I have CFS ( Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) or M.E (myalgic encephalomyelitis)
I have had it for 13 years.
I was diagnosed in 2010 after one of the worst years of my life ( I lost my mother, whom I had cared for for 7 years and I had to move house).
There is no definitive test for CFS/M.E ( they simply rule everything else out).
Before being diagnosed I worked all my life and was actually a carer in a nursing home before giving it up to look after my mother.
The doctors don’t know what causes CFS/ M.E and their treatment is folic acid and pacing.
That is okay if you can delegate or have a supportive partner.
I don’t want this to turn into a pity post so I am going to end by saying that if I thought I was capable of working I would be doing so.
I work voluntarily in a thrift shop but much of my time is now spent writing and or trying to promote my work.
I put a lot of effort into what I do because I now love writing, and it has also given me a focus!
This poem is called “In Between”
I wrote it in reference to myself because CFS/M'.E is an “invisible illness”
and I often feel that people think I am talking out of my ass when I say I have it ( I only wish I was)
This poem is called “In Between”
I wrote it in reference to myself because CFS/M'.E is an “invisible illness”
and I often feel that people think I am talking out of my ass when I say I have it ( I only wish I was)
In between you and me, there is a world no one sees.
My daily battle with chronic fatigue.
You see me walk out the door and think, " there is nothing wrong with her".
If only you knew, but you have no clue.
In between what you see and me is an illness that fluctuates like the weather.
But to be honest, I don't care whether you believe me or not.
Try a day walking in my sandals, and you will see.
It may be invisible to you, but it is actual to me.
All you see is the bit in between.
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