CFS recovery

Hi Sassylass,

A great question!  Thanks, I will  recap first. 

When 52, a nasty virus dumped me in an acute ward for one month. I had gone from very fit to housebound over night.   And three months later I still had the virus busting antibodies, plus the long term immunity ones.  But the fatigue deepened, I had to retire and was at about 65 to 75% on the ME scale.  I could go out on an electric bike, but slow walking was exhausting.  Plus the pains, poor sleep, dislike of being upright, post exhertional malaise.  Typical SEID / CFS symptoms.

Two years later, I was getting slightly worse, to the extent of considering selling the electric bike as just short rides resulted in too much leg and hip pain.

I had changed nothing, no diet change, no medicines, no habits - nothing.

Got a vicar round for a chat one Friday.  He prayed for me just before leaving.  The following Monday I woke up feeling different.  By the end of three weeks, I could cycle 12 miles on an ordinary bike, walk 6 miles, all with no after effects.  Also, if I feel tired, the solution is a good long brisk walk or ride!  The lead clinician at the CFS clinic was open mouthed.

After four weeks, I could walk 9 miles.  I've not found an effective limit, except the rebuilding of fitness having been stuck on a sofa or bed 22 or 23 hours a day for 25 months.

So the question is, do 54 year olds, repeatedly diagnosed with CFS, getting slowly worse, ever get suddenly and rapidly better?

Some doctors say that some folk get better after two years.  I've not been able to find statistics for that - just some anecdotal things like teens and twenties can get better after two to three years, thirties and fourties after five years.  And those improvements seem to take months rather than days.

Personally, I don't think I'd be better without the vicar praying to God for me.

It really is great to be better!

My consultant is cautious and thinks there is no reason for me to relapse, but at the same time will not discharge me until next February- if I can show I've been able to work a day a week with no problems.

So now I'm looking for a job!

What do you think?

Cheers, keep in contact.

Hi Seidman,

Job wise, have you thought of doing charity work? As this could fit the one day a week requirement? Think you said something about teaching before, could you find a role that encompasses those skills?

And I know that you are raring to go but I'm glad the consultant is being cautious and seeing how things go for

Six months. Its a good amount of time for you to settle back into a more active life and for them to witness no ill affects on the positive and If there is any issues, you're still under their care.

B

Dear Seidman,

I believe you were healed by the grace of God. You stated in an earlier post that "20 months ago, prayer didn't work". I don't know how God chooses when and how to answer our prayers, I can only believe that He does. I can also tell you that these statements are very ummm, unusual for me to be making. I have always believed in God, but have just recently started to BELIEVE in God, if you know what I mean. And now I am ready to submit to His will in my life. Maybe someday I will be here telling you all that there is no doubt at all that He healed me.

Hi sassylass,

It would be interesting to know how many people feel they were healed by God's hand, by the earth mother, by alternative medicine, by their own will, by cbt and guided activity, by diet, by medicine, by the body's innate way of healing itself. To myself, its fascinating that people heal from this at all !!! There seems no cure all "yet" but that seems the way in so many conditions. I am so pleased for Seidman and dontrustdoctors that they have their lives back and It gives hope to us all. Which I feel grateful for. There are recoveries from cfs/me full recovery,part recovery, after 2 yrs, 5 yrs ,10 even 25 yrs or more ! Hope is there.

B

Yes, I'm going to be volunteering in schools

I agree!

Maybe, let's hope so.  

Thanks!

Hi Seidman,

That sounds a great idea. Is that starting this week? Schools go back tomorrow here. Today is lovely and sunny where I am and i hope you are enjoying the same. Good luck with the voluntary work.

Best wishes

B

Yes, this week

Keep well!

 

You too.

It would be lovely to get an update from you in a few weeks when you've settled in.

B

Hi Seidman,

Just wondering how things are going with you? Working in the school etc. I'm doing a short course in education and training at present. I enjoy learning and rest in the day prior to the lesson in the evening.

Still haven't got around to getting that bike yet : )

B

Hi Seidman,

Just wondering how things are going with you? Working in the school etc. I'm doing a short course in education and training at present. I enjoy learning and rest in the day prior to the lesson in the evening.

Still haven't got around to getting that bike yet : )

B

Thanks Beverley.

All good.  The returning to teaching course is going well.

Get the bike!  A couple of weeks ago, I had lunch then cycled 34 miles on low power, to different places.  I could have done the same time on an ordinary bike but not got as far!

Hi Seidman,

Glad to hear things are still going well : ) I think I'll put the bike on my Christmas list! you're recovering almost overnight still amazes me and gives hope.

At present, I am enjoying the lovely Autumn we are having. The colours are beautiful and I've seen some fantastic leaves! hope you're enjoying it too.

Best wishes

B

Hi B

yes, being better at all, let alone so quickly amazes us too.  We are often out walking and realise what we are doing - that was impossible at the start of July.

We have enjoyed Kayaking, clambering through caves, walking, cycling, going long distances in a car....

Keep enjoying life.

Its great that you have got your life back and are able to enjoy things again together. Your recovery puts a smile on my face and really does give me hope. I guess you're going to have to change your user name from Seidman now ; )

Take care

B