My Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Recovery Story (4 years to 110% recovered!)

[@ATouchySubject]

⌚TIMESTAMPS: 0:38 - The non-linear nature of my recovery 1:15 - The '3-factors' needed to crack the code 2:00 - How my CFS diagnosis came about and what the early days were like 2:47 - What symptoms I was experiencing at the time 3:28 - How chronic fatigue affected my work/life 3:42 - My experience with the medical system 4:11 - The Functional Medicine Approach and supplementation 5:02 - How I found the right medical team 5:44 - Melbourne Functional Medicine and how their approach to CFS 6:32 - What they discovered and interventions that helped 07:58 - My Nervous System 'Toolkit'/Resources 12:22 - The 3 key factors that helped me stay motivated 15:33 - My health and energy levels today

[@aronaeleven5574]

Wishing you the best on you're recovery journey

[@ATouchySubject]

Thank you Aron!

[@DDumbrille]

While I'm glad you're well, four years is virtually 'nothing' when one has ME/CFS. Having said that, your video is worthwhile, so that people know there are options. It's also worth noting that thousands of people have tried what you did, and ended up getting well by doing brain retraining...

[@TL-ch1xd]

Journey? The video says she is 110 % recovered. 🤔😯

[@Jonesy1064]

OMG Victoria. To think that I had my RRP in December 2020, right in the middle of your own crisis, spins my head. You still found time to listen, advise and be there. You are one amazing woman. I’m so pleased you are at 110%. Stay healthy and keep up being the legend you are in men’s health. I have a few people I can share this CFS journey with. Thank you for posting.❤ and welcome back! 🎉

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi Jonesy thanks so much for your thoughtful message and well wishes! I'm so pleased I was able to help you back in 2020 when you were in the midst of your recovery. Your kind words mean so much. Appreciate you sharing this with others and for spreading the word!

[@LeviticusMoriarty]

Feeling like you have a hangover while having the flu is pretty accurate while also being super frustrated with the medical system.

[@DDumbrille]

ME/CFS patients have -- even in the definition -- FLU-LIKE symptoms. We typically NEVER get a real fever...

[@squirrelnut55]

Thank you for your story, i also listen constantly to recovery stories and dont believe anyone who says you cant get out of this, it is possible, thank you 🙏❤

[@mariesalsiccia8382]

Hi Victoria! Congrats on sharing your incredible journey. We discovered you during my husbands prostate ordeal 2 years ago, totally unaware of your own health struggles. We have told so many people about your website. But when I saw this video, I too can agree with most of what you described, as I have had that roller coaster of not knowing what started all my mystery ailments, and battling with the brain fog,fatigue, loss of motivation and confidence. I agree, without counselling, sharing stories, seeking support, and ,as hard as it feels, being kind to yourself, when at times just as you improve, you can crash and wonder if this is how it will be forever. And it is never one answer, or one person to fix it all. Music, Meditation and Nature have been a big part of the recovery too. You are an incredible person Victoria, thanks again, and keep believing.Be kind to yourself. ❤Marie n Dom

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi Marie and Dom, thank you for your kind and thoughtful message. And for sharing your own rollercoaster journey on your road to health and recovery. I am so pleased my story resonated especially how important a holistic approach to health and mental health. As you said, it often takes a combination of approaches. I love your suggestions of music, meditation and nature and I couldn't agree more with you!

[@Fiawordweaver]

I really appreciate you jumping right in to your journey. It’s so disheartening when others talk in circles and never really say anything. Thank you

[@hiramhackenbacker9096]

I've been hearing so many of these stories over the past 3 years from people in support groups that have had Long Covid. Chronic fatigue is still not so well understood and even accepted by much of population. I had Covid in June 2020, well before vaccines or even a lot of knowledge about what Covid could lead to. It led to chronic fatigue that took me 12 months to get over. I couldn't work at all for 6 mths then light duties for another 6 before a full return. For me I had to learn to pace myself and rest as much as I could. If I overdid it there would be a delayed price to pay. Also I went on a diet similar to an anti-ageing diet. Lots of healthy foods and cut out the crap. I think it all helped but I wasted 3 months initially because everytime I'd feel a little better I'd do too much and then I'd set myself back. I'm good now but know many, including many young people, that are still struggling. I'm glad you're well but what a long ordeal for you. All the best.

