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So this is my story. I have suffered from CFS/ME for three years now and for those of you who don't understand or suffer from a chronic illness such as CFS/ME then this might give you an insight as to what it is actually like. However, for those of you reading this who have suffered in the past or are still fighting the battle then you'll most likely be able to relate to this.

CFS/ME is a long-term illness that consists of a wide range of symptoms. This includes: extreme fatigue, intense pain, confusion, headaches, nausea, food intolerances, dizziness, struggles with standing or walking, sensitivity to extreme heats, breathing problems, muscle and joint pains, hypersensitivity to senses such as bright lights, touch, smells and noise. All of these symptoms make it incredibly hard to carry out a normal everyday life as it causes individuals who suffer from this to display different behaviours throughout the day as they will experience severe mood swings. It also interferes with sleeping patterns as I find that I become exhausted half way through the day and feel that I need to take a nap. it also means that I and other sufferers will find simple activities a huge struggle. This could be tasks like: getting dressed, learning and trying to recall information, showering, speaking to others, making and preparing food, even getting out of bed in the morning can feel draining.

Some of you may also know that CFS/ME can cause many other health problems, one being POTS which I also suffer from. This is where an individual will experience an abnormal increase in heart rate that occurs after sitting up or standing. It can cause dizziness and fainting. From personal experience, I have fainted and I feel that this is the symptom that I most fear as it is always unexpected. 

The hardest part of being a sufferer from CFS/ME is that there is no treatment or cure. it is just continuous and it feels never-ending. There is hardly any professional support as some choose to believe that the condition isn't real or they show no understanding. Fortunately, for me I have a place at The University College Hospital in London where I have been given a consultant and a therapist who help and support me with anything I may need. However I know that some individuals aren't this lucky and suffer alone. I have also experienced this feeling as I suffered alone for two years which meant that I was isolated with no one to confide in, except for my mum and the very few friends I have that understand my condition. I have also received a huge amount of support from The ME Association over the past two years as they have helped me find a way to cope and they have taught me to stay strong and to get through this. They have also allowed others around me to develop more of an understanding for my condition. So therefore, this is why I have chosen this challenge to raise as much money as possible to say a big thank you! I also hope this raises awareness for CFS/ME as it is always overlooked and misunderstood. 

I would never wish this condition on anyone as it is certainly one of the worst things that has ever happened to me and it has affected so many lives. I am also aware that there are so many new cases out there who probably feel confused and cut-off from society. These individuals are going to need as much help and support as possible, so if you could please help me to raise money for this association then we can get all CFS/ME sufferers the help and support they need. 

Thank you.   

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