tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7686785610525604772024-02-08T17:51:40.690+00:00Mummy and M.EOne mum coping with M.E, a toddler and a reflux baby.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-52597934672082006562014-11-04T12:51:00.004+00:002014-11-04T12:51:42.993+00:00Hypnobirth and M.E <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">As my pregnancy progresses I have had to refocus, prioritise and look more inside myself to conserve all the energy and strength I have for the people who need it the most: myself, and my little family. I have enjoyed this pregnancy very much, but it has taken its toll on my body. I have </span><a data-mce-href="http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/pelvic-pain-pregnant-spd.aspx" href="http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/pelvic-pain-pregnant-spd.aspx" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">SPD </a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">and anaemia as well as the usual M.E symptoms, so moving is a bigger challenge than usual. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">These could be worrying times, with two little boys to look after and a new baby coming, however I haven't felt worried or disheartened or frustrated at all. I can only put this down to fantastic support from my husband, parents and family and </span><a data-mce-href="http://www.hypnobirthing.co.uk/what_is_hypnobirthing.shtml" href="http://www.hypnobirthing.co.uk/what_is_hypnobirthing.shtml" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Hypnobirthing</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">. Daily practise of profound relaxation, positive thinking and deep breathing has been huge in enabling me to step back from the stresses and concerns and see them in a more positive light. What I thought would help me prepare for childbirth only has helped me cope with pregnancy and other stresses in life these past few months. With this in mind I want to share what I have learned in the hopes it might benefit others. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> I've been unable to attend any classes, but I bought </span><a data-mce-href="http://www.thehypnobirthingcentre.co.uk/hypnobirthing-book/hypnobirthing-book.html" href="http://www.thehypnobirthingcentre.co.uk/hypnobirthing-book/hypnobirthing-book.html" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Katherine Graves 'The Hypnobirthing Book' </a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">on Kindle, and downloaded a hypnobirthing track on Spotify. The main things to prepare for birth are: practising up breathing; J breathing; listening to the tracks and allowing yourself complete relaxation; and repeating positive birth affirmations. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Up breathing</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> - is the breathing to do in the first stage of labour. It should require minimum muscular effort as the purpose is to relax your body to allow the uterine muscles to work to the best of their ability. It's slow, deep breathing, usually in through the nose and out through the mouth. However, I'm a natural mouth breather, so I find it better to breathe in and out though my mouth. The trick is finding the length of breath that suits you and enables you to be relaxed and comfortable, whilst filling your lungs. During this breathing you should be visualising 'up' images. For example, these could be the sun rising, bubbles floating, or the waves lapping. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">J Breath or down breathing</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">- this is for when the cervix is opened and your baby is ready to move down. It is a quick breath in through the nose and a slow breath out through the nose focusing your attention downwards. This is best to practise on the loo, and believe me, it works! The visualisations for these could be flowers opening, or waterfalls. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> I want to include some affirmations that I particularly like, it's good to have them close to hand to look at them daily. These ones are specifically for birth, but I can see how powerful it can be in life to repeat positive affirmations to ourselves daily. These are just a few of the statements in the </span><a data-mce-href="http://www.thehypnobirthingcentre.co.uk/hypnobirthing-book/hypnobirthing-book.html" href="http://www.thehypnobirthingcentre.co.uk/hypnobirthing-book/hypnobirthing-book.html" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Katherine Graves book</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> I've been reading: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">"I move gently forward through my pregnancy and labour with confidence and trust." </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">"Birthing is a natural process of my body, my mind and my spirit, working in unison with my baby. "</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> " My mind leads where my body follows. As my mind is so relaxed, confident and calm, so my body is comfortable, relaxed, soft and open, as my baby passes gently, healthily and swiftly into the world. "</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> " With each breath out, I breathe out tension and stress. " </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">"With each breath in, I breathe in relaxation and comfort, peace and trust."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> "Each surge of my body reminds me that I will soon be holding my baby in my arms. " </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> My next task is to write these affirmations and others and place them where I can see them in the house. Im 35 weeks now, and the end is in sight. I shall keep you posted on how labour and birth go, and if all my practise has been successful. Motherhood and M.E is not an easy journey, and I'm sure people must think I'm crazy, but kids do give a purpose to life I thought was lost. We're all very excited for this new member of our family, to get to know her little personality and how she'll fit in or change the dynamics of our family.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Bitstream Charter, Times, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 39.366943359375px;">For this post and more visit my website <a href="http://www.mecuperate.co.uk/">www.mecuperate.co.uk</a></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-36277193347701799362014-08-20T22:29:00.000+01:002014-08-20T22:29:05.446+01:00Birth, Labour and M.E Original post on my site <a href="http://www.mecuperate.co.uk/">www.mecuperate.co.uk </a><br />
<br />
<br />
The inevitable labour is on my mind a lot, and has been throughout this pregnancy. Determined to learn from my mistakes of previous birth, labour and M.E I have been looking for ways to make it a more positive experience, one in which I feel more in control.<br />
<br />
M.E has played a pivotal role in my last two labours. Looking back I wonder if it played a more prominent part than was necessary. Although M.E is a physical illness and places very real limitations and restrictions on my body, I allowed myself to panic and the stress impacted on my body more than it should.<br />
<br />
With my first I was more in control and was able to handle the contractions for longer till I felt that I needed to rest to be able to push the baby once the time came. At this point I was allowed an epidural, which gave me a few hours rest before the birth. Luckily, my son arrived in three easy pushes, so the recovery time was relatively quick.<br />
<br />
Throughout my second pregnancy I had dreaded the thought of labour, remembering all too clearly the pain and effort required. I knew I wanted an epidural, but I worried if this next labour would be quick and not allow enough time for an epidural to be administered. When the contractions became serious I dived right into panic mode. My body shook uncontrollably after each contraction, which caused it to lose strength quite quickly. The hospital did not want to give me an epidural so soon, but once my husband had convinced them that my contractions were moving things along hastily they checked me and gave me the desired epidural! The rest this allowed me was pure bliss, but unfortunately it slowed labour right down, which meant that the baby was not moving and they were considering a c-section. After an hour or so things, fortunately, started to move again, but unlike my first birth he required some serious pushing. I was terribly sick after and it required an injection to try and calm it down. The consultant was worried about me with some test results not being as they should be. I knew my body had handled too much and needed significant recovery time. I want to avoid this same scenario happening again this time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There is lots of information available about how to prepare for labour and birth. I'm unable to attend any classes, so I've been submersing myself in Google searches and <a href="http://www.hypnobirthing.co.uk/what_is_hypnobirthing.shtml">Hypnobirthing</a> stands out as a way in which I can be more relaxed in labour to allow myself to retain the strength I need for birth. My wonderful Perrin practitioner just told me yesterday of a lady she sees with heart problems and M.E and because of hypnobirthing she was able to deliver her baby naturally.<br />
