ME/CFS - My Story
To say I have experience of ME is an understatement. I've been on this roller-coaster for over twenty years, it's changed my life, dominated my childhood and shaped the woman I've become. I've learnt a lot and it's sent me in a direction I never expected.
ME stands for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis aka Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) but I'm not keen on that name because there's more to the illness than just tiredness. If you want to know more about the condition, you can visit my other site survivingsevereme.com
I became ill at 10 years old, housebound at fifteen, bed bound at sixteen. I was in hospital for six weeks and bed bound for six years. With time and careful pacing I am now slowly recovering. There's been ups and downs, I'm still living with the condition but life is so much better than it was.
I've improved since I was bed bound. With lots of pacing, resting and careful management of my energy levels I can now do so much more. I'm still really careful but life is completely different to the way it was. Sadly there's no quick fix, no magic cure but I believe it is possible to improve.
I am able to go out more and I love it, even when I have to use my wheelchair. I hated the chair when I first got it but now I couldn't imagine life without it. It's my freedom!
Through out my experiences with illness I've always fought to have a life, to not get lost within my condition. I believe that just because you face challenges and obstacles, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy life. I am.
ME stands for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis aka Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) but I'm not keen on that name because there's more to the illness than just tiredness. If you want to know more about the condition, you can visit my other site survivingsevereme.com
I became ill at 10 years old, housebound at fifteen, bed bound at sixteen. I was in hospital for six weeks and bed bound for six years. With time and careful pacing I am now slowly recovering. There's been ups and downs, I'm still living with the condition but life is so much better than it was.
I've improved since I was bed bound. With lots of pacing, resting and careful management of my energy levels I can now do so much more. I'm still really careful but life is completely different to the way it was. Sadly there's no quick fix, no magic cure but I believe it is possible to improve.
I am able to go out more and I love it, even when I have to use my wheelchair. I hated the chair when I first got it but now I couldn't imagine life without it. It's my freedom!
Through out my experiences with illness I've always fought to have a life, to not get lost within my condition. I believe that just because you face challenges and obstacles, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy life. I am.
You might also be interested in these blog posts...
- Do you make yourself do things to fit in?
- Noticing the signs when you're becoming overwhelmed by your illness and what to do about it.
- Time - the one thing I have lots of!
- Coping with "Big" Birthdays when you're ill or disabled. Turning 18, 21, 30, 40, 50... Things to be proud of.
- Self Worth and Chronic Illness
- The ME/CFS World - What's changed in 20 years?
- Time and Energy - living with limitations - how do you decide what to do?
- Housebound and Homebound Facts