ME/CFS: 5 Helpful Habits

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ความคิดเห็น • 87

  • @fight4me747
    @fight4me747  ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Some viewers have notified me the audio isn't great on this video. Sorry for the issue, please make sure your youtube volume setting is all the way up. Thanks.

    • @NYUSARN622
      @NYUSARN622 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I put the closed captions on (if its available) when the volume is too low. Works for me.

  • @jess53nz
    @jess53nz ปีที่แล้ว +20

    When I was first diagnosed the nurse (from our local support group)said the people she sees getting worse are the ones that keep pushing themselves, like i was . It scared me into actually making some changes, hard as it was/is.
    Didn't help that my previous colleague would always say you're just tired and proceed to tell me how much more tired she was because she has kids and i don't. I'd love to be just tired!! Fatigue is completely different!

  • @estherzwaan9928
    @estherzwaan9928 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Over the years (I'm in this for twenty three years) I went from totally isolated to now still very limited, but capable of taking part in some activities and going outside my house on a daily basis. The steps you mention certainly were part of this gradual increase of energy.
    Other very helpful habits for me are: being grateful. Especially when I was unable to do anything, to fatigued to call anyone or receive visitors or even sit up for longer then ten minutes, it really helped to very intentionally be thankful for the good things in my life: a safe place to lay down, someone who took care of all the practical stuff like groceries, the sun shining into the window (or a curtain to shut it out if it was too bright to bear), birds singing outside my window, all the good things I could think of. Even in isolation and total breakdown of my body, it brightened up my days if I focussed on little nice things that could be a reason to enjoy.
    Also, I learned it was better to mourn my losses then keep trying to get better as fast as possible. We can keep dreaming but not to the point where it keeps us captive in disappointment; to me, it turned out to be better to cry about all the dreams and plans that didn't come true and let go. Who knows what the future will bring, but for now, being content and cherishing the good things gives me more positivity in life.
    Last but not least, it helped me to develop a strong spiritual connection. Forgotten or even rejected by most people, I focussed on being loved by God. Even though I couldn't have human company around, I was never alone and I could always talk to him, even in my mind if I was too tired to speak out loud. This provided me with unconditional love and support that carried me through the darkest days and gave me comfort when I could only cry. Because of that, I never lost hope and kept believing things would get better. And they did! I'm still on my way, it's gradual, it's slow, but seen over the years there is a lot of progress.

    • @jacquelinehaynes2831
      @jacquelinehaynes2831 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thanks Esther for your suggestions, especially gratefulness and belief in God!! He has definitely been a lifeline and, without His love and encouragement, don't know where I'd be too!! Thanks so much for sharing!! God bless you and others too!! Jx ❤❤❤❤

  • @saveyourselves5923
    @saveyourselves5923 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    My biggest mistake was putting myself under intense pressure to get better. And expecting people to care. If I had been easier on myself... I wouldn't have the wisdom I have now. I've embraced being "lazy", "selfish" and "antisocial". I don't owe anybody anything and vice versa. Tbh I'm tired of trying to explain. Tired of searching for solutions. While I was focused on those things, I didn't notice life slipping by. I didn't notice how great it is to be alive! To say: I may not get better... and I'm cool with that.

  • @texasgoddess323
    @texasgoddess323 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    I really agree with keeping your symptoms to yourself, unless asked. I really try to do that, because I don’t want to be THAT person who’s always complaining about their health.😋

    • @ShineBright__
      @ShineBright__ ปีที่แล้ว +2

      True !!

    • @esthercave8111
      @esthercave8111 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I complain so much. I want to be understood so much. I had a relapse and my family new nothing about it when I finally saw them, no one knew what it took for me to go to there house. No one said a word about my health.6 years in and I am bitter. As a Christian I must forgive but I am so hurt by people.

