By: Sally Callow

Sally Callow — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 11:45:59 +0000

Thanks Derek! ME is a global illness and so there will be people suffering from ME in Asia. However, like you say, mild sufferers would likely be considered lazy and so won't be something they talk about. Severe sufferers probably hide away due to the unknown nature of the illness. I am glad your hosts took an interest in Foggy's awareness raising!

By: Derek Usher

Derek Usher — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 11:43:34 +0000

Brilliantly put Sally. I don't think there's anyone of us "normal" people who can fully understand what it must feel like to be you and the million or so others who have to live their lives as you do every single day. Non sufferers will always take their lives for granted and will only concern themselves when the next sniffle/bad cold comes along. Your blog puts it all into perspective but how to you reach out to these people? That is the difficulty. – I spoke to 3 or 4 Indian friends during our Kerala holiday when they each asked what Foggy was all about? When I explained it seemed that they had never quite heard of the condition or even knew of anyone suffering with it. Possibly because it is yet to be discovered/diagnosed in that continent, or that their lifestyles are so different there, that anyone who would dare to show any degree of tiredness or weakness, would just be considered lazy!? I don't know but it would be hard for any possible sufferer there that's for sure – mainly because the majority of woman do daily physical work of some kind and need to provide for and to keep their families alive. I would feel for anyone who does match the ME criteria that's for sure, as it would be the next thing to hell for them poor things! Those four were interested enough to take your leaflets and cards btw! – #spreadingtheMEword!

Comments on: Back to Basics

By: Sally Callow

By: Derek Usher