Ali's ME/CFS Full Recovery Story!

Ali Kempson shares her CFS recovery story including her 12-year journey with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) and what finally allowed her to fully recover.
AS MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO:
Eden Energy Medicine edenenergymedicine.com
Ali’s website/blog: everydaykindoflife.wordpress.com
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Meet Ali Kempson
01:59 Ali’s health decline into ME/CFS
06:41 The treatment protocol the NHS recommended
08:36 How Ali got stuck & wasn’t motivated to work at recovery
11:12 Looking at trauma & how it triggered Ali’s ME/CFS
20:32 What Ali’s worst times with ME/CFS looked like
24:16 How Ali got “unstuck” and motivated to recover
30:54 The things that finally allowed Ali to recover 100%
43:28 Factors that skew the kind of recovery stories we see
46:16 How long Ali’s recovery took
50:32 What full recovery feels like for Ali
52:36 Ali’s heartfelt message to those facing ME/CFS
55:16 Ali’s blog & how to reach her
…
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REMINDER: This is for information purposes only and nothing I share should be considered medical advice. Please make your own assessment, do your own further research, and consult your trusted healthcare professionals before deciding if anything I talk about here might be right for you.

[@RaelanAgle]

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Meet Ali Kempson 01:59 Ali’s health decline into ME/CFS 06:41 The treatment protocol the NHS recommended 08:36 How Ali got stuck & wasn’t motivated to work at recovery 11:12 Looking at trauma & how it triggered Ali’s ME/CFS 20:32 What Ali’s worst times with ME/CFS looked like 24:16 How Ali got “unstuck” and motivated to recover 30:54 The things that finally allowed Ali to recover 100% 43:28 Factors that skew the kind of recovery stories we see 46:16 How long Ali’s recovery took 50:32 What full recovery feels like for Ali 52:36 Ali’s heartfelt message to those facing ME/CFS 55:16 Ali’s blog & how to reach her

[@peachesmcgee4795]

I'm involved in running our local ME group and I would say that most people in the group have had significant background trauma,whether it be as a child or an adult.I believe this has affected the HPA axis.Thanks for this interview,Ali speaks with clarity and honesty.I also appreciate her saying that she wasn't extremely driven to try and recover, as I have also felt unmotivated many times as I have just been in "survival" mode for so long.

[@RaelanAgle]

That's so interesting, thanks for taking the time to share that Peaches ❤️

[@peachesmcgee4795]

@@RaelanAgle you're welcome!

[@homemakersheart3614]

I am the same age. The more I hear of those who are older who recover, I get more hope.

[@kathystoner5239]

What a powerful and great interview! I teared up at the end. She gave me so much hope( being 52 yrs old myself).thanks so much!

[@RaelanAgle]

So glad to hear you enjoyed this Kathy!

[@lizzieh5284]

I can completely relate to this lady. I believe I have had ME/CFS since my 20s but it worsened after a long period of emotional stress and a virus in my 50s. I had a very traumatic childhood and believe my whole system was stuck in the fight/flight response. It us nice to hear from an older person who has recovered. There might be some hope for me yet. I'm in my 60s now with moderate ME/CFS.

[@RaelanAgle]

I’m sorry you’ve had to go through this Lizzie, thanks for sharing a bit of your journey 💛

[@FreshAgenda]

Cumulative trauma I think is what happened in my case as well.... covid happened... wife and mother work in hospitals... this stressed me out beyond belief... working from home , no social interaction, watching fear packed news 24-7, country falling apart all year long (USA), then... 3 back to back medical illness in under 2 months! Hello ANS disfunction and insane stress response loop... symptom triggers stress...... stress triggers symptom.... and so on and so on.

