I have to admit, talking about CFS is something I do not enjoy. I don't want to be defined by an illness, but feel compelled to write in support of ME/CFS Awareness Day. Here goes ...
Before 2005 I was an energetic, physically active woman. I worked hard and long hours. With 2 children already, we had a baby when I turned 40 and I returned to school part time. I was always taking on projects at our church and our children’s functions.
I took care of everyone except me.
My life now is so different. My family and I have changed our lives drastically. Not only am I unable to work a job that I love, I no longer volunteer or go to school. Any activity will put me in bed for days with exhausting fatigue. And, many days I can’t even get out of bed. I have drastically reduced my activity as a means of coping with this illness.
That is what Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is all about. And that is what over 800,000 American's suffer with each day.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is real. It's a debilitating illness. It changes lives.
Support ME/CFS Day on May 12, 2008.
And thanks to my husband, kids, siblings, and of course, my parents for supporting me! I'm one of the lucky ones!
Monica
This article was written by Monica at 8:27 PM
Your baskets are beautiful! I will put you in my favorites, and show your work to my friends.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your blog, it will get easier to do as you go along. :)
ParadiseMoon
lovely baskets! I'm sorry to hear about your CFS, glad to see it hasn't kept you from creating them! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're off to a good start. My main problem has been thinking of something interesting to write about each day. For a while I just went away and didn't post anything, I'm going to try harder from now on.
ReplyDelete:-)
I noticed on your Etsy profile your birthday is Sept 5 - that's mine, too!
Hang in there Annabelle and get well for you and those who love you! Your baskets are BEAUTIFUL! Stay strong...everthing always works out the way it should!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your CFS!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to blogging! It gets easier and can be a lot of fun!
Thanks for posting about CFS. It was very informational.
ReplyDeleteYour handmade products are original and beautiful. I'm so glad you are able to do creative work. What a difference it makes when all other means of being productive have been taken away.
ReplyDeleteI'll add your blog to my RSS reader so as not to miss a post.
Julian's wife Tess here (I handle all his Etsy stuff). I can definitely relate. I have fibromyalgia among several other health issues, so I know what that kind of fatigue is like :( I just cling to the good days and try to do whatever I can on the bad days.
ReplyDeleteYears ago I watched an English movie about CFS...I think it was called The Gift. It was about a woman suffering from unexplained symptoms and the mis-diagnosis she received. Heart wrenching.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear your family is supportive.
First time for me to learn about this. Glad you have a supportive family and are still able to make your beautiful baskets.
ReplyDeleteThanks for blogging about CFS. I think it kind of you to tell us..we are having trouble with a granddaughter and Ataxia..trying to find the cause..very frightening. Out
ReplyDeleteof nowhere these things are coming.
Your work is just beautiful..
Gorgeous work. Off to visit your shop.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work!
ReplyDeleteAnd kudos for participating in awareness day. We need more people to understand these illnesses for what they truly are...first and foremost, REAL. Good work! Now go rest! =)
Best of luck to you! xo - La Vida Vintage
ReplyDeleteYour baskets are beautiful! Thank you for blogging about CFS. I feel for you. I have Fibro, my doc believes it is the same disease as CFS, just manifests itself differently. I have been on the guaifenesin protocol for 2 years and have seen amazing improvement. It helps both Fibro and CFS. If interested you can find info here... http://www.fibromyalgiatreatment.com/GuaiProtocol.htm
ReplyDeleteOr send me an email.
Toni
WildDogStudio.etsy.com
Thank you for sharing such a personal thing.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the CFS. I'm under the impression it can get better with (naturapathic)treatment, but that it is a long, slow process.
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes