A lovely, caring friend of mine has recently been diagnosed with M.E. Also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. She talked to me about how this had affected her. At first she was unsure and hesitant, cancelling two appointments with a Consultant because she was scared and fighting for her life and desperately clinging to her sanity. She did not believe that M.E. existed. Eventually she gave in and attended the appointment with said Consultant.
He was a very clever man and managed to pull her down from her 'expectations' of life, cleaned her glasses, held her hand and told her she was a bright, beautiful person and needed to understand her condition. He read her Blog and encouraged her.
The first few weeks after their meeting were really good. She managed her time and recognized how to deal with her condition. Still, she hated the diagnosis and fought against it. The Big Fight versus Life was on! She refused any counselling and decided that she would ignore all advice, push on and look after others.
She went on a holiday and despite her determination, collapsed. A friend said he understood but she soon realised that no one could understand. A girlfriend did and looked after her. She was so grateful for that.
She soon realised that the term M.E. was a stigma, despite being a proven illness. How could she live with this terrible Stigma? How could anyone understand? Her parents tried but really had no idea and many more said they did but were totally ignorant.
I understand and I hope that you can too. No matter what advice you give her, she will strive for perfection. It's just the way she is made.
Namaste
Muse x
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