Jen's story, definitions etc

[Guest guest]

Dear Jen,

Thanks a lot for spilling the beans.=) My story is nothing like as

harrowing as yours as it all came on so gradually. I started with a

seemingly insignificant virus back in April 01 and, over a period of time

and repeated infections, (although I don't always remember there being an

infection, I think sometimes my body just used up its strength over the days

and weeks), the full blown syndrome has emerged. Anyway, I suppose the

result is not too dissimilar, although I seem to be coming out of this

" cycle " at the mo. Well, of course - I go to the specialist on Wednesday

and your tooth *never* hurts when you finally make it to the dentist's, does

it?=)

Yup, I always like to include some fruit!! It's my favourite food and I

base my diet mainly around fresh fruit and raw veggies. I firmly believe

that this and the fact I have no overt poisons in my dietary, (ie caffeine,

alcohol, junk foods with all their chemicals, V few medications,

(painkillers at " that time of the month " ), and no animal products), has

prevented me from being a good deal sicker than I am. When I saw the

recommendations for the " Basic Diet " by the UK charity and support group,

Action for M.E. it was very similar to my current intake. Since reading

that, I'm trialling wheat free and have limited my sugar even more.

Although most Westerner probably have up to 30 tsps equivalent per day, I

don't think that, even on a bad day, I make it to 5!=) So, I must say that

I truly believe that diet is crucial in the management and prevention of

almost *all* illness. Be cute - eat fruit!=) It's my litle way of sending

you all health food!!!

asked about what M.E. stood for. Sorry, I should have clarified that

long ago, shouldn't I?=) It stands for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, the last

part of which is inaccurate as M.E. patients do not, as a rule, have brain

and spinal cord inflammation, but it's a better name and sounds more like a

disease than CFS. That always sounds to me like a lifestyle problem.

Grrrr. PVFS was a name that was popular in the 80's when most doctors were

skeptical about the very existance of M.E. It stands for Post-Viral Fatigue

Syndrome and I think is sometimes applied to those with less severe cases.

They don't quite make it to full blown M.E. status, but they have something.

My hubby's colleague has it, but it's essentially the same thing.

That's it for me today. It's a lovely sunny Monday, I'm not feeling TOO

grim but must prepare my material for the hospital visit on Wed today. I

often get an e-mail from my kid brother in Germany on Monday mornings, but

he's neglected me this week, (sigh), so I shall now resisit the temptation

to tick him off!!!=)

Love and melons

Elisabeth.