I am in my early 30s, and since 1991 I have suffered from M.E. Along the way, I have developed some other health problems, such as: growing as an adult, alopecia and autoimmune thyroid disease.
Like many UK people, I have been inadequately treated by the NHS - a system of sick-care that, for the most part, does not know how to work with people who have chronic, invisible diseases. As a result, I have been finding my own way by blending a mixture of orthodox and unorthodox treatments - overhauling diet, lifestyle and trying to treat what I can in order to make my body as functional as possible.
Over the years I managed to finish school by attending half time, and to attend university by being given disabled student's assistance (namely, catered halls of residence for 4 years and in my final year - DSA). My work history since then is woeful and scattered, with large gaps. As a result of this, I have worked in a number of different areas and have a variety of experience in various employment settings - not a bad thing.
A few years ago, I was forced to confront the fact that working was not working for me. The more I have worked, the sicker I have become, to the point where my body decided to do some really strange things. I left my job and since then have occasionally done some freelance work when offered it, such as: tutoring, writing, editing, proof reading and wig repairs - all from home.
Facing up to the fact that I am still so dependent on my parents, that I am very unlikely to be able to leave the family home without depending on someone else both physically and financially, and that I may never have a family/career/home of my own has been one of the hardest things I have had to do. I am a person who has had to become a realist, not just a dreamer. I am not a natural dependent (if there is such a person) as I like to earn, to have my own money and to be able to do the things I need to do without having to rely on someone else. Yet there comes a point in the disease process, where you have to accept your own limitations and be prepared to seek/ask for help. I reached that place.
The Realist - My hope for the future is that I can get myself well enough to be able to consistently earn a part time income. For me to be able to have my own money would be wonderful. I would also like to be well enough to finish learning to drive.
The Dreamer - I would love to be able to live abroad for a while (maybe not forever). I would like to adopt a child/children. I would like to make a difference.
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