<br />
Hypnobirthing uses self hypnosis and breathing techniques to help you have the most natural birth possible. The idea is to encourage a natural pain free birth and lose the fear that surrounds birth, seeing it as a wonderful experience instead.<br />
<br />
Information on the techniques are hard to find online as they want you to buy the books and go to classes. However, I keep searching and have found some things, mainly on YouTube, that have been useful.<br />
<br />
Here's one example of a breathing technique from when I searched for "hypnobirthing techniques" on YouTube.<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Yl6dcMtquhc" width="560"><br />
<br />
</iframe><br />
<br />
I'd like to hear from you, what have been your experiences of childbirth? What did you find helped the most? Are you pregnant and wondering what your best options are? Leave a comment, I'd love to hear your experiences :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-71358597241602319862014-07-28T14:59:00.004+01:002014-07-28T14:59:32.629+01:00M.E and pregnancy : the journey continues <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> I've hit the halfway mark in my pregnancy! It's been no mean feat, so I'm celebrating by writing a blog post. My brain is even more frazzled than before and cannot be trusted (I leave items in the randomest places having thought I've put them away and my husband doesn't ask for my help at all much anymore as I've lost all the little common sense I had!) but I shall try my best to relay my experiences so far, for anyone interested. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">My constant companions, Sickness and Extreme Exhaustion, are finally taking the hint they're not wanted and leaving me at times. Extreme Exhaustion seems very reluctant to leave, I think he feels at home amongst the M.E symptoms. Together they've made the first half of pregnancy a lot tougher than my previous ones. I didn't have as much extra exhaustion with the first two as I have with this one.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> I was getting new symptoms crop up before pregnancy, but even more so in pregnancy. Symptoms like leg cramps, burning sensations in one leg, increased headaches, increased dizzy spells, increased breathlessness, pelvic pain, pulling muscles, thirst, and more. All symptoms of both M.E and pregnancy and it's hard to tell what's what. My usual M.E symptoms are still always there and have become more prevalent. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> I got my hopes up the other week, when I was given an appointment with a consultant, that M.E might be taken into consideration when dealing with my pregnancy, particularly during labour and birth. Alas, a debilitating trip to the hospital resulted in nothing more than a quick chat to say there's nothing that can be done and they don't need to see me again. It never gets easier being told there's nothing that can be done. One midwife has taken it seriously though, so it gives me hope that another may. It's more prominent in my notes now thanks to her.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> It's not all doom and gloom though. Motherhood is the toughest job I've had to do, but the rewards far outweigh the negatives. I was devastated when illness made me lose my job and my social life. The prognosis of M.E was a hard pill to swallow. At 26 I thought my life was resigned to nothingness. But thanks to the support of my husband, family and friends I'm able to be a mother and life has gained more meaning and fulfillment than I could have hoped for. I am the world to these little people. I may not be the most active, entertaining mum, but I am always there for my kids, I'm always available for cuddles and they know they are loved.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-23496436318554783132014-06-03T22:44:00.001+01:002014-06-03T22:44:22.758+01:00M.E and pregnancy <div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
I have a little bit of news .... I'm expecting a baby!</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<a data-mce-href="http://mecuperate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/20140528_122315.jpg" href="http://mecuperate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/20140528_122315.jpg"><img alt="20140528_122315" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3316" data-mce-src="http://mecuperate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/20140528_122315-300x225.jpg" height="225" src="http://mecuperate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/20140528_122315-300x225.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
I've been undecided about sharing my news for a few reasons but one of them has been worry about people's reactions. This will be my third experience of M.E and pregnancy. Even though this pregnancy wasn't necessarily planned, we are thrilled and I worried people would think it was foolish. Luckily the majority of people have expressed excitement and congratulations. A few have shown genuine concern without judgement, but there have been a couple (one being a midwife) who have said "you have M.E and you are pregnant??" When I tried to justify myself by saying it wasn't planned she responded with "good!“</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
The reason why I have chosen to share this news on here is because there may be someone else in the same position or trying to make the difficult decision of whether to have children or not, like I was before my first child. Hopefully, sharing this journey will be of help.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
I'm at the end of my first trimester now, we had our first scan last week. It was a magical experience, seeing the baby so clear on the screen. Despite the awful few weeks leading up to the scan, seeing an actual baby in there made it all seem worthwhile.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
The first trimester has been awful. I can't sugar coat it, but I did try to think positively about it! I am fortunate that I have a very good support network, and a very understanding, hard working husband. My kids have been wonderful too. I suppose that's one benefit of being ill, nobody expects me to do anything! It was only me that things changed for, I felt so much sicker and so much more exhausted and tired than before. It's all encompassing and I couldn't think or concentrate on anything else. I found little respite from it and all the little things I did before I could no longer do. I slept as much as I could.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
I write like things have changed. Things have improved slightly, the sickness is waning, but the exhaustion is still there and makes life harder than it was before. With my first two I felt an improvement after about 16-17 weeks, until then it's a matter of surviving till it passes. Sleeping as much as I can, reducing all types of activity, and eating anything that I can stomach that doesn't make me sick!</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
If I have any tips to offer to others at this stage of M.E and pregnancy it would be to take information of ME/CFS to your health care providers. None of the tests they do bring up any problems with me, so the midwives think I'm a perfect candidate with nothing to worry about. I've seen one midwife in all three pregnancies that has shown any inclination that ME is something to be considered. It was a relief to see her and I hope it's not the last time I see her either. From my experience, I may be clear in the tests they're most concerned with, but pregnancy and especially labour and birth take their toll on my body more than normal. In my second birth I found that nobody listened to me when I said my body wasn't coping with the contractions. We had to be really forceful and demanding. If there was greater knowledge of ME/CFS, then more understanding and better care would have been shown.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
