Quick summary: She went travelling for a year and reduced stress levels and didn't let illness be the main focal point of her life and identity (didn't talk about it etc) and had a lot of fun and became a more relaxed spontaneous easy-going person. She tried to pace and rest as she went a long but also built up her activity slowly. Little pushes over time built up her strength. Back to reality.... Part 4 to follow...
Thank you for sharing your story. I travelled around the world by myself before I got sick. Your story gives me hope that I can do it again, even possibly before I’m at 100%.
What an interesting observation, David! I did not realize that this was a common theme among people who had recovered from ME/CFS. And it's one that I've never given much credit with my own recovery, but it very well might have played a role in this! Thank you so much for the kind words and if you are facing your own health challenges right now, I am sending you virtual hugs for your own recovery journey.
@@RaelanAgle Im from Scotland UK and know plenty in the UK that moved to Spain and are practically healed. Doesn't happen for eveyeone I guess but could be sun, vit d, lighter days, outside more which essentially normally brings less stress...and stress is the worst!
@@Star5dg that's so true! What a fascinating observation. Warmer climates really do seem to bring on a ripple effect for healthy living, don't they. With the vitamin D, the tendency to spend more time outdoors in nature, to be more active, being in a less stressful climate - you are so right! (And wow, hello to you all the way over in Scotland!!)
@@santella.story.healing yes I do. I know to people with moderate cfs/me fully recovered now by doing 8 months antibiotics azothromycin and minocycline. Those antibiotics covered lyme, mycoplasma etc. I know two with moderate to severe around 90% recovered moving to Spain. I am in the moderate category in the sense I can't work but functional, drive cook coffee etc every year in spain I am 90%. The flight to Spain each time I hell on earth. Sevwre debilitating exhaustion chronic pain almost needing wheelchair at airports and within couple days in the sun its incredible the change. No idea why
Thank you so incredibly much for sharing your story like this. So much of your experience with chronic illness echoes my own (minus the travels!) and it helps to know that I'm not alone in all of this. And your story is so inspiring! I'm already impatiently awaiting Part 4 ❤️
Thanks again Raelan so much for sharing your story I can’t explain how much your story resonates with me. I would say I am at the 50% stage and have got there by not giving this illness power anymore and I think it is the same with the negative thoughts that go through our minds if we give them power they can affect our physical and mental health, your story has affirmed to me that I am on the right track. Thank you for giving me hope and a new love for kefir (think I am addicted lol) keep on shining 🤩🙏🏻
Hi Janie! Wow, great work with the 50% recovery because I definitely appreciate how challenging of an illness this can be to recover from. I also find it fascinating how much of our (ME/CFS folks in general) experiences overlap. Although I of course hate the fact that you too have had to face this horrible illness, it definitely makes me feel less alone to know that you (and many others I'm sure) have gone through similar things. I'm so happy for you and the path that you are on and I can't wait to hear about more progress unfolding for you!!! (Haha and that's awesome about the kefir! 💙)
thank you for sharing! I have been a backpacker myself and was going to do a lot more travelling around the world when I became ill. just listening to you enlightens my soul and I totally get your experience of wanting to break free. That's going to sound weird but I almost envy when you say how depressed you were, because I've been there a couple years back, and eventhough I know how crushingly painful it is and wouldn't wish that for my worst ennemy and certainly not for a gentle soul like you, these emotions mean you were still alive and fighting. Today I have been sick for 17 years and eventhough Im still fighting to heal, there's something in me that is dead and all the things I lost are so far away that I don't even remember them. But this video may have lit a long gone spark in me, the passionate desire to connect and travel, and I thank you warmly for this! oh, and I wanted to ask; how did you manage to wear a backpack and not crash afterwards? Its pretty difficult and exhausting, so Im just trying to understand. When I was like 4-5 years into cfs, I tried a lot to travel but most of the times crashed after a couple days and had to go back home. Maybe the fact that you were so far away made it kind of definitive decision.