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi Hiram, thanks so much for your comment and sharing your personal story with CFS. It definitely is a multi faceted approach and you have to listen in to your body and rest as much as you can. So pleased to hear that you are also feeling better. All the best for your continued health!

[@danniellenorthin8436]

I’m a long covider too for two years now the flare ups are the worse

[@cathyjennings5580]

Did U ask a doctor about hormones imbalances, effecting moodiness.??????

[@cathyjennings5580]

Thanks SO much!!!

[@Ladybird22373]

I had long Covid It took me 1 half years to recover & I couldn’t work full stop . Calm your mind tell it different story , it’s the only thing that got me back . Your body can’t heal in stress mode

[@shanmorrison3807]

Dear Victoria, Thanks so much for generously and vulnerably sharing your CFS recovery story with us all. It is sadly a very common story however I'm sure that your insightful reflections and resources will change lives and that you will now impact a much broader audience than those with prostate cancer and the people that support them. Your story resonated with me on so many levels - as I support people in my capacity as a Pelvic Health Physio with similar chronic illness stories. It always always takes an approach that addresses the physiological / biological that includes nervous system regulation, a committed multi-disciplinary team with expertise in the area, tools (and people) that support you to stay motivated and most importantly the person themselves having a degree of autonomy, self efficacy and self-compassion. I am SO PLEASED that you now feel 110% and can return to doing what you love, we are all grateful for that. I look forward to sharing more about our professional passions. Shan

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi Shan, thank you so much for your comment! I'm so glad it resonated, and I love hearing that this is a similar approach you take in your practice, I'm not surprised given the positive feedback I always hear from men in the audience who see you during their rehab (for any Melbourne based people reading, Shan and her team are fantastic physiotherapists!)

[@melbournefunctionalmedicine]

Wow Victoria what an awesome story to share - not only because of how many wonderful tools and skills you developed (your 'body code' is brilliant), but also importantly because you understand how hopeless it can feel when crushed by a chronic illness and this is a purely HOPE FULL message. It's been a real privilege to support you and we couldn't be happier at your 110% health status! Your coach, Bee

[@ATouchySubject]

THANK YOU BEE!! You were such an integral part of my team in that final recovery chapter 💪 I will forever be grateful for your empathy and rock solid support during that time 🙏

[@melbournefunctionalmedicine]

It was my absolute pleasure and I'm thrilled for you@@ATouchySubject

[@zennenn]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! I've been severely ill for over two years now after going downhill for longer, and knowing your journey to recovery took 3 years is giving me hope!

[@PETERWALKER-v1o]

Dear Victoria, thank you for all you have done for me in my post-prostate cancer recovery; All of the time that you were advising me and providing all those wonderful videos I did not realize what you were going through and am very thankful that you have now restored your health and feel so good again! You certainly deserve a blessed life!

[@ATouchySubject]

Hello, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and your well wishes!! Wish you the best!

[@erics4127]

I did ANS rewire too. I'm about 99% recovered

[@spruceysarah]

Thank you so much for sharing your story -- it really helps those of us still working to get to 100% (or 110%!).

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi Sarah, you are welcome, happy to help and all the best for your recovery journey to 110%!

[@mariusxmeier2417]

You have a very warm energy, thank you 😊

[@jimmyjones-r1g]

So very pleased you have fully recovered and remain an inspiration as you continued to enlighten us all with your videos.

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi thanks for your thoughtful message and well wishes! So pleased to hear I have inspired and enlightend you on your journey!

[@tonysmith4532]

many thanks for your honest personal story. So glad to hear youn are 110%

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi Tony thanks for your thoughtful message and well wishes!

[@RoeGabriel_i_EMPOWER]

Perfect description and strategy. Thanks so much.

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi there, thanks for your comment, glad you found it helpful!!

[@GeorgePardi]

Glad to hear that you're doing so much better. I've sort of given up on my prostate recovery, but this video has encouraged me to keep trying. After three years, I figured that there's nothing left to do.