    • @bas3374
      @bas3374 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Ich verstehe dich sehr … 😞. Geht mir auch so. ❤

    • @janetmcnish-counsellor3712
      @janetmcnish-counsellor3712 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I’m so sorry you’re hurting so much. Forgiveness isn’t for their sake - it heals you. Could you ask a couple of genuinely trustworthy people in your church community to pray with you and support you through the forgiveness process. Or attend some Sozo prayer ministry sessions? Bitterness is so depleting our strength. I pray you get the support and love you need. 🙏🏽✝️💐

    • @reginamushi6582
      @reginamushi6582 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@esthercave8111this is 💯 me

  • @catchappie
    @catchappie ปีที่แล้ว +8

    HALLELUJAH! Wishing you a glorious day! I woke up this morning and there was no nausea, headache, lava in my knees, pins in my feet. I woke up and I don't feel bad... not that I JUST don't feel bad, I FEEL GOOD! I wish I could smear how good I feel right now all over this post, all over you, all over all of the thousands of subscribers. To what do I attribute this? Grace. I did the same things I always try to do: drink water, eat well, and so on. Last night I had refreshing sleep. Wow! When was the last time that happened? I wish I knew! I wish I had the power to create the environment that forces that result. I'd give you all the recipe. I wish I could squirt i through internet just give everyone a break that is filled with sunshine, refreshing mountain air, the perfect temperature, birds singing, squirrels fighting over sunflower seeds. SO, GUESS WHAT I'M GOING TO DO? Nothing. I'm going to sit here and revel in this moment of no pain, no frustration, no tears and hope that you get to experience it soon, too.

  • @peaceswirl
    @peaceswirl ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Yep. Because when trying to explain ourselves about this usually only hurts us even more sadly. Most can't emphasize.

    • @fight4me747
      @fight4me747  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Unfortunately thats my experience too.

    • @websurfer5772
      @websurfer5772 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@fight4me747 Mine too. I really need this kind of advice. Thank you.

  • @danianderson2268
    @danianderson2268 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    People don't understand unless it happens to them.

  • @piper4352
    @piper4352 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Excellent video, I’m in agreement with all your points. They’re not all easy to do though. 10 years in and I still find myself feeling worthless when I have to say no. And that comes from me, my family doesn’t make me feel that way. And for people not understanding? I remind myself that prior to getting sick, I guarantee I would never have understood either. Makes it easier not to take it personally or be angry about it. And absolutely, do NOT push through a crash (and avoid one if possible). Not only will you not get better, you’ll continue to decline. Thank you so much for all your down to earth and useful videos, one of the best out there.

    • @fight4me747
      @fight4me747  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yeah, its still challenging to follow these habits. Especially when letting others down. That eats at me. Thanks for the kind words!

  • @irenes6627
    @irenes6627 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Your videos help me so much as you have ME/CFS and you know how it is! Every point is spot on! When you said how long you've had this illness I felt awful for you, I'm so sorry. I am 4 years along with other illnesses too and it's certainly a physical and emotional journey. I love your videos and wish I had you to listen to a few years back!
    My strategies......
    1. My home, my life is set up for me.
    2. I let go of my old life.
    3. I listen to my body and mind.
    4. I'm kind to myself as I am the one who is very unwell and only I understand myself.
    Thank you xxxx

    • @fight4me747
      @fight4me747  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks! Those are great strategies.

    • @bas3374
      @bas3374 ปีที่แล้ว

      4 Jahre alt ? 🤫

  • @sarahcasey8825
    @sarahcasey8825 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Thanks for taking the time to post your helpful tips. Due to me/cfs being such a lonely journey it helps to hear from others who know exactly what you are struggling with. I’m guilty of people pleasing and sometimes wanting to share and as you say it almost always leads to disappointment and a sense of even more isolation. Your posts are like a warm hug. Thank you.

  • @KimSB12
    @KimSB12 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Forgiveness for others... not always. "If someone shows you who they are, believe them" said Maya Angelou. I've had ME/CFS for 16 years, and the horrible person that is supposedly my mother, still talks to me like I'm faking it. She's always been nasty, my condition only brought out her true colors even more. I neither forgive nor hate, I simply ignore.

  • @catchappie
    @catchappie ปีที่แล้ว +7

    One of my favorite videos to day, and I've been binging! John, you are an inspiration and insightful. THANK YOU not just for sharing your vast amount of knowledge but for your gracious and humble manner, your kind nature, your desire to bring comfort to others. You are an inspiration. It is inspiring to see someone who uses his limited energy to help me, a stranger without a face, to bring peace and comfort into a place where there is chaos and criticism.

