Hello and welcome to the final installment of my blogs on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome!
Through this series of blogs, I have talked about what CFS is, the stigma attached to chronic illness, diagnosis, treatments, and maintenance. So I’d just like to write a final post to talk about what’s going to happen next for me and also mention a couple of other links for you guys to check out (including some I’ve already mentioned just to refresh your memory!).
’m now also seeing a Naturopath. And through the assorted natural medications she’s been giving me, and my new diet, I’ve definitely been noticing a change. Usually, around my exam period at Uni, I become extremely stressed and thus get very sick very fast. By the end of exams, I’m usually curled into a ball on my bed, trying to get my body to rest itself back to some semblance of health. But this time, I was not as stressed, and I actually had energy for once. I was able to go for walks with my dad and my puppy – which were wonderful – without becoming overly tired afterwards. I also managed to catch up with some friends and go out dancing! This is momentous for me, since I haven’t actually been out dancing since early last year. The other surprising thing about this development is that the next day I was fine. Fine! For some perspective – usually when I go out at night, the next day or two are spent trying to recover from the ridiculous exhaustion.
As you can imagine, I’ve been feeling quite awe-struck. I’ve still had a little bit of post-exam exhaustion, but it’s honestly nothing I can’t handle (listen to me sounding so macho). For the first time in about 11 years of illness, I’m starting to have hope that I could go back to having an actual job and studying full-time. But I’m not going to rush it. If having Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has taught me anything, it’s to take things slow. A lesson that I think I’ll have with me for the rest of my life.
In terms of extra research, I highly recommend checking out the ME/CFS organisation of Australia website. I know I’ve mentioned them before, but their website is one of the most comprehensive that I’ve come across so far. You can also check out each state’s website if that’s relevant to you. Here’s the link emerge.org.au. In terms of recommendations for alternative medicine, I’d say talk to your GP – it’s best to get a recommendation from them if you can. Otherwise, ask around your friends and family, to see if any one of them has a recommendation that you can check out.
To finish, I’d like to thank Tune In Not Out for allowing me to write this series of blogs. I’ve always enjoyed writing, and it’s been an amazing experience to write about my journey and what I’ve learned along the way. I couldn’t really have asked for a better blog to post on – or a better way to end this series. I hope to continue writing for quite awhile yet.
Thanks for reading, and may your health always be wonderful!
Also check the related topics:
Chronic illnessSpeaking to someone about your problems can be the first steps to a solution.
