Humans of ME/CFS

ME/CFS started five years ago, after I was poisoned when my house was treated for termites. I was so sick and almost died from it. I got better from that after feeling really awful for a month, but I couldn’t do much and had a lot of infections. I had to quit working at the store where I was employed. I have had to limit my activities greatly.

My husband is my only financial support. I went to medical doctors when I first got sick, but I didn’t get much help, other than I was told to go see a shrink. My only help has been through my chiropractor and a doctor that does comprehensive and integrative medicine and some research on my own. Insurance doesn’t cover anything that I have found to be helpful! It is a very frustrating disease which steals away your life. It also costs us so much money in doctor visits and tests. I even had my tonsils out and that has been helpful. I have good days and bad days good weeks and challenging weeks with this disease. I am able to function at home and do most things I need to do, but anything that causes me a lot of stress and pushes me beyond my strength to do it will put me down for a few days. I don’t have many activities outside my home.

At first when I got sick I had to be in bed and had no energy to hardly take care of myself and even showering or fixing a meal was very exhausting and hard to do. Before I got sick, I exercised every day for one to two hours. I don’t have the energy anymore to exercise so my body is getting more unhealthy and out of shape. I am getting more injuries from my lack of exercising. I experience a lot of heart pressure and tightness. I have gone through many tests on my heart and nothing shows up. I have also been to the ER a few times.

I try and eat very healthy and avoid refined sugar and unhealthy foods. I found a product from Sunfoods –Oceans Alive Marine Phytoplankton–which has been so helpful to my immune system that I have not had a cold or flu last year or any infections like I used to have. I don’t have the brain fog and I have more energy. I also use many different essential oils that helps me manage so many of my symptoms. I have found natural things work better for me. I now have more energy and don’t have to have a nap daily like I used to do. I also try and do things that will keep my mind occupied. I have found meditation helpful and serving others as much as I feel able to do makes me feel happier and takes my mind off of my health challenges.