    • @bas3374
      @bas3374 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ❤ Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland. Mir geht es genauso. 😌

    • @jacquelinehaynes2831
      @jacquelinehaynes2831 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Me too, thanks very much for your videos, for reaching out to people with helpful suggestions!! God bless you!! Jacqui x

  • @Fiawordweaver
    @Fiawordweaver 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thank you. This is very helpful. Especially jumping right to the five points. The one point that resonates the most for me is forgiving myself. I blamed me for doing this to myself. I’ve been so ashamed. I appreciate you providing this video.

  • @mandycoke5013
    @mandycoke5013 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Thank you so much for your videos!! You definitely inspire me to be more positive regarding this illness. I Overshare often in attempt to help others to understand, but THEY WON’T… ever 🥺. Bless their hearts, though. They really do try! Hell, I don’t really even understand this illness, and I’ve had it for almost 20 years myself lol! It’s very complicated and complex. I’m positive that if I wasn’t the sick one, I wouldn’t understand either. I definitely need to work on forgiving them for not being able to understand. As well as forgiving myself for being ill. I didn’t choose this. 🤗❤️

  • @mycpowers7273
    @mycpowers7273 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Great points :) But you need to turn your recording volume up. Unlike other vids I can hardly hear you with my volume on max.

    • @mycpowers7273
      @mycpowers7273 ปีที่แล้ว

      Really great points and the emphasis on forgiveness is absolutely crucial in my experience too. Thanks.

  • @nnicollan
    @nnicollan ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Thank you for your posts.
    What works for me:
    not wasting energy trying to convince anyone of anything. It truly is a weight off one's shoulders when one realizes that and lets that sHiT go.
    Secondly, learning to say no and doing it completely neutrally (without aggression, apologizing etc) You will see who your real friends are, i. e. whos there for you and whos there just to take advantage. Not nice necessarely but neither is exhaustion.
    Allowing yourself to rest without guilt and realizing deep rest is actually hard work.. boring and depression inducing. But still necessary. I have sleep issues still but when they were really bad i realized i had to basically bed rest for two days before i could sleep. Counterintuitive for some, worked for me to calm my nervous system after overexertion.
    Dont exercise. This exercise craze wasnt even a thing before the 70-80s lol. If you have pem then dont do it. A person will naturally become more active when the body allows it. Before that its better to rest and if able do other things (non-physical work related, study, some chores maybe) I like doing yoga asanas when i can but i hate when im tired, theres no point if i feel worse after. Little bit of stretching, deep breaths and fresh air (either short walk or from the window) is good maintanance. I personally love the sauna but its no good when too weak.
    Listening to dhamma talks or other smart content. This is pretty self-evident. No superficial motivational speeches or crazy pseudo-spiritual stuff though. i like the buddhists from a forest monastery in australia (ajahn brahm, venerable canda)
    What doesnt work: doing the opposite. I banged my head against a wall with the exercise stuff for years. And the sleep stuff too which the exercise always made worse. Being smart about it and nowadays i can actually handle much more exercise. But its definitely not something to stress about because it will kick your butt if you get cocky with it 😅 im just learning to say no and i practisebit frequently, really empowering in the long run.

    • @alysmarcus7747
      @alysmarcus7747 ปีที่แล้ว

      you r ideas here are really good and speak to me personally. i'm having a hard time with that pendulum swing - i was never allowed to express myself in my family and that silence flipped straight to a roar when i got super sick. i now know that that energy is draining the shit out of me. i like what you said about exercise - have a migraine right now so i'm not looking at keys in case this is a mess! The videos. Yes, there is one thing that helps - i have really bad breathing troubles and i watch a particular monks instructions on Qi Gong self acupressure. it's not excerrsie - many of these things you could do in bed. And they DO help . i had a pain specialist years ago that could make my pain and muscle knots leave - by acupuncture and magnesium . he's gone now sadly.

    • @sarahcasey8825
      @sarahcasey8825 ปีที่แล้ว

      I also get a lot of comfort from dharma talks. It really helps with my mental and emotional health.

  • @kjetil_
    @kjetil_ ปีที่แล้ว +7

    it took me a long time to learn to say no more, and to only socialize with people that get that I need to rest frequently. after making that change, I crash a little less often. thanks for another informative video. greetings from Norway :)

  • @pennyrobertson6118
    @pennyrobertson6118 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thank you for this wise advice 🙏 in my experience no one gets it 🥺 even family & friends & I actually realised after a decade of trying to explain, that it’s better for me to not mention it any more.

