An Open Letter

Dear Lisa Marshall,

Hiya! Thanks for taking the time and energy to get in touch. It made my day to hear from you because I’ve had the poorliest morning in a long time. Thank you!

I’ve attached some of my blog posts for you to have a read of.

https://the-slow-lane.com/2014/12/04/are-we-the-real-undateables/

https://the-slow-lane.com/2014/12/13/foreign-territory/

https://the-slow-lane.com/2015/01/20/dear-diary-im-going-on-a-date/

https://the-slow-lane.com/2015/02/25/dateable/

I’ve highlighted the final paragraph of one of them for you because I’m not sure you’d manage to spot it by yourself. See below.

(But! If one more person says that my recent improvement and progress is down to the fact I’m dating I may throw all of my toys out of the pram! My argument is that without improvement I would not be able to date someone in the first place!)  

Dateable? Published 25/2/2015

After 4+ years I have finally come out of the severe stage of M.E. I never thought I’d get to this point! It’s wonderful. To not need to wear my sunglasses and ear defenders all the time anymore because the sensory overload has eased off a little. To not always need my wheelchair when I go out. To not be in bed 24/7. To not wet myself because I can’t get to the loo. To be able to drive on some days. To be more independent!

I took a gamble to see if one could hold down a relationship while having M.E. It payed off! I met a guy who makes me very happy and is more understanding than I knew was possible. He helps me walk down the stairs on the days my balance is off or my legs give way. He cooks for me because I can’t cook for him. He makes sure I have my rest breaks even though it must be boring for him to be dating someone who is so incredibly restricted by her ever-present health condition. He drives the car right up to the door to save my weak and heavy legs from walking too far. The relationship can’t be as physical as a ‘normal’ one for quite obvious reasons.

I’m still very poorly despite no longer needing the ‘severe’ label. But he accepts me for the person I am. It has taken considerable courage to allow a new person into my life at a point when I am still so poorly. He sees me when I do not have the energy to speak or lift up my own head. He puts my socks on for me. Holds my drink up to my mouth when my arms are too weak to do it myself.

It’s ever-so lovely that you interpreted my optimism and positive spin on things as me being recovered.

It’s quite brave to share one’s health story online for the whole world to see. I started doing it to help my family and friends understand what I’m going through. My blog is read all over the world by thousands of people. I’ve become and advocate for M.E. and use my precious energy on spreading true and accurate awareness of this horrific condition. I’ve been nominated for awards as a result, and my fundraiser has been adopted by a flagship charity. I do my best to make hings a bit better and brighter for people like me, who could do with a few more silver linings in their lives.

Thanks for being so supportive of a fellow sufferer and for knowing how these things have absolutely no impact on one’s symptoms whatsoever.

Anna.