Radio Program on Chronic Fatigue

Interesting program on local Sydney ABC radio this evening about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. One of the guests was former sufferer Leigh Hatcher. I didn’t learn a whole lot I didn’t previously know, but I wasn’t aware of Leigh’s CFS website, nor his forum for CFS sufferers.

In a bizarre quirk of fate, I listened to the audio version of Leigh’s book I’m Not Crazy I’m Just a Little Unwell while working out at the gym about 6 months before I succumbed to the illness. I had no particular interest in CFS at the time and felt absolutely fine myself, but there was a limited range of audio books available to borrow at my local library and I thought his story sounded interesting.

I now know way, way more about CFS than I ever wanted, and although I don’t spend much time learning more about the condition nowadays, it was interesting to hear the discussion on the radio. The doctor they interviewed talked quite a bit about immune system problems and food intolerances. I never noticed any change in my condition based on changes in my diet personally, but I guess it works for some people. The only thing that seems to work for me is resting and dealing with the emotional issues the illness (and life in general) throws up.

I seem to have the flu at the moment. It’s like my normal symptoms only a bit worse, but I can tell it’s different because the phlegm from my nose is chunky and browny-yellow, instead of the usual clear goop. And when I blow my nose, I’m blowing out blood. I guess I should have put a gross-out spoiler warning on this paragraph eh.

I figure when my flu goes I’ll be back to 60% or so, which is enough to pursue my writing/speaking career. To that end I’ve been spending a lot of time rebuilding my home website. I find if I’m doing something productive while I’m feeling ill, it’s a nice distraction and I get to move forward in life a bit. This is a bit of a change from my previous strategy of just resting passively while waiting to recover.

I’m also preparing for my Toastmasters club’s humorous speech contest on Wednesday night. Wish me luck!