Thanks so much for sharing this. You make such a great point and highlight something that I took for granted - that ability to steal feel and not have gone numb from the trauma. I'm so sorry to hear that you're experiencing this. As for your question about the backpack, by the time I was traveling I could manage it more or less ok. I bought the smallest one available and kept it light and really didn't have to actually carry it all that often. During the first couple of years with this condition I never would have been able to manage it, but thankfully I'd recovered some and could get by 😊
Thank you so much for sharing! I'm on year 8! My fatigue originated from EBV. I have a short attention span, and I enthusiastically loved how you narrated your experience. Thank you thank you
Hey Kimberly! Wow, year 8 - I'm so sorry to hear that. And so many of us have some sort of viral onset with this illness which is so scary. But I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed the video and am sending you virtual hugs for leaving me this little dose of kindness and support here. I hope that you find what you need to get you through your own recovery story soon ❤️
I love traveling but I have never travelled by myself (I suffer GAD) and that makes it really scary and not that I have the money right now anyways but if I did trust me I'd take a long trip if I my baby girl wasn't too young. I believe traveling can be very therapeutic "especially the ocean" Youre very strong person and you got this queen trust me you're doing a lot better than some of us ❤
You are SO right about the ocean! Being near it just feels like medicine, doesn't it? Really just amazing. But yes, I can see how those things would make traveling challenging or unrealistic at the moment. You have so much of your life left in front of you though! You really just never know what is to come ☺️ You are clearly a strong person as well and I'm sure you have great things ahead. Thanks so much for all of your support - your messages really mean so much to me ❤️ I hope you find what you need to recover from your health challenges soon 😘
I did the same thing starting in 1972. Sold everything except my backpack, got a return student ticket to Europe for $125. Thought I was dying and almost did. Bought an old van and slept by the Amstel River 18 hours a day for many months, was able to walk around for an hour or 2 a day, sometimes not at all. at that time the disease Of CFS was totally unknown, the words didn't exist, you were just lazy or depressed. Went completely broke and survived solely from the generosity of the Hari Krishna group. Our stories are more similar than many others I've heard. I'll try and find you on Instagram. Never used it before. Anyway we went to many of the same places. I did find that stress was much more of a factor than I knew and now that I'm back in America I still have serious problems with it but at least there's a name for the condition and the Dr's show some respect, but ignoring it doesn't work for me. Support groups are the best thing I ever did for CFS. Traveling, too, as difficult as it was. Very good to know that someone else did something similar. I camped for long periods of time at places that would probably be impossible today. At that time you could actually camp in downtown Paris, Barcelona, Delhi, and many other cities. Thank you for the vid.
Wow, i can totally relate to this video! I do think of traveling because i do think a new environment would help a lot! I find that all i think about and talk about is my illness. I do feel it gives the illness power. I do feel like a change of scenery would help me to not focus on my illness so much.
That is a great point, Kathy! You know, I don't always give my environment the credit it deserves for impacting my health (positively or negatively!) You are so right. Although we can't run from our problems or escape them by leaving, we can definitely enjoy a fresh start, some new surroundings, and a change of scenery. For me - it broke me out of a toxic pattern and definitely took power away from this illness!
It's my pleasure 😊 And thank you for taking the time to listen to a bit of my story! Whatever you're facing, I am sending virtual hugs to you and I hope that you are managing ok ❤️
Wow Raelan, that backpack is almost as big as you my friend! That would definitely build some endurance along the way, haha! I see another book in the horizon!!! Thanks again for another brilliant video! You are making a difference! ❤
When you started to name the countries in Asia you had visited, I was curious and waiting if India comes in the list! Glad to know you have been here!! 🙂. Off topic: When you take those emotional pauses sometimes while speaking, we viewers can really feel it to the depth and feel like dropping tears. I'm a new one to your videos, befriending with you more with every video I'm watching. I don't have words to thank you enough for all of your work!! Really thanks for being with all of us. ❤️ Just to share more a bit, I started with one of your latest videos and was contemplating whether this person is really what she is showing in her videos or like the base of everything is just some business secretly. But then I started again today with your very first TH-cam video and now you are my real friend 😀. I'm going through a crash right now by the way, and this heavy pounding heart beat along with tingling and numbness and tremors and thrombing of veins is all difficult, but your videos are helping me getting out of the stressed mode. Is there any video of yours where you mention all the symptoms in detail you had gone through while fighting this? If you allow me to add some humour here... MY STATUS RIGHT NOW - A crash in recovery and a crush on you. Getting out of the former one slowly and getting into the later one slowly. 😬
