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 Optimism – Brighter Days

02/21/2012

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© 2012 TSM
It happens to me every year as the end of February approaches.  Although I don’t see the signs of change in myself yet, one of my window plants catches my notice.  There’s a new vibrancy in its color or maybe even a tiny sprout where a dead leaf has been dropped.  Something triggers my attentiveness and before I’ve cognitively made the connection, I’m trimming, repotting and fertilizing all my plants.

What my plants have all been responding to, and what I’m also caught up in, are the longer days with brighter light streaming in my windows.  And I think back to my ME/CFS days and remember how hard it was day after day, week after week and month after month to keep my spirits up.  To remember my resolve to keep to the protocol, to allow myself the space to heal, and most importantly to cut myself the mental slack I needed.  The only time I didn’t need to be intentional about being upbeat was when the light began to get noticeably brighter at this time of year.  There’s a reaction to the increasing daylight that we experience on a cellular level.  I’m sure there are reams of scientific studies that have investigated this response but I don’t need to read them.  My sense of renewal and optimism are palpable.  And during my ME/CFS struggle, it was a natural to see this NOT as the marking of another year of this cruel illness, but as the beginning of the year when my progress would get me to the next health plateau – the next stage of recovery.

I’m hoping that you are able to harness this brighter light and natural source of anticipation to carry you successfully along your path back to wellness.  How are you utilizing this bright injection of renewed energy?  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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New Year Resolutions – Take Control

01/03/2012

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© 2012 TSM
I’ll be completely honest.  I’m not a fan of New Year resolutions because most of us set ourselves up for failure by selecting a goal which is too difficult and all encompassing.  These types of resolutions require the individual to change most of their way of being in the timeframe of an overnight.  Is there anything wrong with challenging ourselves with self improvement?  Absolutely not.  But when you’re struggling with ME/CFS, let’s not add just one more big failure to the pile of reasons why we sometimes grind on ourselves.

Although the patients experience with ME/CFS can differ, there is one consistent thread that I hear from everyone – Helplessness.  This disease persistently beats us down.  With the lack of recognition, with the lack of medical treatment, with the lack of understanding from many of those around us, and with our own self doubts.  It can be daunting.  And in the face of this, it can be easy to allow ME/CFS to control us and to give in.  We forget that there are aspects of this disease that we do have control over.

We control our daily choices about rest, nutrition and supporting our immune systems.  We control our data collection and review of patterns.  We control how we communicate and seek support.  We control our own attitudes and approach to ME/CFS.

I encourage you to start by taking control of just one of these areas of your ME/CFS struggle.  Then over time as you feel confident in that area, add something else.  Slowly, patiently and consistently begin to take back what you can control about ME/CFS.

My wish for all of you is a year filled with step by step success in taking control of ME/CFS.  Where are you going to start?  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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