The ME/CFS Society of NSW Inc.

by Kerri Stephenson

Do onions make you cry? Have you ever peeled back the layers one by one? That’s what my life with ME/CFS/FM (Myalgic Encephalopathy/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia) has been like over the past 14 years; gradually losing layer by layer of my once active, social, independent life until I hit the centre/rock bottom/got right back to the basic routine of sleeping/eating/bathroom and was like a baby needing 24/7 care because I was too weak to move, talk or do anything other than keep breathing.

by Simone Hoffman

I believe I had FM from a young age. As a child I went to a physiotherapist for pain and as a student I struggled with stress and neck pain due to my posture. I grew tall with heavy breasts, so that was the explanation given for my pains. When I started working the pain worsened and I couldn't cope with working five days, so I changed to four. Driving in heavy traffic, standing for a long time, sitting behind the computer gave me aches and pains temporarily relieved by taking regular warm showers.