A lot of chronic illnesses come with fatigue and other symptoms that impact your energy. Some of them even have exercise intolerance as a symptom. In these illnesses, exercising causes symptoms and might even be dangerous. I have been diagnosed with ME/CFS, an illness that is characterized by what is called Post-Exertional Malaise or PEM. … More How I exercise with an energy-limiting chronic illness
One of the most popular ways to explain limited energy in chronic illness and disability is the spoon theory. It is an analogy developed by Christine Miserandino back in 2003. She describes sitting in a restaurant with a friend, who asks her what it is like to have a chronic illness (in her case, Lupus). … More Why I relate to spoon theory (despite its problems)
Brain fog is a symptom of many different illnesses. It can be caused by ME/CFS, the illness I have, but it also happens with illnesses such as MS, POTS, anemia and fibromyalgia. In the latter, it’s even so common that it’s often also called “fibro fog”. Brain fog is called brain fog because, well, it … More 5 types of brain fog you might experience
My GP is pretty great: she takes me seriously, takes ME/CFS seriously and admits that simply because we don’t know what causes it yet, doesn’t mean it’s psychosomatic. However, there is something about her that annoys me a bit: she seems to think I shouldn’t focus too much on my illness or it will get … More Having a chronic illness vs. being chronically ill
Two and a half years ago I was diagnosed with “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), after having had symptoms for over a decade. There are many misconceptions around this disease, even among doctors. As a patient, you’re often left on your own to do your own research and it takes … More 5 things I wish people understood about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
October is Dysautonomia Awareness Month! So in today’s blogpost I am going to talk about dysautonomia – and more specifically, how it plays a role in my illness, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), and what that means for me personally. What is dysautonomia? Dysautonomia is an umbrella term that is used to refer to any … More Dysautonomia Awareness Month: How dysautonomia plays a role in my illness
When you have a chronic illness the following scenario is probably all too familiar: a well-meaning relative, friend or acquaintance gives you some health advice, usually followed by something along the lines of “it cured my neighbours’ cousin’s friend!” even though your neighbours’ cousin’s friend doesn’t even have the same illness as you. Often people … More Useless health advice for chronic illness (that I follow anyway)
Len's Cup of Tea 