[@RaelanAgle]

Wow, that is A LOT! I'm so sorry to hear that you've had to face all of this, I hope you are managing ok 💛

[@amandabeaven1945]

I only discovered Raelan last week via a mention by someone on Twitter. I’m half way through her book Finding Freedom which has been emotional but inspiring also. My juicer arrived today! After listening to Ali’s story this morning I realised I’ve probably been in fight or flight mode since a young child with issues I cannot resolve so I’ve taken a big step to help myself and I’m seeing a counsellor next week. I’m only 2 1/2 years into my chronic illness (Long Covid) and this last week has given me so much hope and positivity so thank you Raelan for your inspiration and to Ali for sharing your story ❤

[@jennamartin-payne1653]

Hi Ali, you are lovely and I am so sad to hear what contributed to your trauma. I realised recently that what happened to me just before getting ill was very traumatic. For some reason I hadn't quite taken it on board because it isn't one of the capital T traumas you see, but it was years of mental trauma and I was always in fight or flight. When it ended was when I got ill which always seemed so ironic to me, perhaps it was my body saying I had to now rest. I am also finding meditation helpful now that I know a reason for doing it. Before this I just thought 'like that will help!' and it was just another thing to forget to do in my foggy mind. I am so tentative in saying this but yesterday I managed about 20 mins building a snowman and I am just waiting for the come back. It hasn't actually happened yet! If it doesn't tomorrow then that is definitely the proof I need to keep going with the meditation. I am 95% bedbound but I thought building a snowman with my kids is worth the crash. Sometimes I just have to do the wrong thing and it's right somehow! I guess like you say, it's helpful for your own peace of mind. Your interview made me well up. I am so glad you got better x x

[@RaelanAgle]

Thanks for sharing all of that Jenna, and I'm so glad you got to build a snowman with no crash!! I also find meditation to be incredibly helpful, I'm so glad it's been helpful for you as well. xx

[@paulajordan9418]

What a great interview I could relate to it as I think I've had it most of my life and to hear somebody say she think she may have had it 30 years ago there is hope for me at 63yrs 😇🥰

[@RaelanAgle]

I'm so glad you found this helpful, Paula!

[@soniaippersiel7880]

Lovely honest and candid interview!❤. I am recovering after 30 years with CFS and I appreciate every tidbit of wisdom. Thank you!

[@truthprevails7085]

This had things I’d never heard talked about, but always felt thru almost two decades of this journey at different times. Very comforting. Thank you for your honesty! Blessings, ladies!💖💖

[@RaelanAgle]

Thanks for sharing!

[@chantellegus2069]

what a beautiful soul. i'm also healing trauma alongside cfs, so i completely resonate. in the beginning of my recovery, it took me a few years to find the motivation to recover, i gave up and i think it was too because i had no confidence, no love for myself, it took the birth of my nephew to really fight until i done enough healing to fight for myself. thank you for being so vulnerable and open!

[@RaelanAgle]

Thanks for sharing a bit of your journey, Chantelle. Sending love to you 💛

[@evelinel.9827]

Fantastic interview!!! You and Ali are doing such a service publishing recovery stories and insights like in this video!!!

[@RaelanAgle]

So glad to hear Eveline that you found this helpful!

[@katedanaher7694]

Hi Ali thank you for your wonderful story. I was 30 when l got CFS and that was 26 yrs Ago. My last 6 yrs have been by far the worst. What I take from your story is to be kind to myself. There is a lot of shame and it is a very lonely journey- misunderstood and so insanely challenging. So Thanks so much for your tips. I know Eden energy and brain training and I am inspired to do both. Thanks kate

[@RaelanAgle]

Very well said, Kate! Hugs to you 🤗

[@alikatlivinganeverydaykind1240]

Yes, being kind to yourself is so key (and so easy to not do 😏). Happy to answer questions about Eden medicine here or on my blog, Kate 🙂

[@bodyfultherapies]

It was really lovely experiencing Ali’s care for all of us on the road to recovery. Thank you Raelan and Ali for the support.

[@RaelanAgle]

She is wonderful, isn't she 💛

[@karenlewis346]

Thank you Raelan and Ali so much for this interview, it resonated with me such a lot. I have had to deal with a lot of emotional childhood trauma and have had counselling, in addition to a lot of self-help work. It meant so much to hear Ali say " I believe in you." At the moment several family members are implying that I need more counselling to fix my flaws and seem to think if I just do this or that then somehow I will be well again. CFS is way more complex than that and I feel very distressed and unsupported that some of my family don't trust me to know what I need. So thank you for that one comment, it made me feel heard. I will be looking at your blog, Ali, to give me some support. Thank you xx.