And finally, if you haven't already got one yet get a VERY good support network around you. You'll need it throughout pregnancy and especially after.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<a href="http://www.mecuperate.co.uk/">www.mecuperate.co.uk </a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-45835643109840343242014-03-26T21:12:00.001+00:002014-03-26T21:12:20.662+00:00Finding HopeFinding hope<br />
<br />
I saw sunshine tonight, it was 5pm and there was sunshine outside. It was a surprise for two reasons: Sunshine has not been seen very often in the North West of England for some time now; and it means the nights are getting lighter!<br />
<br />
The beginning of 2014 has been very hard on my health and each day is a journey up a mountain carrying an elephant on my back. I’ve been keeping my head down and trudging on up that mountain, occasionally looking up to admire my surroundings, like the sunshine at 5pm today.<br />
<br />
It made me think of the hope that summer brings and it reminded me not to give up hope. Just because things have been the same for so long, does not mean they will always be. The day follows night, summer follows winter, the weekend follows the week (or vice versa). There is always hope. The dips in our lives mean we will be able to see and appreciate the peaks more fully.<br />
<br />
Alexandre Dumas explained it well<br />
<br />
“He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness. We must have felt what it is to die, Morrel, that we may appreciate the enjoyments of life.<br />
” Live, then, and be happy, beloved children of my heart, and never forget, that until the day God will deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is contained in these two words, ‘Wait and Hope.’”<br />
<br />
<br />
* most of my posts and more are on my site www.mecuperate.co.uk come by and take a. Look *Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-13119408414173536262013-12-31T21:16:00.002+00:002013-12-31T21:16:36.129+00:00Loving oneself for 2014<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The new year is almost upon us and for me this time is always significant. The words of a hymn we sang recently at church are similar to the feelings I have of the passing of the old year “Ring out the old; ring in the new. Ring happy bells across the snow. The year is going, let him go. Ring out the false, ring in the true. The year is going, let him go.”</div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
We should always be trying to be the best we can be, but there’s something about a new year that really does feel like a fresh start. We literally say goodbye to the old year, never to be seen again and we are given more time. Our circumstances stay the same but inwardly we can make a change.</div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Last year my focus was to accept what came my way and try my best to love it. It was the best decision I made. Although hard to do at times I felt much happier and harboured no bitterness.</div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
For 2014 I want to put 100% into improving my health. The wheels have been in motion for a while, but my lackadaisical attitude towards it has meant that I’ve experienced little benefits. It’s time to start the full throttle. I want to tackle my health from all angles as I believe good health is achieved holistically. Here’s what I’ll be doing this year, in hopes that my health will go from strength to strength:</div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 29px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Perrin Technique</strong> – every two to three weeks I see a wonderful practitioner who’s therapeutic massage drains my lymph nodes of the toxins that have built up. She often does extra work to realign my posture and she is very knowledgeable on the right nutrition. It is the treatment at home that I will improve on.</div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 29px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Dairy, wheat and sugar free diet</strong> – for the past 6 years since I have had ME I have tried both normal and free from diets and I have felt much better when restricting wheat, dairy and sugar.</div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 29px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Emotional Freedom Technique</strong> – I started this in October. It’s a process of tapping acupressure points and speaking affirmations. I have done this at least once every day since starting as I’ve found it really works to help me gain control of anxiety, ease stress and work through any emotional problems.</div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 29px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Restricting social media</strong> – I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook. It has allowed me to not feel so isolated despite spending SO much time at home, unable to socialise. Yet it isn’t real life, it’s not genuine concern and interest into the lives of friends. It is the highlights (or lowlights for some) that they want you to see and you see a lot more that you don’t need or want to. It feels more like boasting and stalking than sharing experiences with friends.</div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
2014 is for loving oneself as Charlie Chaplin says<em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 29px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> “As I began to love myself I freed myself of anything that is no good for my health – food, people, things, situations, and everything that drew me down and away from myself. At first I called this attitude a healthy egoism. Today I know it is “LOVE OF ONESELF”.</em> The new year is the time for doing, or stopping, anything that will help my body be at the best health it can be.</div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
What are your goals/resolutions?</div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
See this post and more on my website www.mecuperate.co.uk </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-37132824267595971052013-10-09T20:31:00.000+01:002013-10-09T20:31:05.639+01:00Help! Need it - hate it! <div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Over the years some things have become easier. I’ve learned to live within my boundaries (most days), I’m used to the way I feel and have learned to cope with it, and I’ve adjusted to life in the ‘slower than slow’ lane.</div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
One thing that never gets easier no matter how hard I try, is asking for help. Oh how I hate it. It comes down to two reasons – I hate imposing on people and I hate feeling useless and not able to give help back. My husband despairs with me when he sees me struggling to do something. He can’t grasp why I haven’t asked for his help when he’s able and willing. I just can’t bear to ask him. I see a busy man working full time, studying, caring for me and our boys and I don’t want to add to that.</div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Asking other people for help is so much harder. I go through each persons name in my head, then rule each one out thinking of all the demands on their time already and how I can’t possibly ask them. The thing is, a lot of the time I ask people for help they jump at the chance. They have known I struggle and yet not known how to help. My asking them gives them an opportunity.</div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
If people offer help without me asking it feels like the hardest thing in the world to accept. I naturally want to say ‘no no, I’m ok thanks’ and most often I do, I then think of how hard it’s going to be to do it myself. It’s my pride that stops me. I want to be fit, able and self sufficient. I want to be the one offering help, not receiving it.</div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Asking for and accepting help are big struggles for me, but I believe learning how to do these things are important life lessons. Before I became ill I valued confidence and self sufficiency. I still do place high value on these traits, but I see that needing help and humbling myself to accept it strengthens my relationships with the people who help me. I see the sacrifices they willingly make for me and feel of their love and kindness. My own self worth increases as I see people willing to help me. I read this quote from Carlos H. Amado encouraging people to help one another and I think the benefits he talks of work for both the helper and the ‘helpee’. He said “Kindness, love, patience, understanding and unity will increase as we serve, while intolerance, jealousy, envy, greed and selfishness will decrease or disappear. The more we give of ourselves, the more <span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">our capacity to serve, understand, and love will grow.”</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
