Health | Chronically Hopeful

Category: Health

ME Warrior living with ME since the age of 18. Brittany Lachapelle shares her story. Photo of Brittany lying in hospital wearing a hospital gown.

ME Warrior Of The Week: Brittany, Living With M.E. Since She Was 18 Years Old

I'm Brittany. I have suffered with ME since September 2013. It started 2 weeks before my 19th birthday. I was a University student studying psychology ... Continue

Why I don't go to emergency room for ME CFS flares BLOG

Why I don’t go to A&E when my ME/CFS flares

I often see people with ME/CFS writing about how they have spent hours in the emergency room only to be completely disappointed, misunderstood or even ... Continue

Man holding his head in his hands. Title Reads, Where to get help when you feel like giving up. Helplines & Prayer Partners available 24/7 Worldwide.

Do You Feel Like Giving Up? Where To Get Help When You Can’t Cope

In the chronic illness community, I have found some of the strongest people you will ever come across. They are warriors who fight many battles ... Continue

Nicole sitting on a sofa, leaning her head on her hand, smiling. Title reads Faith through Generalised anxiety disorder, interview with Nicole Starbuck, by Chronically Hopeful

Nicole Starbuck on Faith Through Illness

Welcome to the first interview in a new series called Faith Through Illness. I hope you will find these stories to be encouraging and a ... Continue

A man sleeping next to his dog. Title reads 12 tips to help you adjust to your new normal. Are you struggling to adjust after your ME / CFS diagnosis?

12 Tips To Help You Adjust After An ME, CFS Or PVFS Diagnosis

I am regularly contacted by people who have recently been diagnosed with Post Viral Fatigue or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. They are often scared, worried and ... Continue

Believe in yourself

When living with a chronic illness, whether it’s a physiological or psychological condition, it is common to start doubting yourself. Your confidence dwindles as you ... Continue

A girl sitting on her bed holding a cup of tea, resting her head on her knees. Title reads, I'm okay, seriously. How can I be physically disabled and not depressed? By Chronically hopeful

How Can I Be Physically Disabled And Not Depressed?

I'd like to speak about my own mental health. I feel like some people misunderstand my condition, so I wanted to address the matter directly. ... Continue

Life is like a twisting roller-coaster ride

It’s easy to get caught up in all the negatives that happen in life. Things don’t go your way, you fall ill, you lose people ... Continue

Nicole wearing a black top and silver necklace. TItle reads: Celebrating life despite bipolar, anxiety and panic disorders. Interview with Nicole Neer

Celebrating Life Despite Bipolar Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder – A Day In The Life Of Nicole

This week I'm sharing Nicole's story. This incredible warrior lives with multiple chronic illnesses including Bipolar Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder as well as ... Continue

Chronically ill being stalked and denied benefits

On this day last year something very wrong and so unfair came to my attention: People with disabilities, who are deemed unfit for work by ... Continue

ME/CFS flares: what do they feel like and how to cope

People with ME all suffer at varying degrees, we cannot compare our flares to somebody else’s. What one considers an ME/CFS flare another considers just ... Continue

Gina wearing a yellow jumper, smiling. Title reads Eat To Heal IBS, interview with Gina Caro, by Chronically Hopeful

Eating To Heal IBS, Interview With Gina Caro

Since falling ill with severe chronic illness, I have discovered that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to managing chronic conditions, especially in regards ... Continue

Isolation, where have all my friends gone BLOG

Isolation: where did all my friends go?

Sometimes it’s hard to accept that when you’re living with a chronic illness, people fall away, but it is something that commonly happens after a ... Continue

Jennifer has dark, bob cut hair, she is wearing a stripy, sleeveless top, smiling. Title reads Faith Through Hemiplegic Migraine, Interview with Jennifer Cannon, by Chronically Hopeful

Jennifer Cannon on Faith Through Illness: Hemiplegic Migraine

Welcome to the second interview on Faith Through Illness. In this series we will meet a variety of Christians from around the world, people who ... Continue

Title reads Join The MEcfs Community, Social group for ME & CFS patients and carers. Photo of blue forget-me-notspin by Chronically Hopeful

A Community for ME/CFS Bloggers and Patients

When I was first diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I felt lost. It's a condition I had never heard of before and my doctor didn't ... Continue

Close up of herbs on a windowsill. Title reads: Enjoying nature while stuck indoors. Bring the beauty of nature to your room

Enjoying Nature When You’re Housebound With Chronic Illness

Living with a chronic illness like ME/CFS often means that you are housebound and unable to enjoy the outdoor activities you once loved. You might ... Continue

Christmas lights and baubles in some branches. Title reads: How I survived Christmas despite Severe M.E. My tips for coping during the festive season