[@RaelanAgle]

Hi Karen, I'm so sorry to hear that you've been facing this. I'm glad to hear you have a good sense of what's going on with you despite others trying to tell you differently! Thanks for sharing and I'm glad you found this interview helpful 💛

[@amandakephart2544]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING!! I've been going through alot and I cried with ur story ..WE need to hear these WE need hope

[@RaelanAgle]

I'm so glad you found this helpful, Amanda! 💛

[@marionlow6737]

Thank you both for this moving and encouraging interview. I am 67 and have had ME/CFS for 2 years

[@RaelanAgle]

Sorry to hear about your own health challenges, Marion. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the interview though 💛

[@bobbiev7062]

This is pure gold!

[@RaelanAgle]

Isn't Ali just wonderful?! So glad you thought so too, Bobbie!

[@RyanTford]

Thank you for all the work you doing Raelan. Can't tell you how much I appreciate these videos and the support group you created. Ali, I had a BIG cry from your words at the end. I really needed to hear that. Thank you 🙏 ❤️

[@RaelanAgle]

Aw Ryan that’s so nice to hear! Thanks for always being such a breath of sunshine everywhere you go 🌞

[@KWilliams22]

Oh how I love these recovery stories!! I have literally resonated with bits of every single one...thank you ladies. And thank you Ali for being so vulnerable and raw....I'm so happy you have recovered...you deserve the very best in your life 💗 we all do!!

[@RaelanAgle]

Glad you like them! And you are so right Keren, we all do!!

[@inmalikp]

Wow... I found her story very powerful. I related to many of the things she shared and I'm so happy she's doing well now. Thank you Raelan and Ali for this 🙏

[@RaelanAgle]

It's our pleasure Inma! I'm so glad you enjoyed this ✨

[@peachesmcgee4795]

The end was very moving. Ali is clearly such a kind person,as is Raelan.Thank you both - needed to hear this today.

[@RaelanAgle]

I appreciate that so much, Peaches! Thank you ❤️

[@sakurahochegger7001]

Thank you for the video ✨❤️

[@RaelanAgle]

You’re most welcome! Thanks for watching ☺️

[@helenlaurenson8974]

What a moving and thought-provoking and generous conversation. Thank you both.

[@iR3cOiLzZx]

Loved this, thank you for the interview and the blog which I've started having a read of.💚

[@RaelanAgle]

💓💓💓

[@peterpoterstein6686]

Thank you two for this interview. For me these experiences are like lanterns in a pitchblack night. My top priority is always "what does feel good for me" but in rough hours it also calmes my mind to see these lanterns. Thanks!

[@RaelanAgle]

Love that, Peter!

[@lexinichols4057]

Ty both so much for this video ! Ali's experience she shared was so helpful ! When she explained her struggle with self esteem, I can understand and relate to that so well. Also, she explained how frustration actually motivated her at times because there was so much frustration present, oh how I can relate. Thank you both for opening up to help others.

[@lexinichols4057]

And Ali you are so right, I would tell others to have compassion for themselves too, we are so hard on ourselves.

[@RaelanAgle]

So glad this resonated Lexi 💛

[@sigridmuhlogger4027]

Wonderful woman....I would WISH to share my story with her...I stay on listening, watching these recovery stories....are so helpful for me.....

[@nigelroyle5676]

Thanks for posting this. I see so many parallels between Ali and myself. Over 50, self critical , broad trauma in my past. Even my job as a career coach. Used to be very active. I ve been living with mild CFS for years and worse now. This gives me hope.

[@RaelanAgle]

Hey Nigel, wow that is a lot of parallels. There is always hope! So glad to hear that you’ve found some. You’ve got this ⭐️

[@stephg4273]

Thanks for the hope today. Been laying here feeling stuck and depressed with all this.

[@RaelanAgle]

Stephanie, I'm so sorry to hear that you've been dealing with this for so long. I hope you find all your puzzles pieces and can finally put this all behind you soon ❤️

[@janielightly1644]

I am so glad I watched this interview and would like to thank Ali so much for sharing her story as a 54 year old I am definitely feeling more frustration than hope at the moment. I resonate so much with what you have shared and it has actually given me hope again. Thank you Raelan as always for all that you do in getting the message out there that a full recovery is possible. I really think self compassion plays a huge part with recovery. Much love 🙏🏻♥️

[@alikatlivinganeverydaykind1240]

So glad you resonated with what we talked about, Janie! You might want to look at my blog post called 'It wasn't hope that got me better' (searching on google will find it) where I talk more about frustration! Ali ❤

[@janielightly1644]

@@alikatlivinganeverydaykind1240 thank you I found it from the link on here, great blog really helpful ☺️

[@RaelanAgle]

You are so welcome, Janie. I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling, but so glad that you are feeling a bit more hopeful 💛

[@janielightly1644]

@@RaelanAgle thank you 💜😘

[@amandakephart2544]

You're a very sweet soul

[@Jane-pg8jv]

Wauwww, thank you so much for thus beautiful hopeful video! And yes, when you have/had CfS you ARE more than a superwoman 😅❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏

[@RaelanAgle]

So glad you liked it Janna!