So it’s going to be worth my while to work hard at being comfortable receiving help. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll be the one in the giving end once more… Only this time I’ll have much more empathy!</div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
For this blog and more (creativity, inspiration, healthy recipes) check out my website <a href="http://www.mecuperate.co.uk/">www.mecuperate.co.uk </a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-86017882688664463652013-09-18T20:40:00.000+01:002013-09-18T20:40:17.338+01:00Better food, better health <div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The summer holidays are over and routine begins. I am definitely a creature of habit (thanks to pacing) so the return of routine is like welcoming back an old friend . I will miss having my husband at home all the time though, now he’s back at work his absence is going to take some getting used to.</div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
One reason I’m looking forward to routine is so I can get back to healthier eating habits. The summer brought lots of fun, but lack of preparation and a huge decline in energy meant that lots of our meals were take outs. I also went wild and ate nearly everything I had missed whilst I had been dairy and wheat free for the last two years.</div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Needless to say my mind and body are suffering the consequences. At the same time that I was strictly wheat and dairy free I experienced a relapse. People would ask me if I’d noticed any difference on the diet, but there was so much going on that had a negative effect on my health that I couldn’t tell. Now that things have calmed down it has been easy to see the positive impact going wheat and dairy free had on my health. Since reintroducing wheat and dairy I have noticed I have become more lethargic, the pain has increased and I am unable to tolerate as much activity before my limbs refuse to work. I wake up in the morning like I have been trampled by a herd of wilderbeasts. My brain becomes even more foggy, I forget more, become impatient quicker, struggle to understand or listen when people are speaking. Writing or talking become even harder too.</div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The end of the summer is a good time to get back into a routine and introduce healthier habits. It is time to concentrate on creating the health habits that will strengthen my body for the looming winter. My aim is not only to cut out dairy and wheat again, but to eat less processed foods and introduce<a href="http://mecuperate.co.uk/juicing-for-healing/" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #225e9b; font-size: 29px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Juicing for Healing, by Bubbles">juicing</a>. The hardest task will be to cut out processed food. It’s so prominent in our diets, and yet who knows what it contains. Jamie Oliver , the celebrity chef, works hard to encourage families to be educated in food and start to cook from scratch. His<a href="http://www.foodrevolutionday.com/" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #225e9b; font-size: 29px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Food Revolution website</a> is a useful tool if you’re wanting to make the change to real food. I love the infographics for spurring me on and motivating me. </div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
These changes seem a bit overwhelming all at once, but making one change at a time I will get there!</div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #d3eef7; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Check out my other blogs on www.mecuperate.co.uk </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-11661195380403167252013-04-03T13:03:00.000+01:002013-04-03T13:03:35.179+01:00The importance of Being<br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">That best portion of a man’s life, his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love. William Wordsworth. </em></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
As a family we’re adjusting to my relapse quite well. I guess it’s easier to adjust to somewhere you’ve been before. It wasn’t so easy the first time around. My two little boys have been a great help. They’re too young to know that mummy is poorly and that helps me to keep my mind off feeling poorly.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
It’s not easy being a mum of two very young kids whilst being this bad with ME / chronic fatigue syndrome. But they are certainly worth it. There is nothing more healing than a cuddle from two chubby arms and a kiss from a dribbly open mouth. Nothing brightens the soul more than hearing ‘wuv you too mummy’. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Being married with kids feels a far cry from when I was bedbound, unable to sit up and told there was no cure. I wondered if that truly was it for me. I was in my mid twenties, still living at home and although I had a boyfriend, when he proposed I couldn’t help but wonder ‘what could I offer?’ My now husband and family helped me see that it wasn’t what I did that mattered, but who I was.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Then when we took the leap of faith to start our family I worried how I could care for my kids when I needed so much help myself. With a good support network (husband and parents), I see once again that it’s not about all I do for my children but how much love, patience and happiness I show them. A childhood friend came round last month and as we talked she said she found it remarkable the closeness of the relationship I have with my children that she was able to see as she visited us. It was a lovely compliment to hear and one I remember if I ever start to feel guilty that I’m not the kind of mum I see on pinterest!</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I realise more and more the longer I have ME / chronic fatigue syndrome that I am much more than what I am able to do. My self worth comes from who I am as a person rather than what I accomplish. This kind of self worth can’t be shaken as easily as one based on outward accomplishments. This kind sustains me through being bedbound or housebound when a good day isn’t measured by any to do lists being checked off or physical goals accomplished, but rather mental victories of happiness over sadness, positivity over negativity, softness and calm over anger.<br />
<br />
<br />
Take a look at my website www.mecuperate.co.uk </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-42832065791286037552013-03-22T13:21:00.000+00:002013-03-22T13:21:27.783+00:006 Years of ME<br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
t’s not the sort of anniversary I should really be taking note of, but I’m reminded every year as the anniversary of the day I became ill falls around four family birthdays.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I started to feel ill at a Saturday night birthday party then attempted to go to work on the Monday but I couldn’t go more than 5 minutes before I knew I had to turn around. It was a steady decline of health from then. Six months on I was diagnosed with ME / chronic fatigue syndrome. He we are, 6 years later. The prognosis at the time looked grim, and maybe I’m not cured, but I have a husband and two wonderful boys to show for it.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
At the time I felt like my life had been taken away. Now I see, my life merely changed. Where ME / chronic fatigue syndrome takes away, it also gives.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
ME took away:</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
-Running, dancing, exercising, walking long distances.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
-My brain and ability to study, formulate what I want to say, think straight.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
-A head and body free from pain, aches, nausea, tingles.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
-Restful sleep.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
-Having fun (or doing anything) without paying for it with bad health after.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
ME gives me:</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
-Patience</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
-The chance to work out my problems and calm myself down without needing distractions.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
-The opportunity to find happiness from within, regardless of anything outside.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
-A lesson in putting myself and my health first to benefit my family and friends in the long run.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
-Knowledge of my body, it’s limitations and the ability to listen to it, know what’s good for it and how to manage it.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
