A Note to Those Who Have Recovered
Please remember those of us who are left behind, the ones who are still struggling everyday with pain, exhaustion and frustration. Those whose recovery is taking years despite how careful we are, how well we pace ourselves, or the treatments we try. We don't want recovery any less than you we just aren't as lucky.
We are pleased that you are doing better, and it gives us hope that one day, we will get better too; but hope will only get you so far, then we have to settle down to the endurance of our day-to-day existence.
There are people with M.E. who have been ill for over a decade and in that time have seen so many people come and go. Watched as their “friends” have recovered and moved on, leaving them behind along with the memories of their illness.
The feeling of abandonment hurts, especially when you've put time and energy into supporting that person, while they were ill. We don't expect you to contact us every day, or even every week; but the occasional card or text would be nice, and try to remember what we are still going through. Tell us how you are doing; but don't forget to ask how we are, what we are up to and how life is in general.
It may be hard to be reminded of what you've been through; but the person still suffering needs the support, now more than ever, and as they were there for you, please be there for them.
This isn't meant to be a guilt trip or to point the finger of blame, just a plea to remember the ones still on the long, slow road to recovery.