Hey Lalit! I'm so sorry to hear about your crash and overall health challenges. But I appreciate you taking the time to share a bit of your journey and throw some support (and humor and flattery!) my way 😌 I'm sending you all my best - I hope you find your way past this soon 🌟
Raelan, I found your channel yesterday and I am enjoying your story so much. I am glad you recovered it is a testament to your determination and resilience. I was wondering if you were to place a % of how much removing stress helped your overall recovery I would love to hear your evaluation about it. I do get ahead when i manage to lower my nervous system activity however I haven't been able to keep it on the down low for long enough for me to fully come out of it. Cheers
Hi Daniel! It's great to hear from you and I'm so happy to hear that you're enjoying my story. Thank you so much for your kindness and support, I really appreciate it. And this is a great question. It's challenging (as I'm sure you can imagine) to assign a specific percentage to the role of stress removal. I do firmly believe that the stress would likely have kept me sick forever, but that being said, had I only removed the stress and done noting else to heal afterwards then I also would have likely stayed sick forever. I guess I would say that is was 100% important that managing stress effectively and putting focus on caring for my emotional and mental health was step #1. But then I needed to follow it up with a whole lot of other stuff to continue to help my body to heal and recover. Does that make sense?
@@RaelanAgle does make a lot of sense, thanks for sharing your story. Looking forward to future videos. I am just getting into fermented foods myself :)
Great video....I have no doctor or money to afford a doctor. Watched numerous videos on CFS only eat low lectin low oxalate vegetables but mostly a carnivore diet with grass fed beef with lots of fat pasture raised eggs. I still am in bed 15 hours a day but am getting better. Getting rid of stress is super important. I read the bible and pray every morning until I feel Gods spirit of peace come into me. I could barely get out of bed when this started months ago..now I am able to go to work a few hours a day.I do have good days and bad days but see progress generally. Things I don't eat ...seed oils,except olive oil high lectin vegetables, grains, any fruit that is sweet, sugar is sugar has very bad effect on me processed foods.
So sorry that you had to go through this, but in a way, you've paved the way forward and have helped so many THOUSANDS of other people. THANK YOU for videos, esp. this one! Do you think that the trauma of your mom's passing played a role in getting sick? Now to figure out how to handle stress at work, so that I can continue working, because the alternatives aren't so attractive. Wondering if cognitive training would help, or would I really have to take a year off from work? That is the question. :/
Wow, that is quit a story. But I find it hard to understand how some one with such a debilitating illness can travel alone for a whole year. And all the things you managed to do. I have had M.E for 38 years, following a hysterectomy, that I never recovered from. 5 years ago I had breast cancer. The side effects of the radiotherapy has left me with Fibromyalgia. I have spent thousands of Pounds, as I live in the UK. Done every diet , fasting ,juicing, and every therapy possible. I have paid private to see Doctors. All to no avail. I have had counselling, and so the list goes on. I'm 70 now. And the chance of me ever recovering is slim. Some people get well, but most never do, for what reason. Sadly I think I'm one of them. I'm pleased you are well again. It must be a wonderful feeling to be normal again. Good luck to you.
Hi Eileen! Thanks for sharing a bit of your journey and I am so sorry to hear about all of your struggles. 38 years - that is just way too long for anyone to have to face this (and too many giant health hurdles and battles piling on over the years.) I really can't imagine what this has all been like for you and I hope that you are managing ok. How frustrating to work so hard at recovery and spend so much money to no avail. When I was traveling I was already about 50% recovered, which helped a lot. But it still wan't easy. I spent a lot of time in bed resting and recovering and was strategic about my activities. And the joy I felt during this time did WONDERS for helping me to get through it all. Good luck to you as well and the fact that you are still watching videos and looking for information makes me think you have not given up - which is admirable and inspiring. I hope that you too find what you need to finally be free from all of this. Sending hugs to you for your journey ❤️
@@RaelanAgle Awwwww thanks only when I see a notification of a video that I can relate too though haha. Can we be fb or Ig friends??not sure which one u use more? Much love😘
Did the concept of crashing while you were away traveling scare you? Or was your 50% recovery giving you confidence? I haven’t finished this video so apologies if you addressed that. Binging your videos now, thank you for what you’re doing!!
