MECFS is a poorly understood neurological disease that millions of people suffer from. It is known as Myalgic encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. We use MECFS as an acronym.
ME is a disabling neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, brain, blood, muscles, joints, GI tract, and lymphatic system.
This day is shared with Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. Both diseases are connected.
ME is a life-altering disease that comes with a massive array of symptoms. The most common symptoms of ME are:
Around 25% of ME patients are affected severely by this disease. This means they are housebound, bedbound, or they might require a wheelchair IF they can mobilize during various stages of this illness.
Most of my readers are likely aware that I’ve been mostly housebound for a few years.
ME is one of the most common chronic illnesses. Campaigns will be ongoing throughout May as organizations and advocates around the world speak up to raise more awareness about ME. This disease does not discriminate. ME affects all social classes and ethnic groups. It is the most common cause of long-term absence from school, and it can affect more than one family member, which suggests that genetic factors are involved.
This is why we say Millions Missing.
Please help us find a cure. Leave no one behind.
Severe ME Awareness Day is August 8.
I’m posting for awareness today for my fellow ME patients who are classified as ‘severe’ and ‘very severe’ MECFS patients. Many of them are completely bed bound and haven’t been able to walk, eat, talk, or get out of bed in years.
It’s that time of year again! It’s time to celebrate fellow patient leaders with the WEGO Health Awards. I’m thrilled to say that I’ve been nominated for the 10th Annual WEGO Health Awards in a number of categories. This post tells you what the awards are about and how you can help by endorsing me, especially if I’ve made a difference in your own health journey.
Advocacy Initiatives, A Move, and More for May 2021! Ah, where to start? Today’s post is a personal update post. I rarely take the opportunity to do these types of posts, but we’ve had a lot happening and there’s no better way to update than by telling it like it is! Read on to learn more about my May initiatives – my busiest month by far in 2021.
Art Therapy Interview with Author/Artist Cameron B. Auxer. Learn how Cameron uses art as a coping technique for chronic illness. Don’t forget to check out her new book too!
Why Do Blood Draws Make Me Sick? Are you an FM/MECFS patient that experiences a flare-up of symptoms or a PEM crash from blood draws? If yes, I’d love to hear from you!
May Momentum and World MECFS Day – My story with MECFS and some information from experts who have found that COVID19 and MECFS intersect as viral illnesses.
Coping with stress and chronic illness during a global pandemic is rough. But is it much different from how chronically ill patients were already living?
Failing, Succeeding, Pausing, Deciding and Thriving with Chronic Illness – Read about how I’m managing my chronic life and learning from it every day.
Chronic Illness Prompts: Meeting, Advocating, Tweaking, Working, Curating – What chronic illness bloggers write about when given writing prompts to write about their chronic lives.
A Chronic Voice hosts a link-up party each month for those of us who are chronically ill. Sheryl’s writing prompts for August are: Figuring, Completing, Boring, Cuddling, and Chatting.