How I Survived Christmas Despite Chronic Illness – How To Cope During The Festive Season

One thing that can really cause a lot of stress for people with Chronic illness is coping with Christmas and all that it entails. For ... Continue

Brenna is wearing a black top, she has long curly brown hair and is looking to the side. on the right the title reads A day in my life with POTS, MCAD, Gastro Paresis and More. Interview with Brenna by Chronically Hopeful

Living With POTS, Gastroparesis, MCAD And More – A Day In The Life Of Brenna

Today I am excited to share Brenna's chronic illness story with you. She is a creative warrior who has been battling a multitude of chronic ... Continue

In a dark room a hand is held up to block the light that is shining in. Title reads, Photophobia in ME and CFS. 20 Patients share their experience.

Photophobia: 6 Ways To Cope With Light Sensitivity

Have you ever experienced that moment of intense pain in your eyes and head when you've opened the curtains on a bright and sunny day? ... Continue

A pile of boxes stacked up next to a radiator. Title reads Moving to a new house, plus 12 tips to make moving easier

Moving To A New House – Plus 12 Ways To Make Moving Easier If You’re Chronically Ill

This summer was a season of great change for our family. After little more than a year in our flat, my dad had found us ... Continue

How I overcome insomnia

When I first got ME/CFS, I was so utterly exhausted, I slept many hours a day and I slept at night too. Later I was ... Continue

A wheelchair parked outside in a field, a woman standing up in front of it. TItle reads: When somebody in a wheelchair gets up and walks. Why do people use wheelchairs if they can walk?

Have You Ever Seen Somebody In A Wheelchair Get Up And Walk?

Have you ever been out in town and seen somebody who looks perfectly healthy get out of a car they had just parked in the ... Continue

Book cover on the left features a diamond shaped mountain with title He's making Diamonds by Sarah Willoughby above. The Title and author name appear in text on the right.

Book Review: He’s Making Diamonds

Geared towards teens suffering with chronic illness, this book aims to answer some of those tough questions believers often find themselves asking when things seem ... Continue

Tracy wearing glasses, smiling at the camera. Title reads Faith Through Degenerative disc and joint disease, Interview with Tracy Cooper, by Chronically Hopeful

Tracy Cooper on Faith Through Illness: Degenerative Disc And Joint Disease

Welcome to another guest interview in our Faith Through Illness series. In each interview we will meet a new warrior who'll share their faith journey ... Continue

Photo of hundreds of empty pairs of shoes in a town square representing th millions of ME/cfs patients missing from society. Title reads, How you can help the Millions Missing, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis awareness and advocacy,by Chronically Hopeful

Advocacy And Fundraising Ideas And Resources

What Is M.E? How To Get By Advocacy Tools M.E. Directory Advocacy / Fundraising Ideas & ResourcesMay 12 is ME Awareness Day, a global day ... Continue

Reflections: the wind in my sails

Good morning friends, I’ve just woken up and it’s almost 11.30. I’m stiff and achy, was a little shaky upon waking, but I’m so happy! ... Continue

ME warrior overcoming stigma and disbelief. Emma shares her story. Emma wearing a red Millions Missing shirt, with oxygen tube in her nose.

ME Warrior Of The Week: Emma, Overcoming Stigma And Disbelief

In this new series I will be sharing stories from our beautifully resilient ME community. These chronic illness warriors are not only battling crippling symptoms ... Continue

How To Have ME Successfully

I came across this fantastic list of guidelines for how to live successfully with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and just had to share it. It's so refreshing ... Continue

Char lying on the bed, feeling ill. Title reads: Living with severe M.E. Who am I now? When it feels like you've lost your identity to chronic illness

Living With Severe ME/CFS, Who Am I Now?

Who am I? When living with severe chronic illness it can be easy to feel like you've lost your identity. When experiencing a loss of ... Continue

A pill bottle and glass of water in the foreground, in the background a woman sleeping on a bed. Title reads: using MSM supplements to relieve chronic pain. Methylsulfonyl Methane, also called the miracle supplement

MSM for Chronic Pain Relief

I've had quite a few people ask what I'm using for to reduce chronic pain. One of my favourite things since falling ill is MSM ... Continue

Sarah standing in front of a brick wall. She has pink hair and a black top. Title reads: Celebrating life despite Acute Dissemminated Encephalomyelitis. Interview with Sarah.

