M.E. is categorized by the World Health Organisation as a "disease of the nervous system" and is characterized by extreme fatigue brought on by trivially small degree of exertion (physical or mental), mental impairments of short-term memory and concentration, unpredictable fluctuation of symptoms not necessarily caused by activity, with a host of secondary symptoms including: muscle pain, headaches, disturbed sleep, stomach and bowel problems and depression. (For greater detail see What is M.E.?)

No-one is sure exactly what causes M.E. whether it is chemical, environmental, viral or genetic. There is no conclusive diagnosis for M.E. (it is usually diagnosed by a process of elimination), nor is there any universal treatment (though many people find various therapies/approaches help) - except REST. Resting is the only treatment that works, it is vitally important that when symptoms arise that the sufferer rest as it has been proven that continuing past the point of exhaustion exacerbates the symptoms and risks incurring a "relapse".

The variable nature of M.E. and the lack of knowledge about its cause means that many medical practitioners have doubts about its very existence - some believe it is psychosomatic or merely a side effect of depression - meaning that M.E. sufferers have to fight the prejudice of many doctors as well as the illness itself. Some people can go years without proper diagnosis - being dismissed as lazy or malingerers, or attention seekers - which is not only frightening and distressing but also worsens the disease, because the sufferer is not being given permission to rest.

The outlook for a patient with M.E. is variable - though the quicker the diagnoses the greater chance of recovery. Some sufferers recover completely, some are able to live "normal" lives but still suffer relapses, some never recover. This is the essence of M.E. - variability and unpredictability. 
 

I have had M.E. for roughly 13 years, though I was only diagnosed 10 years ago. My main symptoms are fatigue, headaches, cognitive impairment (lack of concentration, poor short term memory and general mind fog, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and vertigo.  I had glandular fever (mono) at age 8 and viral pneumonia at age 11 which may have been contributing factors to why I contracted M.E. At 15 I finally got a diagnosis and I was forced to give up my schooling as I experienced the worst period of the illness. For over 2 years I was virtually housebound, grappling to come to terms with the illness.

Slowly I began to understand and be able to manage by symptoms to a degree. By moving my "bedtime" and napping in the afternoon I regulated my sleep pattern, and I realised the best way for me to manage my energy was to have one normal "outing" once a week or so, resulting in exhaustion and then spending the next couple of days in bed recovering.

As the years gone by this course of management has continued and resulted in very slow continuous improvement of health. I have gone from 80% disabled to 60%. (See M.E. Disability Scale) Though I am still unable to live a "normal" life, I have been able to undertake some education via open learning, and the amount of exertion in my outings has increased (e.g. from 2 hours shopping to 4), with the level of exhaustion/heightened symptoms in-between each outing lessening and shortening (e.g. returning to my "normal" display of symptoms 2 days after an outing instead of 4). I can also do more daily activities, such as dressing and making my bed, and working at the computer (or something else which requires concentration) for a few hours a day. I know, however, that if I push myself too much, expend too much energy too often or don't rest enough in between, I will have a "relapse". In my case a relapse is a flu-like illness, or tonsillitis. I suffer enflamed tonsils, infected sinuses,swollen glands and high fever, and require a week of complete bed rest. I also am very grateful to be receiving Severe Disablement Allowance from the Government after some battling with doctors,and a tribunal with the Department of Social Security. (See My Story for details)

I created this site as my own personal contribution to M.E. Awareness (BRAME). M.E. is an illness which is often misunderstood and and frequently receives bad press. I know that it is a very difficult illness to understand and explain, especially because someone with M.E. looks perfectly healthy. There are no outward signs like other illnesses, and when you see the sufferer they may be trying to hide their tiredness or on a good day and seem cheerful and lively - but it never lasts.  I know that the best way to underhand M.E. is to know someone who suffers from it. Only by seeing how it effects someone every day of their life in every way, can you truly appreciate how devastating its effect can be, and how ridiculous it is for anyone to think people could make it up, or do this to themselves by choice. Through this website I hope to put a face to M.E., I hope that by knowing me and my personal experience with this illness that you might begin to understand even a fraction of M.E. And know that I'm not making this up, I'm not depressed (I have never had this symptom), I am not lazy - I'm ill. In the hopes that should you come across someone else in the future who tells you they have M.E. or is exhibiting similar symptoms, you won't dismiss them but will appreciate some of what they may be feeling/suffering and be able to give them support and understanding - for that is all any M.E. sufferer asks.

(The logo I created for this site is meant to symbolize the light at the tunnel that someday I will recover from M.E., and the 2 steps backwards 1 step forward it is up the ladder to that recovery.)