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi George, thank you so much for your comment. I'm so pleased that it has inspired and encouraged you to keep going! All the best on your continued recovery journey.

[@TheProstateZone]

It is so wonderful to hear that you finally feel better - truly better. And typical Victoria, you have generously shared your experience in the hope of helping others. Congratulations and hallelujah. Welcome back to full life again. Love and hugs, Fiona & Alan. xxx💖

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi Fiona and Alan, thank you so much for your kind message! You've shown me a lot of support and encouragement during this turbulent life chapter, I'm very grateful. It's so great to be on the other side and able to share my story to hopefully help others ❤

[@peteblasdale]

Well done you. So happy for you that you have made a full recovery. I have known a number of people with CFS and it's so hard for them. I like your approach that you have outlined in this video, I will share it, and I hope it will help others with CFS and Long COVID. All the very best.

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi Pete thanks so much for your thoughtful message and well wishes. So glad you found this video valuable. I appreciate you spreading the word! All the best

[@tonylange2180]

Hi Victoria, I have enjoyed your posts. I went through your last one with interest, I have experienced some problems with my recovery having 2 back operations after Prostate surgery and recently had a setback with nerve damage and needing more treatment, I have put a lot of my problems to this damage not getting full control and sometimes getting worse. I do plenty of exercise to keep it the best I can expect, there now seems that Ablation of nerves may be my future. Thanks for all your help, I will keep looking at any posts. I guess at 78 I’m going ok.

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi Tony thank you for your message and for sharing your recovery journey. I'm sorry to hear of your recent setback. I hope my posts continue to provide hope and inspiration. Wish you all the best on your recovery journey.

[@jamesos84]

Really inspiring story, glad I stumbled across this. I am 3 years into long covid and have seen real progress but have had some setbacks. The emotional component is the hardest for me but it’s what I know to be most important. Interesting to hear your perspective on diet etc- I was so ridiculously healthy pre long covid I didn’t have any areas to improve. I even did gut microbiome testing which showed it got worse even with the perfect diet and expensive supplements and only improved after doing emotional work… crazy. Somatic experiencing has been key for me and like you, the fatigue and brain fog are my main symptoms now. Everyone’s nervous system is so different so it’s a lonely journey but recovery stories are fuel for the ride

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi James, thank you so much for your comment and sharing your journey. Absolutely agree, it really is a multi-faceted approach and emotional/body work is so key! We are all so different and each and everybody's recovery journey may also look different. I am really pleased to hear that my story has helped you in some way. All the best for your continued recovery.

[@karenmccants1439]

Hi Victoria--I just came across your video and was so pleased to see you mention CFS Unraveled--I feel like Dan's program truly saved my life! I'm still in recovery but I've come a long long way from where I was before...cheers to you!💖💖💖

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi Karen! So pleased you came across this resource too and so glad that CFS Unraveled made such a positive impact on your healing journey too. All the best for your recovery!! 💖

[@shaunnarochelle]

great video. recovery feels like climbing mount everest, constantly slide 10 steps backwards. i still struggle to believe that ill make it. but i wont give up !

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi Shauna, I completely understand what you are saying here, it really is a rollercoaster ride. Hope you found some valuable insights in this video to help you. All the best for your recovery!

[@mayaholligan5487]

This is so good thank you for sharing. I wish docs would give videos like this to people when we get diagnosed with ME/CFS!! My journey is beginning to resemble yours

[@Hannah-oi6ti]

You are an angel. Thank you so much for creating this video. I feel bubbled up and overwhelmed with hope and possibility- I could cry. haha well let's be real, I am crying. I think the nervous system regulation is one of the most monumental takeaways here. I imagine so many of the ME/CFS stories are those of people that have been living their lives in high stress/grief/heightened emotions/intensity/etc...often times coupled with a series of physical illnesses. But it makes sense that the body one day just says enough is enough. You can't keep operating in this fight or flight system, so the body gives us no choice but to stop with all the onset of CFS symptoms. I thank you again for taking the time to spread your light and positivity and hope. I will check out some of the resources you mentioned, and am making my new focus of 2024 nervous system cool down. Sending you warmth and continued strength through your healing journey!