Hi Clairese, that's a great question. Overall, I didn't worry about the crashes too much at all. I was recovered enough that I knew I could do small activities and I was prepared to spend a ton of time in bed if needed (and it was!). I had quite a bit of anxiety with sight seeing and socializing while backpacking because I never really knew what I was getting into and I was worried my body wouldn't hold up, but overall I really managed quite well. Thanks for the question and for the support with my videos! If you have any other questions please just ask ☺️🧡
I appreciate that reality, Jackie 💛 Many of the recovery interviews I share are with people who are raising children and managing other obligations. Perhaps some of the information shared there will be helpful.
Hmm great question - I have no idea. I wasn't so organized or responsible with my finances back then! There's also a blurry line between where the "trip" ended and "living" began (I ended up staying in SE Asia for 8.5 years). That first year or so backpacking was likely 25k ish if I were to guestimate 😅
Hi Karen - what a great (and interesting) question and I'm sorry to hear that you've been facing this. While exhausted I was much more vulnerable to depression, frustration, anger, and basically any other negative emotions out there. It didn't so much feel like the exhaustion was causing the anger, more that the times of not feeling well contributed to increased hopelessness and impatience with the recovery process (and just with life in general!). Is this what you are asking about? Does this sound similar to what you're experiencing?
Raelan Agle in some ways it is impatience and frustration. In many ways I know I need to rest when my emotions peak - it’s a definite ‘tell’ for me. Have you looked at POTS - it’s sometimes linked with CFS/ ME and the pots resistance training online is really good for recuperation too. Thank you for this amazing vlog - you’re brilliant. Xxx
@@TheBlondiekitten Its great that you know yourself so well. Learning these "tells" really is important, isn't it. I've only recently become somewhat aware of POTS. This wasn't a syndrome that was talked about (to my awareness) when I first got sick and was doing most of my researching. For years I did struggle with lightheadedness upon standing and issues with low blood volume (plus many of the other symptoms that overlap with ME/CFS), which it seems could have been an indication that I had issues with this as well. Thanks for letting me know about the POTS resistance training - this is new to me. It looks similar in many ways to what ended up working for me with exercise (minus the focus on aerobic exercise - which I found was best to omit almost completely until close to recovery). The incredible takeaway for me from what I'm reading on this is that gentle gradual exercise programs are working for some others too, which is great news!
Honestly what it feels like is a parasitic energy sucker that lives in my lower gut and feeds off of my confidence and feeds off of my happiness. Constantly feeding me doubt - and the fight with this parasite drains my energy and makes me question my ability to interact with others positively
My first doc didn't think anything was wrong with me (all the tests were normal) so she didn't have a treatment plan for me unfortunately. My long term doc did include Western medicine (various prescription medications).
Sorry, but you don't recover from me cfs since there is no medicine. It's a real somatic illness that means you can't metabolize energy how can it get better from travelling ?? This is not in the sick persons head
Quick summary:
She went travelling for a year and reduced stress levels and didn't let illness be the main focal point of her life and identity (didn't talk about it etc) and had a lot of fun and became a more relaxed spontaneous easy-going person.
She tried to pace and rest as she went a long but also built up her activity slowly. Little pushes over time built up her strength.
Back to reality.... Part 4 to follow...
Thanks for doing these summaries, Charlotte!
👍
Thank you for this summary :) this is exactly what you need to do to heal
Oh so all we have to do is not think about it!? And push ourselves even though that's what destroyed our bodies in the first place. wow.
Raelan you should write a book about this year and how much it changed you. I would like to know more. Its so liberating, so brave so wow.
Aw that's nice to hear and so nice of you to say! I'd love to write that book one day . . . we'll see!
Thank you for sharing your story. I travelled around the world by myself before I got sick. Your story gives me hope that I can do it again, even possibly before I’m at 100%.
Its amazing how many people recover moving from cold climate to warm country. Wish i could move :(. Glad you are back to health long may it continue x
What an interesting observation, David! I did not realize that this was a common theme among people who had recovered from ME/CFS. And it's one that I've never given much credit with my own recovery, but it very well might have played a role in this! Thank you so much for the kind words and if you are facing your own health challenges right now, I am sending you virtual hugs for your own recovery journey.
