Topic for August :
Tell us about a time when you felt brave, strong, or smart. What were the circumstances that led you to that moment? Who helped you get there?
Living a life with ME/CFS or Fibromyalgia is one full of challenges. But as a wise Christopher Robin once told Winnie the Pooh, “Always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” At the Bateman Horne Center it is YOU, the patient, that inspires and motivates us every day. You influence our care, inform our research, and inspire us to do all that we do to the best of our ability. We want to celebrate and share your brave, strong and smart moments.
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In the ME/CFS and FM community, there is far too much misunderstanding, dismissive attitude, and suffering. Yet through it all, we see patients doing amazing, smart and inspiring things each and every day. We want to focus on your stories of bravery, strength and intelligence. It can be hard to share about a moment when you accepted the greatness in you, but we challenge you to stop and think about time you pressed into the best of you, despite your illness, and let your awesomeness shine!
It can be as simple as a song you chose to listen to, that lifted your spirit and gave you strength to make it through another day. Or as complex as a time you said yes to participating in a research project to further progress. A fundraising effort you participated in, a time you spoke publicly about your disease, making the decision to go ahead and start a family, or a moment when you helped someone else understand what it’s like to face a life with ME/CFS or FM. Whatever the moment, it’s yours! Celebrate it!
Perhaps you want to write a short story, submit a poem, or send a blog post? Or maybe you have artwork, photography or a piece of music that reminds you of this? The Patient Voice is about lifting your voice a little higher and sharing your inspiring message, so be creative.
Send your submission to [email protected]
Find details on making a submission HERE
Lucinda Bateman, MD, is a renowned clinician, researcher, and educator. Her Johns Hopkins University Medical School training instilled an approach to care that she has employed throughout her career – the patient comes first and the unknown or unexplained does not equate to a lack of proper and compassionate care. Since starting her own practice in 2000, she has served on six boards or committees, been the principal investigator for 45 studies, authored/coauthored 40 journal articles, served as adjunct instructor and adjunct assistant professor in the University of Utah Departments of Preventative Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Anesthesiology, and lectured around the world.