Cured?!

I Have Been Discharged!

Finally, I know I haven't written in so long but I figured this momentous day deserves a blog post. Today I was officially discharged by my doctor, she said that I can begin to say 'I had CFS' rather than 'I have CFS; which is such a great feeling. I want to let everyone out there still going through it that one day you can too. When you are in the middle of the storm it feels like it will never end but you really can get through it, and one day you will.

Just an update, I am now at university studying History, I hold down a part-time job and still manage to have a social life. I have come so far from where I used to be where washing my hair would wear me out. I really think having a positive attitude and not giving up is key; no matter what stage you're at. It is important to remember that you cannot compare yourself to other people, if you are making progress for YOU, be proud of that. It's one step at a time but eventually, you will reach your goal. I found it really helpful setting myself goals, that are attainable. Even this year, when I don't experience CFS symptoms anymore, my new year's resolution is to set attainable goals. That may be laughable to some people but its important. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed by the situation you may be in, it's important to look at things more short-term than you may have originally. So if you're at the point where your goal is to wash your hair by yourself then give yourself a pat on the back when you do achieve that. Keep making little steps, because one day it will mean being able to do all that you want, CFS free.

So don't give up and one day you will achieve your goals. Anyone can, I started this blog in 2013 at the height of my CFS, my life now in 2017 is how I was forever wishing it could be like, it is achievable and you can get through it.

Good luck,
Lizzie.

I would love it if you left comments below telling me about your experiences. Or if you want to ask me anything personally, email me at ateenwithcfs@gmail.com 

Keep going!

life isnt about waiting for the storm to pass,

 it's about learning to dance in the rain

I would love it if you left comments below telling me about your experiences. Or if you want to ask me anything personally, email me at ateenwithcfs@gmail.com

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SAD lamp

I don't know whether you have ever experience that you CFS symptoms are worse during the winter months, for me there is a massive difference and something I have found to help with this is a SAD lamp or Seasonal Adjustment Disorder. Using this lamp every day for 15mins has made a massive difference, I noticed an improvement after just a week of using it and now if I miss a day of using it I notice that I am not as awake as a day when I do use it.
They are not that cheap but I definitely think that this is one of the main things that has helped me to recover. The branded version is Lumie (http://www.lumie.com/collections/light-therapy-sad) but you can also get generic ones from places like amazon. I have a generic one made by a brand called Rio, I got this from amazon and it was £49.99 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rio-Energy-Light-Therapy-Lamp/dp/B001PIJF48), there are lots to choose from: SAD lamp.


I would definitely recommend this if you do find that your CFS gets worse seasonally.

I would love it if you left comments below telling me about your experiences.Or if you want to ask me anything personally, email me at ateenwithcfs@gmail.com

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Get up easier!

Getting up can be really hard, a Lumie Body Clock could really help you; it uses similar technology to an SAD lamp (have a look at my post on SAD lamps), it is basically a lamp that simulates the sunrise so it very gradually wakes you up, even if you are not going to school, it is important to manage your sleeping pattern so you dont over sleep (it is important that you have deep sleep rather than lots of light sleep; have a look at my post on this too). It's just a suggestion, let me know if it works for you.

 

I would love it if you left comments below telling me about your experiences. Or if you want to ask me anything personally, email me at ateenwithcfs@gmail.com

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Bringing in exercise +life update

Hi, I haven't posted in a while, sorry! But towards the end of the school year I had lots of exams which really tired me out; no only the fact that lots of revision was involved, but also because I am a worrier, I know that it is bad for me and it only makes me more tired, but I find it really hard to not worry. Also I keep reminding myself how much better I am in comparison to one year ago and two years ago, it makes you feel better to know that you are improving; maybe you have had a relapse but from that you can learn that whatever caused you relapse you will know what not to do again, look at the positives!
Now I have had a couple of weeks off from school and had a rest I am feeling much better; as it is the summer holidays, and I don't worry about school as much I find I have a lot more energy as well as the fact it had been quite good weather for where I live. Gradually I have been trying to introduce no-strenuous exercise such as walking, even if it is only a 2 minute walk to begin with, I have been able to build it up to about half an hour, even if it is not very far and I have walked very slow, I always remind myself it is better than nothing!
I would love it if you left comments below telling me about your experiences. Or if you want to ask me anything personally, email me at ateenwithcfs@gmail.com I love chatting to people via email, so even if you just want to chat, email me :)

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