@@RaelanAgle Im from Scotland UK and know plenty in the UK that moved to Spain and are practically healed. Doesn't happen for eveyeone I guess but could be sun, vit d, lighter days, outside more which essentially normally brings less stress...and stress is the worst!
@@Star5dg that's so true! What a fascinating observation. Warmer climates really do seem to bring on a ripple effect for healthy living, don't they. With the vitamin D, the tendency to spend more time outdoors in nature, to be more active, being in a less stressful climate - you are so right! (And wow, hello to you all the way over in Scotland!!)
David Graham do u actually know of any severe ME patients who recovered by moving or doing anything else? Thnx
@@santella.story.healing yes I do. I know to people with moderate cfs/me fully recovered now by doing 8 months antibiotics azothromycin and minocycline. Those antibiotics covered lyme, mycoplasma etc. I know two with moderate to severe around 90% recovered moving to Spain. I am in the moderate category in the sense I can't work but functional, drive cook coffee etc every year in spain I am 90%. The flight to Spain each time I hell on earth. Sevwre debilitating exhaustion chronic pain almost needing wheelchair at airports and within couple days in the sun its incredible the change. No idea why
Thank you so incredibly much for sharing your story like this. So much of your experience with chronic illness echoes my own (minus the travels!) and it helps to know that I'm not alone in all of this. And your story is so inspiring! I'm already impatiently awaiting Part 4 ❤️
Thanks for the feedback! Wishing you all the best 😊
Thanks again Raelan so much for sharing your story I can’t explain how much your story resonates with me. I would say I am at the 50% stage and have got there by not giving this illness power anymore and I think it is the same with the negative thoughts that go through our minds if we give them power they can affect our physical and mental health, your story has affirmed to me that I am on the right track. Thank you for giving me hope and a new love for kefir (think I am addicted lol) keep on shining 🤩🙏🏻
Hi Janie! Wow, great work with the 50% recovery because I definitely appreciate how challenging of an illness this can be to recover from. I also find it fascinating how much of our (ME/CFS folks in general) experiences overlap. Although I of course hate the fact that you too have had to face this horrible illness, it definitely makes me feel less alone to know that you (and many others I'm sure) have gone through similar things. I'm so happy for you and the path that you are on and I can't wait to hear about more progress unfolding for you!!! (Haha and that's awesome about the kefir! 💙)
Raelan Agle thank you 😊
thank you for sharing! I have been a backpacker myself and was going to do a lot more travelling around the world when I became ill. just listening to you enlightens my soul and I totally get your experience of wanting to break free. That's going to sound weird but I almost envy when you say how depressed you were, because I've been there a couple years back, and eventhough I know how crushingly painful it is and wouldn't wish that for my worst ennemy and certainly not for a gentle soul like you, these emotions mean you were still alive and fighting. Today I have been sick for 17 years and eventhough Im still fighting to heal, there's something in me that is dead and all the things I lost are so far away that I don't even remember them. But this video may have lit a long gone spark in me, the passionate desire to connect and travel, and I thank you warmly for this!
oh, and I wanted to ask; how did you manage to wear a backpack and not crash afterwards? Its pretty difficult and exhausting, so Im just trying to understand. When I was like 4-5 years into cfs, I tried a lot to travel but most of the times crashed after a couple days and had to go back home. Maybe the fact that you were so far away made it kind of definitive decision.
Thanks so much for sharing this. You make such a great point and highlight something that I took for granted - that ability to steal feel and not have gone numb from the trauma. I'm so sorry to hear that you're experiencing this.
