"Better Because of M.E." (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) Despite decades of sickness, I’m still me. I’m still of worth; better because of M.E. More loving, empathetic, patient and kind In spite of “losing” some of my mind. Stuck at home but not in the mud, I “get back up”...
Awareness Day
“Don’t Irritate the Invisible Beast!”
**Trigger Warning: Chronic Illness** "Don't Irritate the Invisible Beast!" Morning birds awake my unrefreshed insomnia ladened eyes as another day has begun. A glimmer of hope flashes through my mind, what if today the Invisible Beast has left my body; will I...
Share Expression of Hope for Awareness Day
Share Your Message of Hope It’s time to start preparing for ME/CFS and FM Awareness Day! We are holding the 3rd annual Messages of Hope virtual event on May 11th, one day early this year because Dr. Bateman is speaking about ME/CFS at the Long COVID and Fatiguing...
To a Loved One of Someone with a Chronic Illness
To a loved one of someone with a chronic illness: The intention behind this letter is to share the importance of believing and validating your loved one with chronic illness. This may seem simple, and perhaps even obvious, but the power behind these actions can be...
Insights Into My Chronic Illness
Introduction It is hard to know how to support others when their health becomes compromised. It can leave you feeling powerless and unsure of what to do. It is even harder when your loved one is afflicted by an “invisible illness.” An illness where there isn’t a cast...
To the ME/CFS & FM Community
My name is Lisa O’Brien, and I am a COVID Long Hauler and the founder of the Utah COVID-19 Long Haulers group, a group I started almost a year ago when no one would take me seriously after being sick for several months. I knew there would be others in my community who...
The Crushing Aftermath of COVID-19
Being a Long COVID Warrior myself, I wanted to tell my story as well as millions around the world who have never felt well after contracting COVID-19. Many are being diagnosed with ME/CFS, dysautonomia, fibromyalgia and other post-viral illnesses. The weight we feel...
Courage
It takes courage to live with a chronic illness. It takes courage to be a prisoner in your own body. It takes courage to know that what you have isn't a cold or flu that has an expiration date. It takes courage to go to sleep at night knowing this nightmare won't end...
Some Days Fibromyalgia Feels Like
Some days fibromyalgia feels like “Mom.” Can I be your mom today? My mind screams out in dismay Headaches, fatigue, and pain take me away My body pulls me down day after day I struggle to be present when you play To help with your school on the display I want to be...
Share Message of Hope for Awareness Day & #MillionsMissing
Share Your Message of Hope It’s time to start preparing for ME/CFS and FM Awareness Day! This will be our 2nd annual Messages of Hope virtual event. There will be a line-up of speakers (announced soon), a poetry reading, release of Believing Your Patient and Believing...