-Time to spend with the people I love most and who love me.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
-People who have shown their true worth and love through selfless service, compassion, understanding and just being there even though I can’t give back.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
-The possibility to take leaps of faith and trust in my feelings.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
-A knowledge of a higher power that lightens my burdens when they get too hard and knows my needs.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
These lists aren’t extensive, there’s more to each of them. Yet it’s easy to see from looking at them the gifts I’ve been given through this experience are far more valuable than what has been taken away. I still have faith and a hope that I will get better, and I’ll be a better person because of this.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Take a look at my website www.mecuperate.co.uk </div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d3eef7; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 1.6em; orphans: 4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-9325487256715514452013-01-04T13:25:00.000+00:002013-01-04T13:25:01.327+00:00Reflecting on a year of learning.We went away to visit family just over Christmas. I enjoyed it for three reasons: 1) seeing and spending time with my family, 2) seeing my boys enjoy playing and spending time with their cousins and 3) having an excuse to clear my mind of the endless 'to do' lists and enjoy some free time.<br />
<br />
With it being New Year as well I was free to ponder on 2012 and everything we experienced and everything I had learned. 2012 was a big learning curve for me. It was filled with opportunities to learn some really valuable lessons. As I contemplated on those experiences I realised that I had a fresh start in 2013 to put what I had learned into practise. I have learned that our experiences on this earth, whether bad or good, are for our profit and learning. Everything is a lesson and if we choose to see it like that we will be greatly benefitted because of it. We will become better people, and we will be able to be happy regardless of our circumstances.<br />
<br />
I also realised that some of the things I have found really difficult have actually been blessings in disguise. For example, I have felt trapped by my baby needing me for sleep due to his acid reflux, but him needing me has forced me to rest when I wouldn't have. These rests have prevented a relapse in my health, which I know would have occurred as increase in my activity has caused me to suffer some setbacks which would have been worse if I wasn't having all this rest.<br />
<br />
So my one intangible goal for 2013 is to accept what I'm given. In the immortal words of Joseph B. Wirthlin 'come what may and love it.'Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-7783292892466532122012-12-03T22:16:00.000+00:002012-12-03T22:16:05.787+00:00Slowing down for ChristmasWebsite, blogs, school runs, Christmas preparations, trying new recipes, poorly kids, poorly parents ... It's getting a little bit much and boy, am I feeling it! I stumbled across this quote the other day and it was just what i needed:<br />
<div style="orphans: 2;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); orphans: 4;"><b>“The average woman today, I believe, would do well to appraise her interests, evaluate the activities in which she is engaged, and then take steps to simplify her life, putting things of first importance first, placing emphasis where the rewards will be greatest and most enduring, and ridding herself of the less rewarding activities.” Belle S. Spafford</b></span></div>
<div style="orphans: 2;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); orphans: 4;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="orphans: 2;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); orphans: 4;">I think we can all, healthy and sick alike, do with simplifying our lives a bit, especially around Christmas time. There's no need for hustle and bustle, we'll enjoy it much more if we step back and allow ourselves to soak in what's happening, rather than whizzing around getting this and that done and missing the joy and peace that abound when we think of the real reasons we are celebrating</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); orphans: 4;">. </span></div>
<div style="orphans: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="orphans: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="orphans: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="orphans: 4;">
Check out my website: <a href="http://www.mecuperate.co.uk/">www.mecuperate.co.uk</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-32571048985032371912012-11-11T20:47:00.001+00:002012-11-11T22:47:10.957+00:00Building palacesToday is remembrance day. I never fail to be touched and humbled during the couple of minutes we spend in silence remembering the fallen and sacrifice they made for our freedom. The older I get, the more this means to me. I feel truly grateful for the freedom they gave their lives for.<br />
<br />
Thinking of the horrors of war led me to think of the people i have heard of or spoken to this past year who seem to be going through the refiners fire. Some of their trials appear incomprehensible and my heart aches for them. At times I wondered was it really necessary?<br />
I'd been pondering the purpose of this life for a while. Then I stumbled on a friends wall post on Facebook and some inspired person had quoted this from CS Lewis:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0898438); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that these jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making court yards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself. </b></span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0898438); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div>
There it was, in words I could understand and make sense of. We are being made into palaces. Sometimes it feels as though we'd be content with a cottage if only the hard times would stop, but in those times we need to hold on to the picture of a palace and know we will get there!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My website : <a href="http://www.mecuperate.co.uk/">www.mecuperate.co.uk</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-88522218884469190082012-10-29T12:56:00.000+00:002012-11-01T21:39:46.295+00:00Accomplishing goals: a new website!A couple of posts ago I wrote about setting goals. I told you I would keep you posted on how they were going, and I'm pleased to announce I've accomplished one! Since I've suffered with ME I've had to rethink the idea of setting goals and very much had to follow Anne Shirley's advice in Anne of Green Gables. She says 'my future seemed to stretch out before me like a straight road... Now there is a bend in it. I don't know what lies around the bend, but I'm going to believe that the best does.' Whenever I set a physical goal I don't know if I'll be able to accomplish it. ME is known for putting bends in roads in the form of relapses, or dips in the condition. It's not easy to find beauty in these bends, but even though at times I don't want to believe it, I know that these bends do happen for a reason.<br />
So, with this in mind, I feel even more excited that I've been able to accomplish my goal of setting up a website to help those, like me, who suffer with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. I did start with the lofty idea of developing it myself, but that was too taxing for my brain fogged, mummy brain. Instead, knights in shining armour, called Netheads (<a href="http://www.net-heads.co.uk/">www.net-heads.co.uk</a>) , came to my rescue and helped my dreams come to life.<br />
<br />
My hope for my website is that it will provide an online community where people can find advice and support, a place to share recipes to help us eat the right foods to fuel our bodies, and a place we can feel inspired and share our talents. We've all got some talents or hobbies. Nowadays it might take us a lot longer to accomplish them than before, but I think it's so important to our self worth to keep on with them. There's also a forum for carers to find support too.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Please take a look at my site and join us: <a href="http://www.mecuperate.co.uk/">www.mecuperate.co.uk</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-82383191091342758192012-10-19T14:15:00.002+01:002012-11-11T22:48:30.536+00:00Preparing for the season.The nature of the beast with an ME blogger is only being able to write posts when the going is good. Now the cold weather is hitting I'm having to pool my energies into the most important tasks, which, as ever, are my two munchkins. Saving some for handsome man of course.<br />
