Why You Should Believe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is Real

Posted by Jess on May 12, 2013 in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Featured Slider | 5 comments

The age 21 was the peak of my life.  Well, at least the peak of my energetic life.  I was in the top of my class at a highly competitive design program I’d been preparing to get into since I began high school.  I lived independently, had an active social life, taught a college course, and ran marathons.  I even moved to the slums of Argentina for a year to serve the poor.

When I think of the ‘me’ I was at the beginning of that year, I hardly recognize her.  I think of the stories like they were of some other person who I hardly knew; my life is so different now I can hardly comprehend a comparison.  

3 Mistakes Everyone Makes While Talking to Someone With a Chronic Illness

Posted by Jess on May 11, 2013 in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Featured Slider | 0 comments

Often when I mention I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the response I get is an awkward silence.  It’s a response I understand very well- I got sick at age 21 and had my fair share of awkwardly silent moments from the healthy side of the conversation.  I mean, what do you say when someone tells you he has a chronic, life altering illness?!

The fact is, there is no perfect response.  Your reaction depends entirely on the situation- Who is the patient?  Are you having a peaceful conversation in his living room or a casual chat at a party?  Is she a new acquaintance or a long time friend?

While I can’t give you a perfect equation to follow, I can suggest one simple tip.  

Finally, The Total Truth About Life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Posted by Jess on May 10, 2013 in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Featured Slider | 0 comments

Ok, it’s actually 30 Questions, but that just didn’t have the same ring to it for the title .

I’ve been sick for 7 1/2 years and yet, most the people close to me don’t even understand the true extent of my illness.  It’s an interesting situation to be in.  On the one hand, I would love for them to understand exactly what I’m going through.  But on the other hand, Chronic Fatigue affects every second of every day for me- if I were to express my feelings every time I felt sick I’d be the most annoying person in the whole world!

I’ve thought a lot about how much of my illness I want those outside my home to see. The amount of disclosure of symptoms is a personal choice.  I personally choose to focus on living, not limitations.  I hate when anyone but Doug sees me at my lowest.  In a weird way it’s embarrassing, like if you took my journal and read my deepest, most personal thoughts aloud to a room full of people.  I’ll do anything so you don’t see me when I hurt so bad there are tears in my eyes or when I need help just to get to the bathroom.  Keeping that pain private is something that makes my life more livable, but it also frustrates many of my family members and friends who want to know all that’s going on.

Today I’ve filled out this questionnaire for them.  Hopefully it will give a better glimpse into the limitations I don’t enjoy discussing!

CFS Awareness: Free Pattern!

Posted by Jess on May 9, 2013 in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Featured Slider, Patterns | 0 comments

I had to get a least one pattern in here somewhere

How To Understand CFS Crashes in 5 Minutes or Less

Posted by Jess on May 9, 2013 in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Featured Slider | 2 comments

If you have a friend with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome you’ve, no doubt, heard about how she’ll crash after an eventful day.  But hearing about such a thing and understanding it are two very different things.  What amount of activity is ok and what isn’t?  Does she crash all the time or only every once in a while?  How can you make sure that you aren’t the cause of one of her crashes?

40 Ways to Help Someone with a Chronic Illness

Posted by Jess on May 8, 2013 in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Featured Slider | 0 comments

Since I’ve become chronically ill I’ve had a lot of people ask if there is anything they can do.  It’s a hard question to answer!  There certainly are a lot of day to day activities that would be easier with a bit of healthy help.  But to be honest, for me when it comes to friends and family who live outside my home, the thing I want most is for them to stick by me.  I know it’s an awkward situation and you’re worried you’ll say something stupid.  I get it.  To be honest, the most supportive people are ones who say stupid stuff all the time! I love them because they stuck around long enough to say anything at all.  Most people tend to drop off the face of my planet as soon as they hear the words ‘Chronic Illness’.

So, there you have it.  I’d say the most important thing to do for a chronically ill friend is to stick with her.  She is in for a crazy ride; make sure she knows you plan on taking the seat right next to hers.   If you feel awkward, or don’t know what to say, that’s ok!   Here are some ideas to help you stick by your sick friend whether she be far or near.

Believe it or not, People with Chronic Fatigue Probably Aren’t Faking it.

Posted by Jess on May 8, 2013 in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Featured Slider | 0 comments

If you’re so sick, why are you here?

It’s a question that hardly anyone has the guts to come out and ask me, but one that is definitely on their minds whenever they see me out and about.  I’ve got to admit, it’s a valid question.  I certainly don’t blame them for wondering.