So why choose to write a blog now?

 You could be forgiven for thinking that, having read my first two blog posts that I was headed down a black hole of doom and gloom.

But here I am, 11 years later, writing a blog about living with ME. 

So when did life start to get better?

Having given up my paid employment I embarked upon a new job. Looking after number 1.

Understanding the symptoms and effects that ME was having, and learning how to live with them and to live a good life.

I would say that this next new phase took around 4 years, until 2017.

There were many ups and downs, and some of the downs were very difficult and painful.

As for the ups - well they were the things that made me realise that I could still live a fulfilling life, it was just not going to be the one that I had planned.

But as they say - life is what you make it and I was, and still am, determined not to be defeated.

I had a lot of skills and experience from my 50 years on this planet!!

32 years as a nurse, 23 years of teaching nursing, 27 years married and 21 years as a mother. It all had to count for something.

And then there is all the support that I received. My family have all been amazing, learning to read my symptoms sometimes better than me, and also coping with the challenges and changes in our lives. Wider family and friends have always been understanding of my limitations, which is so helpful because I can be honest and relaxed in their company. The major ME charities provide free information which is invaluable and then there are some special groups of people that I met online who all have ME too. 

I have had to find my own medical support and fund the majority of it myself - key players in the early days were counselling, a psychiatrist, complementary therapy sessions and a physiotherapist.

Just because the NHS wasn’t up to par didn’t mean I had to just accept it - I actively looked for alternative support.

I don’t know why I have waited 11years to publish a blog, although being a technophobe has had a part to play in that.

But I have asked for help, and been given it willingly - you know who you are, and a big thank you for getting me here. And, I have been inspired by others who write (a lot more eloquently) about their experiences and lives.

I have however been writing about my life with ME almost from the start.

Because keeping a journal and writing things down on paper was a great way to save my sanity.

Writing is cathartic. It’s also a way of dealing with the frustration, stress and anxiety - you write it down and it’s done, dealt with, “put in a metaphorical box” leaving you to move forward.

It’s also an important way to celebrate and record the successes and progress made. When I look back on where I was, where I have been on this journey so far, there’s much to celebrate.

So please be assured dear reader, I will be sure to bring you these triumphs in my posts. 

I shall be posting about the symptoms of ME in my next chapter, and from there you can really start to appreciate the journey that I, and my family have been on.