<br />
I think this winter will be the test to see if I've really learnt anything this past year. The cold weather hits me like a ton of bricks and I'm not afraid to say that I hate it. My darling baby-turned-toddler is still intolerant, he still sleeps horrendously and he still suffers from reflux. In the summer weeks, when I felt at my best, it was easy to cope. However, I'm not going into this winter blind, like last year, so now when things seem too much, I know what to do to be able to cope.<br />
<br />
I need to ACCEPT that this is what I have to experience. I need to ASK for help when needed. I need to REMEMBER that the things that made me happy with less pain and fatigue, can still make me happy with more pain and fatigue. I need to TAKE IT EASY and cut back on the activity I increased in the warmer months. And most of all, I need to remember that GOD LOVES ME, it's easy to forget when things get a bit harder, but there's no better comfort than knowing that you've got one friend who's on your side!<br />
<br />
All that said, I still love winter time, I love the smell in the air, I love the crisp leaves under foot, I love snuggling under blankets, I love my birthday, Halloween, bonfire night and Christmas. Tis a great season ... If only it wasn't so cold!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My website: <a href="http://www.mecuperate.co.uk/">www.mecuperate.co.uk</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-37254557896535016852012-09-05T12:33:00.000+01:002012-09-05T12:33:46.119+01:00Setting goalsWe had a lovely road trip last week. As we travelled for miles with our kids asleep in the back I wondered how we had come from a screaming baby who couldn't eat anything, to a fully weaned toddler, who is mostly happy as long as we stick to the right foods. Without realising it our little baby is growing up and we are loving the boy he's turning out to be. Sometimes I moan about still having to feed him off to sleep, but when I think of all those months we had to vigorously pace the floor rocking him to sleep for hours, I think of how much easier it is now and am grateful!<br />
<br />
Our trip left us feeling rejuvenated and revigorated. We felt like coming home was a fresh start, a new beginning. It was the perfect time to set goals. There are a few things about my life that I'm not content with and want to change, and I'm a firm believer that we are masters of our own destinies. If you want to do something or be somebody you've got to put in the effort! I've made my list of the things I want to change/improve/accomplish and it's my job now to do it and keep motivated.<br />
<br />
Now motivation usually isn't a problem for me if I deem the task in hand important or I really want to do it. My problems arise when I come across a stumbling block and then I struggle to think of solutions. Fortunately, as much as we are masters of our own destinies and need to do the work, if we ask we can receive divine guidance. If we set worthy goals then we will be entitled to guidance to find the solutions we are looking for.<br />
<br />
Knowing this and putting it into practise I should be successful in my endeavours ... I'll keep you posted!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-5119866440446029882012-08-18T12:41:00.001+01:002012-08-18T12:41:29.578+01:00Waiting for the good thingsLast week I had my usual peruse on facebook and saw all the photos and status' of people going on holiday, watching the Olympics, having nights out. Not long after I found thoughts creeping in, slowly and subtly making me feel hard done by, trapped by my body and baby, and generally dissatisfied with life. I longed for a hot holiday, time to go out with my friends and husband without any kids, the ability to go on walks in the countryside... A bigger house on a quiet estate, a private chef, a cleaner. I think we all can empathise with the 'grass is greener' feeling.<br />
I'd been doing so well with coping with it all, that I wondered why I couldn't shake off these thoughts now. And then I saw a book that a good friend had dropped off previously, which I hadn't had chance to read. It's titled 'When your prayers seem unanswered' by S. Michael Wilcox. Whilst the boys napped for a couple of hours I read the whole book, it's not too long, and it put everything back in perspective. The author explains that the Lord comes in His time, He can see when we are ready. I definitely recommend the book. Through reading it I remembered that this life isn't all there is. Essentially, it's a test. We're here to learn and grow and become the people that we need to be to live HAPPILY and with JOY and PEACE where we will live with our loved ones FOREVER. A moments hardship for an eternity of happiness. Granted, it doesn't feel like a moment, but I need to remember it is. We need to endure and endure well and learn the lessons we've been asked to learn. It's possible to do this only if we really do believe that good things will come. And they will, an eternity of good things. Good things also happen in this life, help will come, hard times will pass. We will have become better people for having been through them ... If we choose to be.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-63058593253134978962012-08-04T13:46:00.000+01:002012-08-04T13:46:44.628+01:00Remaining happyAfter learning all I've learned over this past year I wondered why being happy still required effort. My little guy has had a few bad nights the last few weeks and these past few days have seen him be his grumpiest yet, just as we've trialled rice with him. It's easy to be happy when things are running smoothly but We are told that knowing what we know we should be a happy, joyful people in the midst of trials. .<br />
So, I went back to the scriptures, back to the conference talks and prayed for guidance as I tried to find the answers of how to be truly happy, not dependant on circumstances.<br />
I don't want you to think I'm really struggling. For the majority of the day I'm happy and smiling, but I still get easily upset when my son reacts to foods, or if my body makes life even more difficult that day. I shouldn't though, if I understand and apply the gospel properly.<br />
The first lesson I learned was to <b>be more GRATEFUL</b>. It's surprising how much you realise your blessed with when you take note of everything you've been grateful for that day. This is a practise I highly recommend, if you want proof you're not doing this alone.<br />
Secondly, ultimately the <b>Lord knows best</b>. He knows what will get you back to Him, so trust Him. When prayers are seemingly unanswered, believe there is a better reason for why.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-57745581097480747382012-07-18T07:44:00.000+01:002012-07-18T07:44:02.403+01:00Keeping the faithI was asked to give a talk last Sunday, I said yes, but i really wanted to say no. Public speaking is definitely not in my comfort zone! Then you've got all the CFS worries - can I stand there for that length of time with all those nerves? How much pain am I going to feel after it? <br />
I did it though, I had to, the subject was faith in adversity and that is what I have been trying to learn for this past year. Everything I said in my talk is what I've had to learn, the hard way, but it's true and it works. <br />
So, here it is, my talk and the culmination of everything I've learned (and still learning) this past year. <br />
<br />
Some challenges we face hit us hard and the burdens seem too heavy to bear. At times like this it can seem like we pray but feel no guidance or comfort and it can lead us to wonder where God is. The prophet Joseph smith had spent several dark months in liberty jail when In D&C 121 we read that he prayed 'O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?' <br />
The Lord gave Joseph a response that we can all apply in our lives <br />
"My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;<br />
"And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high." <br />
In our worldly time frames our afflictions don't seem like a small moment, some feel like they will last forever, but God has promised us they will end. The hard part is holding on to our faith in God and in his promises, when in the midst of trials. <br />
<br />
