My story started after having 2 MMR shots in a month, Tdap and TB shots to work in a hospital. I was 50 at the time. 1st shot, 24 hours later developed migraines every morning. Still to this day, 13 years ago. 2 weeks later high blood pressure and chronic fatigue. I kept on working through taking excedrin, coffee, cokes to keep me functioning. I did this for 6 years. I couldn’t do it anymore.

I try to walk a mile every day. I don’t always get to due weather or just fatigued. I’ve recently been seeing a naturalopathic doctor. He’s diagnosed me with heart issues, and a peptic ulcer among other things.

I’m a fighter, researcher and pray alot. My word this year is “HOPE” and RESET this body Lord!! I’m still waiting!!

I’m so glad to hear it! Thank you so much for your lovely words, I really do appreciate it. Hope today’s as kind as possible to you xx

Thank you so much for your kind words Lesley, sending only good wishes to you and your daughter xx

Thank you so much for reading and for sharing your experiences Dan! I really appreciate the good vibes and mindful way you’ve shared your experiences. Hope today is as kind as possible to you!

I came across your article on a theatre website and found my way to your article here. Firstly, well done you for making things work despite the illness and secondly, for raising awareness. I’ve been recovering from ME/CFS for 8-9 years and have a very similar story to you (pushing too much, glandular fever, etc). I too consider myself one of the lucky ones, as I seem to be able to live a ‘normal’ life, albeit with pain and symptoms that vary in intensity from day to day (the invisible fight…). I too had a frustrating journey through the healthcare system and was basically left to my own devices after the specialists offered me graded exercise therapy, occupational therapy and anti-depressants. Basically, they did their best but the rest was up to me…

Through the research I’ve done, it is possible that the Autonomic Nervous System (think fight/flight/rest/digest/etc) is central to the dysfunction. I’ve had good results from following a recovery program that bases its strategies around the idea that the ANS is reacting to triggers in inappropriate ways.

Here’s a few things that have helped me (in no particular order):

– Daily meditation
– CBT forms to address stressful thoughts/events
– A solid sleep routine
– Healthy and varied diet (lots of vegetables, cutting out processed food, caffeine and alcohol)
– Helping the gut do its job (high fibre diet, for example)
– Getting exercise, but not pushing beyond one’s energy ‘envelope’
– Having understanding family/friends/partners

Unfortunately for me, I also have a low white blood cell count (maybe from the virus?!) so have to take precautions against infections.

Anyway! I hope this post is of use to someone.

Best of luck Pippa!

Dan

Thank you so much for reading lovely, and I’m truly glad to hear that. Thinking of you x

Thank you so much Niamh, I really do appreciate it!