Humans of ME/CFS

I was diagnosed when I was 14 years old. I was very athletic, so the first strong feeling within me was confusion. I was unable to do any physical activity, football, cross country, basketball – it’s like gravity was all around me making every movement impossible.

I have focused on my studies and volunteering to help others when I felt well enough. It was so frustrating wanting to take part in society but health issues stopping that for the most part.

I am very appreciative that I have some great people around me; both personally and professionally. In the darkest times they have shown me the light.

What’s most frustrating is losing the hope, at times, for answers and instead spending almost 15 years adjusting to the life I have because the lack of funding leaves us all stuck and relying on the help of our family and friends. I feel like a burden sometimes because I hate asking for help. I feel weak, but I learnt that others will help me as I would help them and, actually, asking for help makes us strong.

So, get that strong circle of lovely people and determination to keep you going – then you’ll be in a pretty good place to kick ass at all times.