Accepting the challenge is a huge component in helping us to get through it. There is no benefit that comes through getting angry with your situation or wallowing in despair. These serve only to make the tough times harder and yourself and your family more miserable. When we agreed and even rejoiced to come down to earth we knew that it was a time of testing, and that we would go through good times and bad times. Accept the bad times for what they are - Opportunities to learn the traits that will keep us strong in our times of trial. These are the traits that will enable us to live in peace, joy and harmony in the next life. Henry B Eyring said 'the disciple who accepts a trial as an invitation to grow and therefore qualify for eternal life can find peace in the midst of the struggle'. If we accept these opportunities for growth, our challenges can refine us into being the best people we can be. <br />
<br />
Once we have accepted that this is our life for the moment we can humble ourselves and open our hearts to the Spirit. Richard G Scott says 'yielding to emotions such as anger or hurt or defensiveness will drive away the Holy Ghost...' we need to go to the Lord in prayer humbly, quietly, so that His spirit can speak to us and we can feel it.' More often than not, the Spirit whispers to our hearts, or speaks peace to our souls. We need to free ourselves of the negative emotions that might hinder us from feeling these promptings and humbly pray for the guidance to help us through these hard times. <br />
Our prayers will be answered. <br />
When the Saviour atoned for us, he did not just atone for our sins, he also went through our sicknesses and our sorrows. In alma 7:11-12 it says 'And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.<br />
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.' He KNOWS how to succor us and He will if we ask Him. <br />
We need to give up our pains and sorrows and hand them over to the Lord. As the psalm says "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee" . In turn, going through these experiences will enable us to help others when they go through their own trials. And serving others not only strengthens them but ourselves too, as president eyring states 'It is serving God and others persistently with full heart and soul that turns testimony of truth into unbreakable spiritual strength.'<br />
<br />
During the times when our faith and morale are low and we struggle to put one foot in front of the other, it is essential that we persevere in our prayers, our scripture study, partaking of the sacrament, attending the temple and other commandments. By keeping the commandments we uphold our end of the covenants we have made with God and therefore, He is bound to bless us, as elder d Todd christoferson explains ' In these divine agreements, God binds Himself to sustain, sanctify, and exalt us.'' <br />
<br />
A friend sent me a link to a talk recently by Joseph B Wirthlin called 'come what may and love it'. This sentence changed my attitude and helped me put my circumstances into perspective. Elder Wirthlin suggested "The next time you're tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable". My husband is great at applying this principle and I can't remember a day I've not laughed despite feeling my burdens were too heavy to bear at times. Richard G Scott explains that A good sense of humour is an escape valve for the pressures of life and can help revelation. Both are things we need in order to remain faithful in adversity. <br />
<br />
Most importantly, in order to keep the faith, we need to endure to the end. We won't be perfect in applying these principles and remaining strong throughout our trials. That's ok, we just need to pick ourselves up and try again. It will feel hard to do, but each time we do it will feel easier. Elder Robert d hales testified that if we are obedient and diligent in doing what the Lord asks 'then our prayers will be answered, our problems will diminish, our fears will dissipate, light will come upon us, the darkness of despair will be dispersed, and we will be close to the Lord and feel of His love and of the comfort of the Holy Ghost.'<br />
What a comfort this is. <br />
<br />
Never forget that God is there for you, He has not abandoned you. President Eyring says 'Because you are so valuable, some of your trials may be severe. You need never be discouraged or afraid. The way through difficulties has always been prepared for you, and you will find it if you exercise faith.' It requires faith and courage to start each day afresh and try again, but we can and we must. These times will not last forever, and Joseph B Wirthlin reminds us that 'The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.' Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-79084696569144876002012-06-28T21:51:00.001+01:002012-06-28T21:56:33.239+01:00Coping with ME/CFS: 6 tips that help meI've heard of three people this week who have been diagnosed with M.E and spoke to another who has it. It's so sad how common this debilitating condition is. I can't cook them meals, or clean their houses like I would like to do to help them. But what I can do is share what I find has helped me manage this condition and have some sort of life. They are not cures (I believe I can be cured, but what cures one might not work for another, plus it takes time and money - time we've all got, money is a different story)but ways of coping. <br />
<br />
1) PACING - I was so annoyed with the NHS for what I thought was 'fobbing me off' when they told me how to pace myself and said that I'd finished the treatment. Is that it? I thought. However, I firmly believe this technique is what has kept me from regressing. The level of the activity that you pace is dependant on your energy levels. The idea is to only do half of what you think you can do, and to make sure you rest afterwards. I know how frustrating it can be when you can't accomplish a task in one sitting anymore, but pacing yourself prevents those awful consequences that come every time you burn all the energy you have. <br />
<br />
2) TEST YOUR LIMITS - this sounds Like an oxymoron after the first point, but I do think it's important on some occasions to push yourself a little to see if you have made any improvements. If you don't try you'll never know. <br />
<br />
3) KEEP CALM - its not just physical activity that bring on my symptoms, they also worsen when I feel stressed or angry or upset. So, as hard as it can be sometimes I count to ten, take a deep breath and calm myself. <br />
<br />
4) EAT HEALTHILY - there are specific restrictive diets that I have found work, but they are pretty hard to stick to. For the purpose of this post, I'm talking about eating your five a day, cutting down on refined foods and most importantly of all - REDUCE YOUR SUGAR intake. The crashes after a sugar fix are not what your chronic fatigued body needs. <br />
<br />
5) PROPER REST - I mean putting down your book, switching off your tv and closing your eyes, taking deep breaths and clearing your mind. If you can't switch off, then change your thoughts, remember what it was like to feel well. Remind your brain and your body how it feels to be well. Let yourself rejuvenate and repair.<br />
<br />
6) SAY NO AND ACCEPT HELP - everyone I've spoken to who suffers with ME/CFS used to be active, focused, busy people. The kind of people who do the helping, yet now we are the ones that need help. Saying no or accepting help does not come easy to us, but it is so essential. It's also essential to ASK for help too. 4 years on and I'm still learning how to do these things! <br />
<br />
This list isn't exhaustive, I'm sure there's things that I've missed, but these are the important ones for me. Feel free to add your comment on what has helped you :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-39752094819281719962012-06-09T22:06:00.000+01:002012-06-09T22:06:30.919+01:00Healing through the AtonementI've been a tad neglectful of my blog lately. There's plenty I could have written, but nothing seemed right. This past month has been a time of reflection and relearning. As I handed my trials over to the Lord I was advised to study the Saviour and in particular his Atonement. By doing this I have learned, and am still very much learning, the role that the Atonement plays in helping me through the illnesses of myself and my baby. <br />
<br />
Alma 7:11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.<br />
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.<br />
<br />
Christ knows exactly what my baby is going through and what I am going through because He has experienced it through the Atonement. He bore my pains and sicknesses. Throughout this period I have felt guided and I know that where we are lacking in medical help we are getting heavenly help. It's up to me now to follow that guidance. I do all I can for my baby, and I know that The Lord is doing the rest to heal him. I need to heed the promptings and get myself better. Diet plays a big part and I've been prompted more and more to eat healthier, not just for me but for my family. I've been ignoring the promptings, but the more I study the gospel the stronger the promptings are becoming. <br />
