About
I have had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since 2003. I came down with a mild case of Glandular Fever and didn’t give myself a chance to rest properly and simply never recovered from it. CFS has shaped my entire adult life but I was always able to maintain work and study. My Chronic Fatigue became a real issue at the start of 2013. By June of that year I was no longer able to work or support myself, I lost contact with friends and became fearful of leaving the house; basically my life just fell apart. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity was found to be contributing to my fatigue, and I was diagnosed with Neurally Mediated Hypotension (a form of dysautonomia) in December 2013. In January 2014 I moved to Ocean Grove to avoid some of my allergens, namely car pollution and since then I have begun a very slow recovery. I now live in Canberra with the wonderful Dr. Guy and the beloved Nelson-dog.
I hope that by keeping a written record of my progress I will keep focused on the positives and be less overwhelmed by the bad days. As well as being a great cathartic experience, social connection and motivational support for me, I also hope to reach out to others with chronic illness and support them too, even if it’s only knowing that there is someone else out there facing the same issues as they are.
I hope you enjoy reading about my experiences as I try new ideas; help me celebrate my successes and sympathise with me when I make mistakes. Hopefully not too many mistakes.
Sincerely,
Claire
Hello! I love reading your blog and so I have nominated you for the Liebster Award! Congrats! Check out my post for all the details: http://myjourneythrume.wordpress.com/2013/10/19/dearest-beloved-we-are-gathered-here-today/
So flattered!!!
I’ve read some of your posts and your “about” page, and I can’t imagine going through all that you’re going through. I feel for you girlfriend! I’m glad you’re doing a lot of self care and I’m sending positive energy your way. Celeste 🙂
Thanks so much! At times it’s a struggle, but I have a lot of good people around me – and the online community has been very supportive. 🙂
Yea – so glad to hear that!!!
Hi, Nice to meet you. I have chronic pain in both my arms & right leg for 7 years now. I can’t work anymore but do voluntary work for 7 hours per week in an eldery home. Thanks for subscribing to my blog so that I could find you. Cheers from a Foodie from Belgium. 😀😀
Lovely to meet you! Now that I’ve gotten the hang of this healthy living thing it’s time to get inspired with some lovely recipes!
You’ve been awarded something very special, check it out here: http://mychroniclifejourney.wordpress.com/2013/11/26/there-are-dragons-everywhere/
Thank you!
I’ve nominated you for an award! Check it out here : http://thebetterwaycfs.wordpress.com/2013/11/30/more-awards/
Thank you!
Hi Claire, I’ve nominated you for an award! Check it out here: http://mychroniclifejourney.wordpress.com/2013/12/03/so-many-award-nominations/
Congratulations Claire, I’ve nominated you for 3 awards! Check them out here: http://mychroniclifejourney.wordpress.com/2014/01/02/another-welcome-to-the-family-plus-liebster-and-lighthouse-awards/
aw, thanks! it might take me a while to get around to accepting, but I’m thrilled 🙂
That’s perfectly fine. 🙂
I was diagnosed with ME/CFS in 2008 and housebound for 3 years. I know what you are going through. A naturopath discovered that I had Glandular Fever. I used diet to recover from my illness. You can read my story on my blog Kate’s Inspired Cooking http://wp.me/p4x2w3-H
Claire, I am so sorry you are going through this. I grew-up with close aunts who lived with a rare neuromuscular disease, fighting it on a daily basis. It was not easy. Their great faith together with determination and positive outlook on life got them through. Still, not everyday was wonderful. Ups and downs along the way. I wish for you less pain, hope and magic in the future with faith and inspiration to truly believe something better lies ahead. Blessings, Claire.
Thanks Kim, this life isn’t easy – but I live in hope for a recovery, and in the meantime I enjoy the simple things – sunshine, doggy cuddles, and inspiration from friends.
“Doggy cuddles.” Love this, Claire! Blessings.
Thank you for reading my blog today, I had a quick look over your list and saw so many titles that resonated – it could have been my story! I’m still early days – 8 months in with glandular fever – and don’t have a diagnosis of CFS… hoping I can divert that with diet and rest!
It’s definitely possible to nip CFS in the bud – keep at it and good luck!