“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.”
― David Richo
You won’t believe how inspiring this post was to write. Thank you so much to everyone who shared their amazing story of recovery! Thousands of people seek treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia each year. Yet many are coming up empty handed. But these stories prove they should not give up hope! Each of these stories has a unique perspective. And perhaps, a bit discouragingly, each person seems to have found a different way to treat themselves. Yet there are certain themes that seem to be common throughout every story.
First, each person tried many ineffective treatments for their illness before finding something that worked for them. They were able to keep a positive perspective even after failed treatments, and seek something new. Second, each person found that a whole body approach was necessary for healing. Nobody found a pill or magic bullet that instantly made them feel better. It took time, research, effort, and the strong desire to heal. Many people credit mindfulness, yoga, and meditation as one aspect of their treatment that work. Many others mention changing their diet for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Chronic Pain. A change in perspective and thought patterns was also important for many. The other treatments vary, but all focus on a holistic approach to the body, mind, and soul.
Most of these stories are about CFS/ME or Fibromyalgia, yet a few other conditions are included as well. If you’ve got a great recovery story about recovering from your chronic illness, please send it my way and I’m happy to add it to the page!
Here are the healing stories:
Natalie Sperling - Natalie was diagnosed with a degenerative disc disease while she was completing her degree in University. Sick of the pain, doctors, and treatments that weren't working she learned how to heal herself. She now works as a coach and nutritionist for women!
Sarah Beilfuss The Chronic Recovery Centre- Sarah suffered from severe CFS/ME and fibromyalgia. Through healing her body and mind she was able to get her life back, and now she helps others do the same!
Defining The New Normal - Colleen overhauled her health and started following a holistic lifestyle to overcome a critical lung disease. She is now a health coach and author helping others thrive!
Katherine's Story- Katherine overcame chronic fatigue syndrome by practicing Kundalini yoga for chronic illness.
Health and Wellness Revolution - Kylie recovered from adrenal fatigue while living with various other chronic illnesses. She is now active and healthy and provides health coaching to others living with illness.
Kate's Story- Radiant Wellbeing- Kate used yoga and meditation to heal her chronic fatigue syndrome.
Alicia Haine - Alica Haine’s inspiring story of lifestyle, psychological, and diet changes that promoted her recovery of CFS in just 11 months!
Beth French - From ME to marathon swimmer using meditation and the mind/body approach. This one has a special place in my heart as I also love long distance swimming, an activity I sorely missed when ill.
Edie's Story- Edie talks about how she recovered from CFS. Twice. She used natural medicine, diet, and gentle exercise such as yoga or tai chi.
Darla's Story- Overcoming Lupus with a daily yoga practice.
CFS Unraveled- Dan credits many things to his recovery, but perhaps most importantly the understanding of what CFS is. He changed is diet, practiced meditation, and did oodles of research that you can now read about in his book: CFS Unraveled
Inspire Lupus Hope- Ferzana overcame Lupus by healing each aspect of her being (physical, emotional, and spiritual), and wrote a book to share her story with others.
Rebuilding Wellness - Author of FibroWHYalgia, Sue lives most of her days 95% pain-free! She runs a great blog and offers coaching, products, and more for those suffering from chronic pain.
How I got better - How one man took control of his own health and now lives ME free.
Experience life - Michelle’s recovery from fibromyalgia. She credits a mixture of pilates, massage, diet, and acupuncture for her recovery- a team approach!
Shannon’s story - 6 things that Shannon did to recover from autoimmune disease
Catching my breath - After being told she was a medical enigma, Brittany Thompson used alternative and holistic therapies to get her life back from immune disorders
Natalie Sperling - Natalie overcame chronic pain using nutrition and integrative therapies. She now uses her knowledge to coach other women to success!
CFS Health - Raeya recovered by doing the CFS health program. A holistic program that covers everything from lifestyle, nutrition, and fitness. She is now fully recovered and a health coach for others living with CFS/ME.
My very own story - How I recovered from CFS by using yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and diet and lifestyle changes.
Steve’s Story - How Steve used meditation and the lightening process to get his life back and follow his artistic passions.
Jo's Story- After being nearly bedridden at 30, Jo got her life back again thanks to the lightening process.
Claire's Story- Claire recovered from ME using the lightening process, she's now getting her PHD!
Here are a few short stories from forums and Facebook groups:
This woman’s daughter is still in the recovery process but will be riding in a three cities bike challenge to raise money for ME:
“My daughter was diagnosed with ME at 11 years old and was bed bound for some years she is now thirty so her recovery has been slow but physically she is at her peak , cognitively she still has issues but she is riding the three cities bike challenge for the association of young people with ME in May.”
This sufferer has learned to live normally with the illness, going with the flow and enjoying life rather than dreading it:
“Mine is a classic ME case. Very straight forward. I went to hospital for a routine tonsillectomy and woke up a diff person. I thought it was just the anaesthesia to begin with but I couldn't walk prop or function normal. I spent several months crying and grumping to my dr. I requested my hospital notes through my dr as I was convinced something had either gone wrong or someone had somehow messed with my brain. It was that black and white to me.
After diagnosis, with an ME specialist, we have managed to learn to live with the illness. I don't think it will ever completely leave me now but I can function at a new normal pace. When I get a cold now I don't dread life, I just go with the flow and if I need to rest more I take a book to the sofa and rest.
To me, the secret was not fighting it as I did to begin with. I just listen to my body and accept I need more rest. Acceptance is the first step to living x”
Do you have a recovery story? Or have you tried any treatments like the stories above? Share your thoughts in the comments! If it is a recovery story please leave a note if you'd like me to include it in the post!
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