As for your question about the backpack, by the time I was traveling I could manage it more or less ok. I bought the smallest one available and kept it light and really didn't have to actually carry it all that often. During the first couple of years with this condition I never would have been able to manage it, but thankfully I'd recovered some and could get by 😊
This is my absolute favourite video of all yours. Its so inspiring and you are saying so wise things
“I’m going to spend my money and travel to see if I can actually enjoy life before I die” is so metal 🥰
Thank you so much for sharing! I'm on year 8! My fatigue originated from EBV. I have a short attention span, and I enthusiastically loved how you narrated your experience. Thank you thank you
Hey Kimberly! Wow, year 8 - I'm so sorry to hear that. And so many of us have some sort of viral onset with this illness which is so scary. But I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed the video and am sending you virtual hugs for leaving me this little dose of kindness and support here. I hope that you find what you need to get you through your own recovery story soon ❤️
I love traveling but I have never travelled by myself (I suffer GAD) and that makes it really scary and not that I have the money right now anyways but if I did trust me I'd take a long trip if I my baby girl wasn't too young. I believe traveling can be very therapeutic "especially the ocean" Youre very strong person and you got this queen trust me you're doing a lot better than some of us ❤
You are SO right about the ocean! Being near it just feels like medicine, doesn't it? Really just amazing. But yes, I can see how those things would make traveling challenging or unrealistic at the moment. You have so much of your life left in front of you though! You really just never know what is to come ☺️ You are clearly a strong person as well and I'm sure you have great things ahead. Thanks so much for all of your support - your messages really mean so much to me ❤️ I hope you find what you need to recover from your health challenges soon 😘
I did the same thing starting in 1972. Sold everything except my backpack, got a return student ticket to Europe for $125. Thought I was dying and almost did. Bought an old van and slept by the Amstel River 18 hours a day for many months, was able to walk around for an hour or 2 a day, sometimes not at all. at that time the disease Of CFS was totally unknown, the words didn't exist, you were just lazy or depressed. Went completely broke and survived solely from the generosity of the Hari Krishna group. Our stories are more similar than many others I've heard. I'll try and find you on Instagram. Never used it before. Anyway we went to many of the same places. I did find that stress was much more of a factor than I knew and now that I'm back in America I still have serious problems with it but at least there's a name for the condition and the Dr's show some respect, but ignoring it doesn't work for me. Support groups are the best thing I ever did for CFS. Traveling, too, as difficult as it was. Very good to know that someone else did something similar. I camped for long periods of time at places that would probably be impossible today. At that time you could actually camp in downtown Paris, Barcelona, Delhi, and many other cities. Thank you for the vid.
Thank you for sharing your Story. It's really giving me hope
You are so welcome, Verena. Wishing you all the best with your own journey 💛
Wow, i can totally relate to this video! I do think of traveling because i do think a new environment would help a lot! I find that all i think about and talk about is my illness. I do feel it gives the illness power. I do feel like a change of scenery would help me to not focus on my illness so much.
That is a great point, Kathy! You know, I don't always give my environment the credit it deserves for impacting my health (positively or negatively!) You are so right. Although we can't run from our problems or escape them by leaving, we can definitely enjoy a fresh start, some new surroundings, and a change of scenery. For me - it broke me out of a toxic pattern and definitely took power away from this illness!
So resonates when it comes to self confidence
💖💖💖
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I really needed this today.
It's my pleasure 😊 And thank you for taking the time to listen to a bit of my story! Whatever you're facing, I am sending virtual hugs to you and I hope that you are managing ok ❤️
Wow Raelan, that backpack is almost as big as you my friend! That would definitely build some endurance along the way, haha! I see another book in the horizon!!! Thanks again for another brilliant video! You are making a difference! ❤
When you started to name the countries in Asia you had visited, I was curious and waiting if India comes in the list! Glad to know you have been here!! 🙂.
Off topic: When you take those emotional pauses sometimes while speaking, we viewers can really feel it to the depth and feel like dropping tears.
I'm a new one to your videos, befriending with you more with every video I'm watching.
I don't have words to thank you enough for all of your work!! Really thanks for being with all of us. ❤️
Just to share more a bit, I started with one of your latest videos and was contemplating whether this person is really what she is showing in her videos or like the base of everything is just some business secretly.
But then I started again today with your very first TH-cam video and now you are my real friend 😀.
I'm going through a crash right now by the way, and this heavy pounding heart beat along with tingling and numbness and tremors and thrombing of veins is all difficult, but your videos are helping me getting out of the stressed mode.
Is there any video of yours where you mention all the symptoms in detail you had gone through while fighting this?
If you allow me to add some humour here...