[@ATouchySubject]

Thank you so much for your beautiful comment, Hannah! I'm so happy to hear that my story and reflections have helped you feel motivated to focus on nervous system regulation this year. Sending you lots of calm and ease 🙏

[@warrenthorp]

What a great video. Thank you so much for making it. I have CFS. The general trajectory is in the wrong direction but I have just put myself into un-tensive care and I fully expect to recover. IEspecially since watching your video. Thank you.

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi Warren, Thank you for your message. So pleased to hear that you've found this valuable. Wish you all the very best for your full recovery!

[@henwilki6693]

Very similar story here… may 2019 and still working through this beautifully ugly journey 😅 This video filled my heart with joy and I’m so happy you are living again. Sending all my love to a truly beautiful soul ❤️

[@vinventure-bu2om]

Thank yo so much. Your video made me cry too coz so much resonated with me and it is so wonderful that you got so many nice comments and understanding. I have CPTSD, shock ptsd and eell the covid v***,gave me many things, among them MECFS, double vision, 4 heart disorders. I was healthy before and am skinny and sporty. Its been 3 years now and i will fight. This teaches me so much, about self care. I dont knownif i cam face my trauma though, have amnesia from most of ir and some things are just too bad. Its hard not to compare. When i listen to other recovery stories i think man your life was easy. But well i cant actually know. Anyway thanks so much and it is amazing you are appreciating life so healthy. You seem like a kind person.

[@LoobyLoo71]

Thank you! That’s inspired me xx

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi there! So pleased that this inspired you! :) All the best for your recovery!

[@sixmetre5316]

So pleased your better you were a great help for me in my journey 😊

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi there thanks so much for your comment! So pleased to hear I had a positive impact on your journey. It sure feels great to be feeling better!

[@Socrates77]

Thank you very much for all the information, support and assistance you provide to men recovering from PCa treatment. And very happy to hear that you have found success dealing with your CF, it’s not an easy journey especially when confronted with the fragmented allopathic approach to ‘invisible’ illnesses. All the best !

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi Socrates thank you for your thoughtful comment and well wishes! So pleased to have been a source of support for you on your rehabilitation journey. The allopathic approach sure comes with it's challenges and so pleased to be out the other side now.

[@lulu-j8m-l4m]

Hi! Thank you so so much for your video, I have had CFS/ME for 4 years started when I was in school and honestly feels like barely much has improved. However I am aware certain stressful circumstances have prolonged my recovery, I am absolutely determined to recover. I’m also hoping to remove some things from my diet soon so I’ll see how that goes :) anyway it’s so refreshing hearing other’s experiences and trying out new things that may help, it really brings a lot of hope. I can’t thank you enough for so bravely sharing your story! Sending all my best wishes your way 🫶

[@lisahansson2605]

This resonates. My journey doesn't start as abruptly as yours, I've struggled with fatigue since my early 20s, and it has slowly been getting worse. I managed to change the course a bit in 2018, complete life style change, and I felt really good for a while. But not for very long, and then the decline started. Faster this time, to where I am now as you say, working at 10-20% capacity. It is so frustrating! Just as you I have played detective for five year, and nothing has really helped. Meditation and yoga does help, when I am able to keep up the routine. Sometimes it's simply too painful to do yoga. And I suck at routines. However, I recently remembered my functional dr mentioning something about oxalates in my test, but it was sort of just mentioned, she didn't really think that was the problem. But for some reason I started looking into it about a month ago, and started a low-oxalate diet, and I think I am actually on to something here. Things are happening in my body. I can't exactly put my finger on it, but I somehow feel like I am taking steps in the right direction. Lets hope it gets me at least some of the way towards 110%. That sounds like Utopia right now. But I will get there. Thank you for making me feel less alone ❤️ I will keep going.

[@richasharma6271]

How i wish we had such treatment in other parts of the world.

[@DJ-ck7vm]

Hi Victoria, What can I say but a big thank you for carrying on the A Touchy Subject work whilst you weren't on top of the world, just amazing. I'll be passing on this info to a friend who's daughter is suffering a similar health issue. Stay well. :)

[@wanderingwes64]

Glad you are feeling better , sounds a lot like my post prostate cancer journey 4 years and still working at the side effects 😬

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi Wes, thanks so much for your comment and well wishes. I am so pleased it resonated, all the best for your continued recovery 😊

[@gracemiles8991]

Well Done, great job!