Celebrating Life Despite Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) – A Day In The Life Of Sarah

Today I am honoured to share Sarah's chronic illness story. She has been battling Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, also referred to as ADEM, for decades. This ... Continue

Don’t Do Your Best, Do Less: How To Avoid The Boom And Bust Cycle

Anybody who has ME or CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) will be very familiar with the boom and bust cycle. ME's main characteristic is Post-Exertional ... Continue

How To Cope When You’re Low on Energy

Having Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or any other chronic illness for that matter, can be extremely draining and leave you without much energy to do even ... Continue

Laura has curly red hair, glasses and is smiling. Title reads A Day In My Life with multiple chronic illnesses, interview with Laura Morningstar, by Chronically Hopeful

Living With Multiple Chronic Illnesses – A Day In The Life Of Laura

In this interview series we feature the stories of chronic illness warriors around the world, we shine a light on various chronic illnesses and the ... Continue

Heather wearing a floral top, smiling at the camera. Title reads Chronic Pain and Lukewarm Faith, guest post by Heahter Hart, ChronicallyHopeful

Chronic Pain and Lukewarm Faith, by Heather Hart

After almost a year of severe, chronic migraines, I am happy to announce that I am finally feeling better. I’m not 100% yet, but I ... Continue

A stack of pebbles with clouds in the sky in teh background. Title reads: Ten commandments for reducing stress. How to reduce stress if you're chronically ill.

Ten Ways To Reduce Stress If You’re Chronically Ill

Would you like to know how you can reduce the stress that comes from doing life with a chronic illness? When living with a chronic ... Continue

A lady with bed head, looking exhausted. Tital reads, Are you a chargie or a spoonie? Both analogies for chronic exhaustion explained.

Are You an Unchargeable or a Spoonie?

People often wonder what we mean when they hear us talking about spoons or that we are a spoonie or unchargeable. These are words I ... Continue

10 Important Life Lessons learned from Chronic Illness, by Chronically Hopeful. A woman sits by the window, gazing out while holding a cup of tea. She has shoulder length hair and is smiling contemplatively.

10 Important Life Lessons I Learned From Chronic Illness

Last year was a tough one for many of us, but looking back I realised that I have learned many important lessons which make me ... Continue

Blue forget-me-not flowers on the left. Title reads Day In My Life with undiagnosed chronic illness, Interview with Jodie, ChronicallyHopeful

Living With Undiagnosed Illness – A Day In The Life Of Jodie

In this interview series we highlight various chronic illnesses and the amazing warriors who deal with them daily. My aim is to raise awareness as ... Continue

Natural Health Worldwide, Healthcare for Housebound, ChronicallyHopeful

Natural Health Worldwide: healthcare for the housebound patient

Natural Health Worldwide (NHW) is a new website that launched on 1 June, 2017. It is a portal which connects patients from all round the ... Continue

Title reads, Celebrating Life despite chronic pain and Osteoporosis, Interview with Lynley. Below is a photo of a lady wearinga blu dress, sitting in a power chair at the beach with the sea in the background,pin by Chronically Hopeful

Celebrating Life Despite Chronic Pain And Osteoporosis – A Day In The Life Of Lynley

Today I am excited to share Lynley's story. She has been living with chronic pain and osteoporosis for years and is sharing how her life ... Continue

A crocheted twiddle muff with tassels and buttons on it lying on the carpet. Title reads, How to crochet s twiddle muff

How To Crochet A Twiddle Muff, A Handmade Sensory Toy To Relieve Anxiety

Most people with chronic illness have experienced anxiety or panic at some point. It's not always a condition on it's own, but commonly is a ... Continue

Heather resting arms on a table, smiling. Title reads Faith through Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy, Interview with Heather Hancock,ChronicallyHopeful

Heather Hancock on Faith Through Illness: Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy

Welcome to another Warrior of the Week guest interview. In this Faith Through Illness series we will meet various chronic illness warriors who'll share their faith ... Continue

Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind: How Can The Church Better Serve The Chronically Ill?

Today I am sharing a guest post by Shona Smith. I must admit, I have mixed feelings about this topic, but it is an important ... Continue

Hailey is outside, looking back over her shoulder, she is smiling. Title reads A day in my life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Interview with Hailey Hudson, by Chronically Hopeful

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – A Day In The Life Of Hailey Hudson

Welcome to my first guest post in this new series where we will explore the impact of chronic illness and disability on our daily lives. ... Continue

Eat To Heal Loss Of Appetite And Depression, Interview With Jo

In this interview series we explore how diet and chronic illness affect each other and today I have the honour of sharing Jo's story. Jo's ... Continue

Supplements To Manage Chronic Fatigue And Pain

I am often asked about the benefits of using supplements for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. People usually want to know which supplements I ... Continue

Bullet Journal Helpful For People With Chronic Illness

If you've been hanging out on Pinterest, YouTube or Instagram, you might have heard about the Bullet Journal, but what you might not know is ... Continue

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