  • @jennygash4798
    @jennygash4798 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Teach it in ways someone can get..."a severe energy limiting(ELC) condition "I have energy at the cellular level less than 5% of usual" "I do not have full blood volume to ensure good nutrients and oxygenation and removal of waste...up to 20-50% missing blood volume" " I have inadequate blood volume that slumps to the bottom edges of my body" " I am so weak and in pain with a body that is malfunctioning 24/7" All our talking of tiredness is not remotely explanatory

    • @fight4me747
      @fight4me747  ปีที่แล้ว

      Well said.

    • @TaralynR
      @TaralynR ปีที่แล้ว

      This is great advice! It's so hard to describe the level of fatigue where you HAVE to sleep 16 hours a day and still can't function.

  • @zoepollock7010
    @zoepollock7010 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I always appreciate your videos & advice. Thank you 😊

  • @pamelawalton2417
    @pamelawalton2417 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I totally agree with every thing you ate saying but I am in a situation that works against my cfs I was pushed into being a caregiver for my bed bound mother I constantly live with PEM needless to say there is nothing left of me I am trapped because of finances and and a toxic sister who doesn't believe I am sick and holds it over my head God how I wish that I could be free to take care of myself I live every day in a push and crash cycle

  • @raymondgilmour1533
    @raymondgilmour1533 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thank you, I needed to hear about these 5 points today. So misunderstood.

  • @bethyaeger3426
    @bethyaeger3426 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    wow thanks for the tips! this has been so difficult and pem is awful. great tips! keep sharing posts 😊

  • @Di-Pi
    @Di-Pi ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yesssss, whenever I overshare people just look @me like I’m a whacko and then I feel like a hypochondriac. 😖

  • @joyoung7804
    @joyoung7804 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thank you , i need all the tips I can get . Just come out of a crash that has felt like forever, vids like this help me so thank you x

  • @TheLene25
    @TheLene25 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thank you for this video❤️ i have ME, 11 years. I am in a PEM now and its really hard! I have 2 kids and im struggling to be the mom i wanna be. They dont understand me so well eather, even they are 15 and 11 years old. I am severe and on good days moderate.

    • @fight4me747
      @fight4me747  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thats really tough. Sorry to hear that.

  • @ShineBright__
    @ShineBright__ ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Belive or not i exactly experienced the same situation and learned those things very quickly if i wanted to feel better 😌 .... and yes i want sometime to scream it out of my chest , trying to get rid of the weight that it choke my brain..... i explain it ( rarely ) ant the oly thing that i see is that weird look meaning 🤔 😳 oookkk soo ...... and you're like..... nothing never mind !! Would be nice to talk with u sometime and share more knowledge and useful solutions for it !! Take care Man

  • @judithenglefield9924
    @judithenglefield9924 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've recently subscribed to your TH-cam channel & just want to say 'Thank You'. I've had ME/CFS for 18 yrs & just like everyone with this horrible thing, I get so frustrated with 'it' & when people don't understand how I feel but I really must try not to worry about other people & think of myself xx

  • @marcineolsen1767
    @marcineolsen1767 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so much for this, your words absolutely hit deep in the best way.

  • @heathisul
    @heathisul ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I had cancer surgery beginning of October and during the healing I had NO symptoms, a whole month..it was weird.
    It was scary for sure but I’ve never felt better. But since November I’ve been in huge flares, the PEM is out of control. Not sure how to get it under control, trying everything 😢

    • @fight4me747
      @fight4me747  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I hope you are now cancer free.

  • @alysmarcus7747
    @alysmarcus7747 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    number 2. - i think it's why we ended up with ME in the first place. before i got 'this sick' - it was something, pneumonia every fall , random things BVP - now, i'm like well. NO. I have one friend who actually gets it. - and he didn't need to be convinced in the first place.

  • @cristispiridon7834
    @cristispiridon7834 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    i see meditation or mindfulness as a tool to achieve at least 2 items from your list. do you use any of them? what about neuroplasticity? did you try any of the programs available: Gupta, ANS ... ?