It's been relieving to hand my worries over and I believe if I follow the promptings that I receive we will return to health. As it says in Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-71261400309159274582012-05-12T08:51:00.001+01:002012-05-12T08:51:20.876+01:00An insight into ME recoveryToday is ME awareness day and as a blogger with ME I feel an obligation to blog today. I feel I'm in a fortunate place as I'm on the slow road to recovery from being bed bound. However, I want to explain why even when things start to get better recovery brings its own challenges. <br />
A few weeks back I was asked if I felt like I still had ME or if I was just a tired mum now. The question took me back a bit and I didn't know how to answer. I didn't give a good answer back, I never can. I get so muddled when I speak sometimes that I end up saying everything because I can't think of the right words. I could understand why he asked the question, on the outside I must look like a tired mum. What people don't know is that to look that way I am pushing through the pain and the heaviness and the nausea till I can get the boys down for their nap and down to bed. Nap time is an essential part of my day to enable me to function till the kids go to bed. <br />
When you look ok on the outside and can do some things, it's easy for people to place expectations on you. 'if you can do that then why can't you do this?' The answer? Because I have a certain level of energy to use throughout the day. I have to prioritise what I spend that energy on. Some days I get my priorities right, sometimes I don't, but if I've not done something it's because I've not had the energy to do it. I'm not lazy. I've given up feeling guilty over how I spend my energy, except for when it comes to my boys. <br />
Because I only have a certain amount of energy to spend a rarely have a day where my life doesn't feel like chaos. The house gets trashed by my lovely kids, housework is a never ending job, food always needs to be prepared. I'm lucky in that I have a good support network and a hard working husband otherwise the house would fall into utter ruin. I try to do some housework, but as my husband says, what takes him 5 mins can take me 3 hours. <br />
Sometimes, I get bored of living my life in the house and I want to go out. I can do the odd trip out now, I can handle bits of walking. But these days don't come without their punishment. A trip out now means I will pay the price in increased nausea, pain, stiffness and heaviness for the next week. And on some rare occasions I have pushed myself so much that my energy levels haven't recovered to what they were before, because, with children it's impossible to rest sufficiently. <br />
Being partly well brings more responsibility which means I have more to remember. What this actually means is that I have more to forget. No amount of lists or alarms are enough to help me remember. I can forget I heard an alarm one minute after hearing it.<br />
<br />
I'm grateful I've been fortunate enough to make some recovery though. For three years I was unable to sit up without feeling pain, dizziness, nausea. I've come a long way since then, and for that, I am truly thankful!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-54657471322104365272012-04-26T20:20:00.001+01:002012-04-26T20:20:33.511+01:00Bad foodaholicI really love bad food. By bad food I mean the food that tastes the best and requires little to no effort to prepare and I particularly love the sweet bad food. The problem I have is that I believe it is bad food. I believe we are what we eat and that these kinds of food are bad for my mental and physical health. And so I face an inner battle between loving these foods, but knowing they are not good for me. I don't think these foods are bad for an occasional treat if you are well and healthy, but we are far from well and healthy. <br />
I just can't get the motivation or will power to eat as well as I should. I stick to a restricted diet because if I didn't I would cause my son pain, but apart from withholding the foods he's intolerant to I eat pretty badly. <br />
I have been pondering over why I find it so hard to eat as healthy as I need to, despite believing absolutely that it's right. It's come down to these reasons:<br />
1) My mind set. Right now I look on a healthy diet as restrictive and I long for the day I can eat cake, pizza, chocolate and burgers again. If we were healthy now I would eat these things everyday, my mindset is still the same as it ever has been.<br />
2) The effort. Eating healthily requires forward planning, researching, lots of preparation and practise in making all these completely new dishes. I have barely enough energy to look after myself and the two boys, let alone planning and preparing meals that I know nothing about. <br />
Which leads me onto the final reason <br />
3) Lack of knowledge. I have no idea about what foods do and what they are good for. There is so much to learn about each food that I have found through my research for baby, and the hours I have spent has shown me that there is far too much for my poor baby/CFS brain to take in. <br />
<br />
I have eaten some lovely healthy foods, I have been shown that it can be easy if you know how, I have even been given a kick start. However, in order for me to be successful then all three reasons need to be changed. I'm hoping that recognising my failings will enable me to know what I'm working with to make the necessary changes.<br />
Why oh why does bad food have to taste so good!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-70592735085184167272012-04-18T09:50:00.001+01:002012-04-18T09:50:18.245+01:00Trials: time to give it upI'm on a journey to get my baby better. I'm following a path, except I can't see which way to go, I'm being guided. Some parts of my journey have been straight forward and I've been able to see clearly the route I was to take. Other parts have been like shortcuts that have been rough to go through, but enabled me to go the right way more quickly than another route. <br />
Now I find myself stuck, as if I've encountered dense fog that blocks my vision. I know I'm on the right path, but I don't know what to do next. <br />
I misinterpreted this as silence, but after a conversation with my wise sister yesterday I now recognise that i need to wait. I have to carry on doing what I know to be right with my baby ... And then wait. <br />
I don't know what I'm waiting for, but I don't need to know. I just need to know that this the right thing to do. <br />
<br />
As you could probably guess from my last post I had reached a point where I can go no further. There was nothing else I could do. I saw my Perrin practitioner (for my health). Whilst she gave me a much needed massage I poured out my worries and cried all my tears out, she told me that I had to 'give it up'. Don't do any more research, and focus that attention on myself. She also recommended a nutritionist who specialises in these conditions and said I should let someone who knows take over. It all made a lot of sense to me, yet I didn't feel excited as I usually do when I think I've found a solution. I mulled over it for a day or so, and couldn't fathom why I didn't feel anything. I still don't know why. I don't feel like this is the next step for us, although I would love to 'give it up' to someone who knows. <br />
<br />
I am going to 'give it up' though. I'm going to stop researching and trying to find solutions, for now. I'm going to carry on the low allergen diet for myself and baby. I'm going to continue giving him a low dose of omeprazole. I shall continue to ease his pain and help him sleep in anyway that is possible. But I will no longer spend hours researching and stressing about what I can do. I will wait to see what my next step is. I will 'give it up' to someone who knows .. The Lord.<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768678561052560477.post-31873846076299220762012-04-13T09:53:00.000+01:002012-04-13T09:53:27.788+01:00Struggling to put the puzzle together.You know what? I'm tired! I'm tired of having to do this by myself. I'm tired of spending my waking hours trying to work out how to ease my baby's pain. I'm tired of eating a restricted diet for it not to solve all the problem. I'm tired of endless trips to medical appointments and me having to tell them what the next step is. I want someone to tell me what the problem is and how I can help him. I'm tired of trying to give him a milk that tastes like poo. I don't blame him for not wanting it. I'm tired of the relentless sleepless nights. I'm tired. <br />
I want to give up. I want to say 'I've done my best, I've tried, I'm stuck now.'<br />
<br />
But I can't. If I don't, who will? We've got to be nearly there. We've figured out he has allergies/intolerances. What's the last piece to the puzzle?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03566660359682513818noreply@blogger.com0