try to pick the quieter times, and don't hang around any longer than needed. Also do a fair bit of shopping online these days.

I also don't feel safe with shutting out too much of the normal feedback information about the immediate environment around me. Don't like playing music when driving, for example. I want to be able to hear the car and traffic noises clearly.