[@veroniquemead3453]

HI Ali and Raelan, I just watched this video with you both and it feels like I got to meet you, Ali, on a whole other level after connecting via email over the past few years. It was so lovely! What a terrific interview, and sharing so much of your reality, vulnerability, what you had to learn and go through... and that it took 30 years, not really the "6 months" at the end to recover. I could relate to it all I loved your details too like how you felt so much better at one point after doing a body scan how you would come back into your body after a counseling session your work on your self esteem - that's a lot of what I've been working with too, and the self doubt seems to have increased recently, as if the emotional distress underneath the freeze I've been in for so long with my own CFS is so much more visible in recent years... and more available to be worked through your inner critic - mine is gradually improving, but it's amazing to learn how strong it is how you used frustration as your motivator (it sounds like when my own fight response gets going!) holding the recovery loosely, instead of striving, being goal oriented and instead being more focused on the moment and self love and self compassion I loved your complex answer to "how long to recovery?" that some of your recovery started 10 years before you even got sick that you were in your mid 20s when you realized for first time you had self esteem issues and that you could change your beliefs it's a gradual working through of the layers a gradual whole life healing I found your journey, your words, your experience and sharing hugely inspiring and hopeful and offering that ever-important support for self compassion it's wonderful to be part of a community and a tribe like this with you and with Raelan and thanks for introducing us and role modeling how to keep coming into the present and to being vulnerable with who we are thank you!

[@RaelanAgle]

Thank you, Veronique, for this beautiful comment! I so admire your compassion, kindness, insight, and wisdom. ❤️❤️❤️

[@veroniquemead3453]

❤️

[@alikatlivinganeverydaykind1240]

Thank you for taking the time to watch the video Veronique. 🙂 I love how you’ve picked out so many of the pertinent points and I’m so looking forward to your interview with Raelan as I know you have a great wealth of knowledge. ❤️

[@veroniquemead3453]

@@alikatlivinganeverydaykind1240 ❤️

[@mirandaandrea8215]

What a lovely lady! ❤

[@gypsyananda]

Wow raelan. It touched me when you said you were stressed and in fight or flight during your 18 month push for recovery. I am so DRIVEN right now to recover after 4 years of illness, and still the critic in me says "still not trying hard enough " which is a similar refrain to "not good enough". I think my ANS Rewire program would be better if i tried EVEN harder....but maybe i would respond better if i let go of striving and criticism of self

[@RaelanAgle]

Great insight and so relatable ❤️

[@carolynnwoolstone7264]

Thank you Ali and Raelan. Ali you are such a kind and thoughtful person. Your story was so heartfelt and inspiring. I have been doing some energy work every day using Prune Harris's Daily Energy Routine on KZbin!! I also liked your approach about adding in new strategies. Am I ready to try this or add this in? So much kinder and gentler. I will remember this. Thanks so mucy. Raelan, would you consider making a video about your trauma healing process that you mentioned in this interview. You talked about journaling and visualizing how you would have liked to have handled situations. I think this would be very helpful to me and I'm curious about your process.

[@alikatlivinganeverydaykind1240]

Thank you, Carolynn for your lovely message. Glad you've found the daily energy routine -I find it relaxing just listening to Prune's voice. 🙂 Yes, it's all those subtleties of being kinder and gentler to ourselves that make so much difference. ❤

[@RaelanAgle]

Great to hear, Carolynn!

[@marilyncowie2761]

What a wonderful lady! Such a gentle and quiet spirit she has. The best yet, Raelan. Ali, are there any Eden practitioners practicing in Scotland?

[@RaelanAgle]

So glad you enjoyed this, Marilyn! And I completely agree, Ali is just wonderful 💛 And I know she will get back to you soon!