MY STATUS RIGHT NOW - A crash in recovery and a crush on you. Getting out of the former one slowly and getting into the later one slowly. 😬
Hey Lalit! I'm so sorry to hear about your crash and overall health challenges. But I appreciate you taking the time to share a bit of your journey and throw some support (and humor and flattery!) my way 😌 I'm sending you all my best - I hope you find your way past this soon 🌟
@@RaelanAgle Wow I got your reply. You made my day.. thanks!!! : )
Raelan, I found your channel yesterday and I am enjoying your story so much. I am glad you recovered it is a testament to your determination and resilience. I was wondering if you were to place a % of how much removing stress helped your overall recovery I would love to hear your evaluation about it.
I do get ahead when i manage to lower my nervous system activity however I haven't been able to keep it on the down low for long enough for me to fully come out of it. Cheers
Hi Daniel! It's great to hear from you and I'm so happy to hear that you're enjoying my story. Thank you so much for your kindness and support, I really appreciate it. And this is a great question. It's challenging (as I'm sure you can imagine) to assign a specific percentage to the role of stress removal. I do firmly believe that the stress would likely have kept me sick forever, but that being said, had I only removed the stress and done noting else to heal afterwards then I also would have likely stayed sick forever. I guess I would say that is was 100% important that managing stress effectively and putting focus on caring for my emotional and mental health was step #1. But then I needed to follow it up with a whole lot of other stuff to continue to help my body to heal and recover. Does that make sense?
@@RaelanAgle does make a lot of sense, thanks for sharing your story. Looking forward to future videos. I am just getting into fermented foods myself :)
@@danielgg4671 Oh nice - let us know how it goes!
Great video....I have no doctor or money to afford a doctor. Watched numerous videos on CFS only eat low lectin low oxalate vegetables but mostly a carnivore diet with grass fed beef with lots of fat pasture raised eggs. I still am in bed 15 hours a day but am getting better. Getting rid of stress is super important. I read the bible and pray every morning until I feel Gods spirit of peace come into me. I could barely get out of bed when this started months ago..now I am able to go to work a few hours a day.I do have good days and bad days but see progress generally. Things I don't eat ...seed oils,except olive oil high lectin vegetables, grains, any fruit that is sweet, sugar is sugar has very bad effect on me processed foods.
So sorry that you had to go through this, but in a way, you've paved the way forward and have helped so many THOUSANDS of other people. THANK YOU for videos, esp. this one! Do you think that the trauma of your mom's passing played a role in getting sick? Now to figure out how to handle stress at work, so that I can continue working, because the alternatives aren't so attractive. Wondering if cognitive training would help, or would I really have to take a year off from work? That is the question. :/
Wow, that is quit a story. But I find it hard to understand how some one with such a debilitating illness can travel alone for a whole year. And all the things you managed to do. I have had M.E for 38 years, following a hysterectomy, that I never recovered from. 5 years ago I had breast cancer. The side effects of the radiotherapy has left me with Fibromyalgia. I have spent thousands of Pounds, as I live in the UK. Done every diet , fasting ,juicing, and every therapy possible. I have paid private to see Doctors. All to no avail. I have had counselling, and so the list goes on. I'm 70 now. And the chance of me ever recovering is slim. Some people get well, but most never do, for what reason. Sadly I think I'm one of them. I'm pleased you are well again. It must be a wonderful feeling to be normal again. Good luck to you.
Hi Eileen! Thanks for sharing a bit of your journey and I am so sorry to hear about all of your struggles. 38 years - that is just way too long for anyone to have to face this (and too many giant health hurdles and battles piling on over the years.) I really can't imagine what this has all been like for you and I hope that you are managing ok. How frustrating to work so hard at recovery and spend so much money to no avail.
When I was traveling I was already about 50% recovered, which helped a lot. But it still wan't easy. I spent a lot of time in bed resting and recovering and was strategic about my activities. And the joy I felt during this time did WONDERS for helping me to get through it all.
Good luck to you as well and the fact that you are still watching videos and looking for information makes me think you have not given up - which is admirable and inspiring. I hope that you too find what you need to finally be free from all of this. Sending hugs to you for your journey ❤️
Have you tried Bee Venom Therapy ? helped a lot of people who were on the verge of giving up
Finally part 3 yeyyyy 👏👏👏
Aw thanks, Barbie!! I just love your bubbly and awesome energy 😀 I hope you found something useful or informative in the video!