    • @fight4me747
      @fight4me747  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I do not meditate, but I do know people who benefit greatly from Mediation

    • @irenes6627
      @irenes6627 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I too meditate and it's so relaxing! X

  • @seaweedeater3104
    @seaweedeater3104 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Hi, I find those things Ive also learnt but it is hard trying to break habits of a lifetime isnt it?
    Harder said than done but vital to get to grips with. Unfortunately, our societal norms make us more ill.

  • @clairejohnson6522
    @clairejohnson6522 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Really wanted to listen to what you had to say but can't hear a thing with the volume turned up as far as it will go.Shame as content is always good.

    • @fight4me747
      @fight4me747  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Have you tried raising the volume within TH-cam? Oddly, some people hear it very clear and others seem to have a hard time hearing this one.

  • @lauraglass4716
    @lauraglass4716 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Wow, this spoke to me sooooo much

  • @soulstrong
    @soulstrong 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you

  • @Ninjamom4
    @Ninjamom4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    ❤❤❤

  • @LifeOnHoth
    @LifeOnHoth ปีที่แล้ว +2

    "I have brainfog too when I don't sleep". Yeah ok then. That's actually funny.

  • @KidCity1985
    @KidCity1985 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Can't hear you

    • @Anchor7
      @Anchor7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Check your youtube volume, I hear him well

    • @KidCity1985
      @KidCity1985 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Anchor7 everything else comes in fine

    • @fight4me747
      @fight4me747  ปีที่แล้ว

      hmm, I will have to check out my Mic before my next video.

  • @PlayingDownUnder
    @PlayingDownUnder ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I'm not Gunna forgive others for verbally abusing me for what I go through. Ok, if you don't understand, back off or ask me some questions about how I feel. The selfishness of some people astounds me!

    • @fight4me747
      @fight4me747  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I agree, but at the end of the day, holding on to that anger will mostly hurt you. Not them. People are so selfish and ignorant to things its astounding.

    • @PlayingDownUnder
      @PlayingDownUnder ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@fight4me747 Yup, you are right. The reason I made this comment is cause it's eating me up how others treat me. I need to let it go...But it's hard... especially when it's family.

    • @cherylallis2458
      @cherylallis2458 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Forgiveness is NOT saying that it's ok that someone hurt you. It's never ok for someone to hurt you.
      Forgiveness is letting go of the feeling that you personally want to make them pay, personal revenge. Holding on to those negative feelings uses up a lot of energy that you need to use for healing.

  • @yesok5774
    @yesok5774 ปีที่แล้ว

    to do with ddeppression ? i dont ring any 1 but thanks for advive 👍

  • @katrinmurnain9197
    @katrinmurnain9197 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Sadley i cannot hear you as the mic is not picing up ...

    • @Anchor7
      @Anchor7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Did you try turning up the volume in TH-cam? I hear him well

    • @fight4me747
      @fight4me747  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thats odd, I will check my mic out next video.

  • @susanphoenix74
    @susanphoenix74 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sorry, but I couldn't hear this one well with volume all the way up. ❤

    • @fight4me747
      @fight4me747  ปีที่แล้ว

      Unfortunately this video is quieter than all the other videos for some people. All I can recommend is increasing the volume within the youtube app/site

  • @yesok5774
    @yesok5774 ปีที่แล้ว

    dont no what it is ??

  • @christinavelazquez8931
    @christinavelazquez8931 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice video, but jeez turning up the volume wouldn't hurt! 😔 Meh.....

    • @fight4me747
      @fight4me747  ปีที่แล้ว

      This particular video had audio issues. I have a pinned comment about it. The rest of the videos should be good though. 😀

  • @websurfer5772
    @websurfer5772 ปีที่แล้ว

    I could barely hear you.

    • @fight4me747
      @fight4me747  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Unfortunately some people have had a hard team hearing this video. Can't seem to figure out why. Hopefully next video the audio will be better.

    • @websurfer5772
      @websurfer5772 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@fight4me747 I hope you can figure how to fix the sound too. I scrolled through your video to find some of the points you were making. It would have saved me a lot of trouble to have gotten that advice a couple of decades ago.
      I've been slowly coming to the same realizations about how we can't just explain ME or Fibro and how they disable us. (I have both.)
      You sure do uncover covert narcissists quickly with this situation though which can be a time saver and a heart saver.

  • @yesok5774
    @yesok5774 ปีที่แล้ว

    u are rihgt