ME/CFS Contributing – Because I Can

04/17/2012

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© 2012 TSM
In August of 2000, I was able to celebrate my full return to health by summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania Africa.  It was a personal moment.  When I returned home, I decided that I wanted to show my gratitude by giving back.  The next Spring, I joined the annual Walk for Hunger sponsored by Project Bread.  On the first Sunday of each May, we walk 20 miles to raise money for all the food pantries, food kitchens and food programs throughout the New England region.  This year will be my 12th walk.
 
And each year, with every step, I remember my ME/CFS days when I couldn’t walk across a room without collapsing in a chair.  I remember the darkest bed ridden days.  I remember my anger at the medical profession – which I admittedly still harbor.  I remember the frustration with my snails pace recovery.  But mostly I remember that I am blessed to be well and that there are so many who are still struggling with this cruel disease.

I set up my donation webpage this morning and it is an honor – yes truly – to be able to contribute because now I can.  And I encourage everyone to be a positive influence on those around you and especially on yourself despite your struggle – or a loved ones struggle – with ME/CFS.

Are you able to contribute in any way?  Please COMMENT or Send in your thoughts and I’ll post them.  You can use the Contact Form or send an email to Martha at DefeatCFS dot net.

Look for a weekly posting on Tuesdays.  And consider being part of the conversation.

Be Well Again,

Martha

If you wish to make a donation, here’s a link to my webpage.
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ME/CFS Support - Words of Appreciation

02/14/2012

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It’s Valentine’s Day.  One of those loosely historical, made up days to sell stuff.
OK that was cynical.  But we seem to have developed an entire year of these almost monthly events which push us to do or buy something.  Or feel out of it if we don’t.

For me, today is an exception.  When I was struggling with ME/CFS, I wasn’t very good at recognizing all the kind and thoughtful things people did for me - family, friends and strangers too.  Unfortunately, for a good part of my struggle, I was seeing everything through a veil of angst – anxiety about my situation tinged with hope for resolution.  This sometimes kept me from seeing the people around me who cared and wanted to support me.  I often forgot, caught up in my own wrestling match of emotions and physical malfunctions, that those around me were feeling some of the same helplessness – not sure of what to say, what to do or when to just be present for me.

For some reason, on the first Valentine’s Day after I was beginning to feel strong again, I felt the desire to express my ‘love’ and appreciation to those who were supporting me.  It started a tradition that I still follow.  Today has become a reminder day for me to stop for a moment and make sure that I let the people in my life know how much they mean to me and how much I appreciate them.  Yes, that’s hokey.  But I prefer it to cynicism.

Are you making time to let people know how much you appreciate them?  Please COMMENT or Send in your thoughts and I’ll post them.  You can use the Contact Form or send an email to Martha at DefeatCFS dot net.

Look for a weekly posting on Tuesdays.  And consider being part of the conversation.

Be Well Again,

Martha
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ME/CFS Feeling Empty – Sleep Depravation

02/01/2012

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© 2012 TSM
I haven’t been able to sleep much since last Thursday.  My mother-in-law, who we were very close to, suffered a major stroke and then struggled mightily for a few days before she passed away on Sunday.  With our hearts broken, we’ve been wading through all the ‘must dos’ as we prepare for her funeral on Friday.

And night after sleepless night, of course I began to think about ME/CFS.  Yesterday, the exhaustion was so pervasive that I had a mental flashback to the lowest days of my ME/CFS years when even holding a glass of water was beyond my strength.  I tried to blog yesterday but the brain fog was so thick that I couldn’t remember my thoughts for more then a moment or two.  It was a long day of running on total empty.  And I thought often about those who are struggling with ME/CFS and it strengthened my commitment to be part of the conversation.

Blessedly, I slept for 5 hours last night.  Even my active, mourning brain couldn’t keep my body from finally getting some REM rest.  This morning I feel a little more energy and a great deal of Gratitude that ME/CFS is a nightmare from my past.

Wishing everyone the strength and opportunity to regain their health.  Please COMMENT or Send in your thoughts and I’ll post them.  You can use the Contact Form or send an email to Martha at DefeatCFS dot net.

Look for a weekly posting on Tuesdays.  And consider being part of the conversation.

Be Well Again,

Martha
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