@@RaelanAgle Awwwww thanks only when I see a notification of a video that I can relate too though haha. Can we be fb or Ig friends??not sure which one u use more? Much love😘
@@Catrachibarbie I'd love that! I use IG the most - does that work for you? You can find me at @raelan.agle. Looking forward to hearing from you!
This was great, thank you for sharing
You are so welcome! Glad you enjoyed it :)
Love your story.
Thanks so much, Chelsea!
Thank you so much.
You're welcome!
Did the concept of crashing while you were away traveling scare you? Or was your 50% recovery giving you confidence? I haven’t finished this video so apologies if you addressed that. Binging your videos now, thank you for what you’re doing!!
Hi Clairese, that's a great question. Overall, I didn't worry about the crashes too much at all. I was recovered enough that I knew I could do small activities and I was prepared to spend a ton of time in bed if needed (and it was!). I had quite a bit of anxiety with sight seeing and socializing while backpacking because I never really knew what I was getting into and I was worried my body wouldn't hold up, but overall I really managed quite well. Thanks for the question and for the support with my videos! If you have any other questions please just ask ☺️🧡
Lovely story… most of us can’t do this… all though I’d love to… how do we do what you did while staying home and taking care of life?
I appreciate that reality, Jackie 💛 Many of the recovery interviews I share are with people who are raising children and managing other obligations. Perhaps some of the information shared there will be helpful.
Is that hormonal or CFS? My hair is going wavy at the back.
how much did the trip cost?
Hmm great question - I have no idea. I wasn't so organized or responsible with my finances back then! There's also a blurry line between where the "trip" ended and "living" began (I ended up staying in SE Asia for 8.5 years). That first year or so backpacking was likely 25k ish if I were to guestimate 😅
Raelan Agle do you still stay over there? and what was wrong with Ayurveda when you tried it?
Where did you live, was it hard to find a place to sleep?
I stayed in hostels and guesthouses - there are thankfully lots of options in that region!
Did you ever get angry when you were exhausted? I get terrible rages if I don’t rest.
Hi Karen - what a great (and interesting) question and I'm sorry to hear that you've been facing this. While exhausted I was much more vulnerable to depression, frustration, anger, and basically any other negative emotions out there. It didn't so much feel like the exhaustion was causing the anger, more that the times of not feeling well contributed to increased hopelessness and impatience with the recovery process (and just with life in general!). Is this what you are asking about? Does this sound similar to what you're experiencing?
Raelan Agle in some ways it is impatience and frustration. In many ways I know I need to rest when my emotions peak - it’s a definite ‘tell’ for me.
Have you looked at POTS - it’s sometimes linked with CFS/ ME and the pots resistance training online is really good for recuperation too.
Thank you for this amazing vlog - you’re brilliant. Xxx
@@TheBlondiekitten Its great that you know yourself so well. Learning these "tells" really is important, isn't it.
I've only recently become somewhat aware of POTS. This wasn't a syndrome that was talked about (to my awareness) when I first got sick and was doing most of my researching. For years I did struggle with lightheadedness upon standing and issues with low blood volume (plus many of the other symptoms that overlap with ME/CFS), which it seems could have been an indication that I had issues with this as well.
Thanks for letting me know about the POTS resistance training - this is new to me. It looks similar in many ways to what ended up working for me with exercise (minus the focus on aerobic exercise - which I found was best to omit almost completely until close to recovery). The incredible takeaway for me from what I'm reading on this is that gentle gradual exercise programs are working for some others too, which is great news!
Honestly what it feels like is a parasitic energy sucker that lives in my lower gut and feeds off of my confidence and feeds off of my happiness. Constantly feeding me doubt - and the fight with this parasite drains my energy and makes me question my ability to interact with others positively
❤️❤️❤️
The first doc with CFS diagnosis didnt give any Western medicine solution??
My first doc didn't think anything was wrong with me (all the tests were normal) so she didn't have a treatment plan for me unfortunately. My long term doc did include Western medicine (various prescription medications).
@@RaelanAgle Please tell us of the prescription medications.
Sorry, but you don't recover from me cfs since there is no medicine. It's a real somatic illness that means you can't metabolize energy how can it get better from travelling ?? This is not in the sick persons head