My First 6 Months Of ME/CFS: The Best And Worst Months Of My Life

Today marks the end of six months since I got the viral infection that changed my life. That gloriously sunny day in Italy on the first of April 2015. It all happened so quickly and unexpectedly, I was out cycling in the countryside one minute and in bed the next. My body reached a point of weakness and exhaustion that I’d never known before and nothing has been the same since. 

Today marks six months of being housebound with constantly recurring flu like symptoms, any combination of aches and pains, shaking, weakness, swollen glands, earache and exhaustion at the simplest tasks. On top of that there is cognitive dysfunction – brain fog, memory loss, digestive issues, tingling and creepy crawly sensation all over my skin.

I also have more frequent migraines, numbness and heaviness in my limbs, muscle atrophy in my lower legs, sensitivity to sound, smells, light and touch. I’m easily bruised, have temperature regulation issues, broken sleep, too much sleep, and so many more unpredictable and bizarre symptoms.

But it has also been six months of resting in the Lord, trusting His plan, hoping in His provision, acknowledging His hand, taking note of the simple things, the beauty of sunrise, lying outside on my patio watching the moon and stars, the quiet peace of early mornings, really feeling the heat of the sun on my skin and muscles, not taking for granted any small thing I manage to do or see or the occasional outing.

It’s also been 6 months of exploring my creative side, truly appreciating each visit or conversation and realising the precious gift of true friends and loving family who stand by me and let me know that I’m not alone in this.

So much change, so much confusion, so much silence, so many tears, so much love and so much pain. I have felt the heartbreak of some people’s indifference and I have felt the overwhelming gratitude for other people’s sacrifice and love. It’s been altogether the worst and the best six months of my life… 

Note: a version of this was first published on Facebook or Instagram. Although this website was created quite a bit later, I wanted to have my whole chronic illness story in one place, so I have transferred it here and backdated it.

How You Can Help

Being so severely ill and with little understanding of this illness, we could really use all the help we can get from healthy allies. Find out how you can help the Millions Missing due to ME & CFS.

Thank you for stopping by. Hugs, Char xx

Let’s Stay In Touch

Housebound Lifestyle: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter M.E. Awareness: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | The ME/CFS Community Vibrant Hope Art: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Support My Work: Buy My Art | Shop My Favourite ThingsOr if you’d like to send me something, here’s my Amazon Wishlist – Thank you!

email chronically hopeful char at gmail dot com

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Chronically Hopeful
Chronically Hopeful

Char was born and raised in South Africa, but has been settled in Europe for over 20 years. She's passionate about finding ways to live well, despite chronic illness.

Apart from blogging, she enjoys art, cooking, reading, gardening, gaming and learning new things. She speaks English, Italian and Afrikaans fluently and is slowly learning French too.

She used to be a teacher, but has been housebound with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis since 2015. Since then, she's focused on spending the little energy and strength she has each day on the people and activities she loves. Finding joy in the little things and celebrating the ordinary.

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  1. Thank you for sharing part of your journey! Ever since I found your blog I have been awaiting a new post. It was my first time being exposed to those who had the experience of vitality being snatched away, while hoping and trusting in a god unlimited by proper functioning of our bodies.

    May you ever be a beacon of light, may his love and comfort be rich, and may you continue in the courage it takes to say “it is well with MY SOUL!”

    • Hi Salena, thank you so much for your beautiful message. I have had a lot going on the past few months, so have not been able to write much due to long flares, but I’m getting a few things finished up this week while I can. Thank you for your patience and encouragement. God bless you.