Today’s Crash (Day 1139): “Owed” to Long Covid ME/CFS
Upon awaking– body gently spinning, vibrating,
Breathing shallow, heart racing,
Limbs so heavy, thoughts so slow
Another day gone before you know
Calm acceptance, mixed with grief,
Fighting offers no relief.
Migraine sparking, light will sear,
Reaching for water and food kept near.
Eyes tight shut against the sun,
Another day lost before it’s begun
Trapped in the dark, alone, in pain,
I turn to memories once again
Wind on my face, sun dappled heat
Earthy smells of pine and peat
Insects buzzing, twigs cracking;
All the things life now is lacking
Living shadows, left bedridden,
Too ill to fight, too easily hidden
The world moves on, pretends not to see,
The ravages wrought by M.E.
Missing workers? Not a clue.
Covid? Nah, it’s just the flu.
We need help from those around
Who can stand and fight and hold the ground
Demand support, find treatments AT SPEED
Above all else it’s what we need
This illness can strike anyone,
Yes, even if you’re healthy and young!
And how to avoid this fate, you ask?
Don’t get sick– clean the air, and WEAR A MASK*!
*N95 equivalent or better
–Anonymous, age 33
This poem was submitted as part of the Reflections of ME/CFS and FM and Long COVID Awareness Day Virtual Event on May 9th, 2023.
#MillionsMissing #MillionsMore #Hope4MECFS #Hope4FM #Hope4LongCOVID

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.