[@theimperfectpianist217]

it is possible Eden practitioners can work long distance. I know other kinds of energy work can be done this way. My siter helped me from 4 hours away using Esoteric Healing.

[@alikatlivinganeverydaykind1240]

Thanks, Marilyn, for your lovely comment. ❤️ Yes, there are Eden Energy Medicine practitioners in Scotland. I’ve just tried to post a link to a directory with their names but KZbin isn’t happy! Hopefully Raelan will be able to do it for you! 🙂

[@marilyncowie2761]

@@alikatlivinganeverydaykind1240 thanks, Ali x

[@marilyncowie2761]

@@theimperfectpianist217 thank you ❤️

[@user-ur6nn7mj4d]

Thank you from Ali in the uk. I am too and will make contact

[@jasmineglow8615]

Hi Raelen, thank you so much for your videos. I am so grateful for the work that you are doing and for inspiring us. Do you know if there is a way to contact Ali or ask her some questions about the Energy Medicine? I looked into it but would like to have some more clarity. If at all possible. I resonate with this approach and would like to know more. Thanks a ton and keep cycling and smiling! Love it!! From a fellow Canadian. 😉😊🙏🙏

[@alikatlivinganeverydaykind1240]

Hi Jasmine. Ali here. Raelan has left a link to my blog in the description just below the video or if you google Ali Kempson ME/CFS that should find it. There’s lots of blogs about Eden Energy Medicine on there (under the Eden EM tab at the top) and a contact form to send me an email. I’m very happy to answer any questions! 🙂

[@jasmineglow8615]

@@alikatlivinganeverydaykind1240 Thanks Ali. I will find it and email you there. Thanks so much! 😊😊

[@RaelanAgle]

Hey Jasmine! I'm always excited to hear from a fellow Canadian 😀 And happy to hear that this resonated and that Ali has been in touch. Haha and yes...the cycling is bringing me SO much joy these days! Nice of you to notice and remember 😎

[@ChrisKadaver]

I'm sure I suffer from complex PTSD and that I developed that before my ME/CFS due to two close friends that died and also I was in a relationship with an extremely destructive partner. I mean probably a psychopath for 3 years. But I havent recieved any help for the trauma from that relationship even though I have begged for it from doctors and psychologiests.

[@RaelanAgle]

Hey Chris, wow I'm so sorry to hear about all that you've been through. That sounds incredibly frustrating to be asking for the help you need and not getting it. Thanks for sharing a bit of your journey - I hope you are managing ok 🌞

[@avamihalik7531]

After 12 years of doctors and medicine allopathic and natural, diets and every treatment, and 24/7 rewiring/ brain training, that got me FAR yes but I now feel better just not doing anything and not caring about anything. Not trying so hard to be so-called NORMAL, trying hard to get back like I was with haircuts, a nice house, make-up, walking every day or else eating right losing/gaining weight, even HAVING to get along with my husband is not a necessary these things I would LIKE but I don't NEED a shift that I need and not in a depressed way at all just like I surrender. I am just going to relax like really relax not say when I this that or the other thing is then I'll be okay, I just was like I am good NOW, and even though I can feel symptoms in my body and brain and yes my husband is still triggering DONT care sorry brain just don't mind anymore, I now am feeling less dizzy less, gut pain and am sleeping so much better. I am not saying this is what anyone else should do. I needed a break from everything even meditation. It's making me feel a bit freer. For now.. Thank you Raelan again and as always you are beautiful and I can't imagine where we would all be without you in our lives! xxxooo Ava

[@karinabatres3669]

Beautiful ❤❤❤

[@nmash6835]

I cant feel fully awake and I feel foggy In my head ,I feel like everything is a dream (dreamy) everything feels like a bug mountain to do.

[@cathyjennings5580]

Can Kidney distress symptoms be the cause of chronic exhaustion 😩???

[@Bachconcertos]

How can u have self esteem when u are sick?

[@molbar09]

I'm just wondering- people who have recovered, have you completely recovered? not just from the fatigue but from all the other symptoms that come with cfs?

[@RaelanAgle]

For me - yes so far all symptoms are gone 😊

[@alikatlivinganeverydaykind1240]

Yes, for me too. Some of the side symptoms took a bit longer to go so I continued to have Eden Energy medicine sessions for a few months, but yes I am all clear now 🙂