ME, Myself, and I: Navigating Life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Have you been struggling with maintaining focus while dealing with M.E.? It can be such a challenge, right? The symptoms of M.E. can really take a toll on your ability to concentrate and it can be tough to stay focused. But, I've learned a few things that might help. First of all, rest and self-care are key. Making sure you're getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and doing things that bring you joy and relaxation can help you feel refreshed and ready to focus. Next, managing your environment can have a big impact on your ability to focus. Try to create a quiet and uncluttered space and minimize distractions as much as possible. You might also find that tools like noise-cancelling headphones or a white noise machine can help. Staying organized is also really important. Keep your workspace tidy, prioritize your tasks and make a schedule to help you stay on track. This will help you stay focused and not get overwhelmed. Practising mindfulness can also be beneficial. Techni...

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, a mystery to most,   A chronic illness, that leaves you feeling lost.  The fatigue is overwhelming, the pain is real,  A battle that's fought, but never truly healed.  Days blend together, in a haze of grey,  A never-ending cycle, that never seems to sway.  The brain fog is thick, the memory is weak,  The simplest of tasks, an impossible feat.  The isolation is heavy, the frustration is high,  A life that's changed, but no one knows why.  But through the darkness, a light shines through,  A determination, to make it through.  We may be tired, but we'll never give up,  We'll keep fighting until our strength is enough.  So let us raise awareness, let our voices be heard,  Prepare for the battle, we are undeterred.

Some days I can't move, and I am crippled in pain to the point of despair, but I know that I have to push myself. Limited mobility can be challenging, but there are ways to make it easier. I have tried to list some things that have helped me.  Stay active: Even if you can't move around as much as you used to, try to stay as active as possible within your limitations. This can include gentle exercise, stretching, or chair exercises. something is always better than nothing. Adapt your environment: Make changes to your home and surroundings to make them more accessible and comfortable. This can include installing grab bars, ramps, or a stair lift and rearranging furniture to make it easier to move around. i had trouble picking up the kettle and started using a water boiler for hot drinks. Use assistive devices: There are many assistive devices available, such as canes, walkers, and wheelchairs, that can help you move around more easily.  Stay Social: Maintaining social connection...

It can happen at any time and you need to be prepared so it is important to take steps to ensure your safety and well-being.  Reach out for help: Talk to a trusted friend or family member, or call a crisis hotline. They can provide emotional support and help you come up with a plan. Take care of yourself: Make sure to eat well, get enough sleep, and engage in activities you enjoy. Self-care is crucial during a crisis. Seek professional help: See a therapist, counsellor, or another mental health professional who can help you work through your feelings and develop coping strategies. Use coping mechanisms: Practice deep breathing, meditation, or other relaxation techniques to help calm yourself down. Remove yourself from dangerous situations: If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the situation and find a safe place to be. Seek medical attention if needed: If you have any physical symptoms that concern you, seek medical attention right away. Create a crisis plan: Having a plan in pl...

I could not manage without setting some daily goals and it was a great way to stay motivated and productive. It can help you stay focused on what needs to be done and give you a sense of accomplishment when you achieve them. Here are some tips for setting and achieving daily goals: Be specific: Your goals should be clear and specific. Instead of saying "I want to be more organised," say "I want to organise my closet by the end of the day." Keep them realistic: Your goals should be challenging but achievable. It's important to set realistic expectations for yourself so you don't get discouraged. Break them down: Break larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will make them seem less overwhelming and more achievable. Prioritise: Prioritise your goals based on their importance and urgency. Tackle the most important tasks first and work your way down the list. Track your progress: Keep track of your progress and celebrate small wins along the way. ...

This blog is my journey into M.E and how it has impacted my life, so let's start with the basics. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a chronic and debilitating disease that affects the neurological and immune systems. It is also commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID). The exact cause of ME is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Symptoms of ME can vary greatly from person to person, but some common ones include severe fatigue, muscle and joint pain, headaches, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairments such as difficulty with memory and concentration. The fatigue experienced by those with ME is often described as being much more severe than normal tiredness and is not relieved by rest or sleep. Diagnosis of ME can be difficult as there is currently no specific test for it and symptoms can overlap with other conditions. It is typically diagnos...