Are we safe?

Hi gang. 

I’m sorry it’s been a whole week since my last post. It’s been a bad week for me symptom wise. I’ve barely managed to drag myself out of bed, let alone anything else. I seem to manage better in the late afternoon/evening time. Whether it’s because it’s cooler than in the midday sun or simply because I’ve spent all day in bed resting, I’m not sure. But it is quickly becoming a vicious cycle of being awake till the early hours and then unable to get out of bed until the following evening. I’m trying hard not to let my sleep pattern reverse itself but I know a lot of people with M.E/CFS have this issue, and I’m still hoping to return to work soon.

I did managed to be awake for the England football matches, although only just. I felt rubbish and was asleep last Saturday afternoon, only to be rudely awoken by cheers, of what sounded like the whole of Sheffield, when we scored the first goal against Sweden 😂. I wasn’t too upset about it tho. After all, Harry Maguire is a local boy, which made his goal even more celebratory.

I’ve been so happy seeing all the support and positivity for the team, I don’t think I remember a time when the country felt so united in a game of football. Even people who don’t like the game were invested. I think, however disappointing it was to loose in the semi-final of the World Cup, the countries pride, unity and sales of waistcoats have never been higher and maybe that’s the real reward. Plus, let’s face it, 3rd or 4th best team IN THE WORLD isn’t something to be sniffed at.

So, I did something pretty unusual for me last week. Last Friday I went to a private health clinic in Nottingham and received an IV of goodness (mainly vitamins and antitoxins, nothing too dodgy - promise). I’ll probably write a blog specifically about this experience in a few weeks when any effects have kicked In. Now, I’m pretty sure some of you would do this regularly and don’t see the issue, but for me, this is bordering the realm of “alternate medicine”. 

Well, what’s wrong with that? 

I’ve always thought of myself as practical. In my mind - if the “alternative” was the miracle cure it claims to be why would it not be offered by the ACTUAL health service? Naive right?? Now conspiracy theories aside, I still believe the NHS offers the best care based on evidence and research (and I’m totes not just saying that because they are my employer 😇). The problem is that money isn’t going into the research for some chronic illnesses and, at the moment, NHS guidelines ignore the evidence that current care can be ineffective, at best, or physically and mentally harmful to patients. Yes PACE trial I’m looking at you !! It’s no wonder people like me are heading into uncharted waters, searching for an answer.

                                                  

My limited experience has got me thinking about “alternative medicines” in general. Who tests them out? Who makes sure the test results are accurate? Who makes sure the accreditations are real? When the health service is limited and western medicine has failed us, does desperate times call for desperate measures? When we are lost and feeling hopeless, are self proclaimed witch doctors and healers the answer? And if so, how do we stay safe? 

There is usually no try before you buy options, meaning we are often left in the dangerous position of suck it and see (a genuine Yorkshire phrase meaning try it and then wait and see ... not a proposition or payment recommendation 😖). We are easy pickings. Vulnerable, beaten and hopelessly searching for help. Bright and shiny, glowing reviews are tempting and we can be so eager to feel better, that we often overlook the small print. My advise, DO YOUR RESEARCH. Sounds simply enough but I can’t emphasise this enough. 

1. What is the treatment? If you’ve never heard of it, look it up, ask around, ask your dr - especially if you are putting medications or chemicals into your body. 
2. Who is providing this treatment? What are their credentials? Look them up - google is always your friend. Don’t just accept that their certificates mean they are actually qualified to do the job. And, y’know, don't just make an appointment with the woman down the road because your mum went to school with her cousin 🤦🏼‍♀️
3. Are they really as effective as they claim? Is it only 100% effective because they only had one client who wasn’t chronically ill? What do they class as successful? Remember that treatments can only help symptoms, not cure your actual illness completely.
4. How much does it cost and how many sessions do they recommend. Yes, you can’t put a price on your health, but you also can’t pay your bills if a voodoo mistress has all your money. Be mindful of entering a commitment with a set number of treatments/appointments, especially if you have to pay for them individually.
5. In the same breath - don’t give up if the first experience wasn’t as successful as you’d hoped. Depending on the treatment several appointments might be necessary. Keep an open mind, maybe set yourself a limit - if you see no results in 3-5 appointments then maybe it’s time to move on. 
6. Word of mouth is fab for getting an idea of the treatment or the outcomes. But don’t jump into something just because you heard so-and-so say it was good. Just because Sharon next door had rave reviews for green smoothies and early morning Tai Chi, doesn’t mean it will bring you good health and inner peace. 

I guess I’m still on my alternative medicine journey, and exploring what options are available. There are some genuine complimentary therapies out there, and some wonderful people dedicated to helping others with non-conventional treatments. It’s just exhausting trying to find them...
What are some of your tried and tested treatments? Feel free to share your stories and experiences below, the good and the bad. Hopefully you might save someone a painful lesson.

Have a good weekend lovelies ❤️

xoxo