[@MichaeITheGreat]

Wonderfully explained. Thank you!

[@esthercave8111]

Thankyou so much. You packed in alot of info there. You look and sound so happy. You are such an amazing person. I pray to God your hearts desires come true..turn to God and thank him for your recovery, appreciate everyday. I am still battling...

[@ATouchySubject]

Is Esther, thank you so much for your well wishes! I really appreciate your message. I wish you all the very best for a speedy recovery

[@mitdenken]

Thank you so much, this is very informative, helpful and encouraging.

[@keanwheeler4015]

🎉Thank you sooo much for ‘Hope’ 💜

[@gumogumonopistol7491]

Same story as mine , glad that you recover from it. I'm still struggling with energy sometimes, by the way. 😊

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi there, thanks for your comment. So pleased to hear that this story was relatable and hope it gave you some valuable tips for your own recovery journey. Sorry to hear that you are still struggling with your energy, we wish you all the very best on your ongoing healing and recovery!

[@susannahockeyn1674]

❤Thank you so much for bringing hope .God bless you ❤

[@Olav3D]

Hi, I got the Epstein-Barr virus 6 months ago at 26 yo, still struggelig a lot with fatigue. Doctor says it is post-viral fatigue syndrome. Hurts to walk, hurts to sit straight, sofa-bound and have had home office from the sofa for 6 months as it only affects my physical body, but I can concentrate pretty well. I would say my symptoms were much more intense in the beginning, but I am still very reduced. That someone who was sick for so long recovered gives me hope. :) I will keep eating healthy, listen to my body and not push too hard, not overthink how long it takes, and try to stay present. Sounds about right? 😌

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi there, thanks for your comment. We are sorry to hear that you are struggling with fatigue and post-viral syndrome, we hear you and understand the impact this has on both your physical and mental wellbeing. We hope you found some helpful information in this resource and wish you all the very best for your recovery.

[@ryaneh3542]

Thankyou for this video, I'm going through something similar at the moment, been over 1yr chronically I'll and it's so hard to find someone to help, my GP stopped helping when my bloods keep coming back all clear. I'm going to an integrative health dr soon, hoping they might care enough to help. It's been over a year of constant fatigue and feeling sick, it's the most exhausting thing I've experienced, I really hope someone can help me.

[@GlasPthalocyanine]

I've had ME/CFS since the 1990s. That's before the WHO acknowledged that this is a "real illness". I've always understood the cycles and plateaus in this condition but the best recovery I ever had was roughly 70-80%. That was through a sports medicine specialist, after I had been ill for three years. I don't think that treatment would have worked 6 months in, or a year, or two years. Most Doctors don't help. The problem with being labelled with having an "imaginary illness" is that Doctors stop looking for other things that might be wrong with you. I completely understand what you say about looking for something physical. Just because a person has CFS (which often looks like depression to the uninformed), doesn't mean the Doctors aren't missing another problem that's simple to rectify. I my case I had thyroid problems that were never fully investigated but I did get some replacement medication that got me about 10% of the way forward. The big problem, for me, was a spinal cord compression. I'd probably had this since the mid 1980s and it wasn't diagnosed and fixed until 2017. I think Doctors miss why we get so run down to get CFS in the first place! I'd also add that, by that time, I'd presented to my doctors with Guillain Barre Syndrome and extremely low Vitamin D. Low Vitamin D and underactive thyroid aren't difficult conditions to treat. Cord compression needs some neurosurgery but it's a condition that Doctors have been aware of for over a century. Why are the doctors still mystified when their patient's health collapses?

[@janetholmes]

how did you get the spinal cord compression diagnosis? I've had an mri and went to physios. the onset of my me/cfs was after a head/neck compression injury and I'm severe. still suspecting a mechanical issue. thank you

[@GlasPthalocyanine]

@@janetholmes I was also diagnosed after an MRI. The problem was that I never had pain that was clearly located around the injury to my neck. So, I didn't get an MRI for nearly 30 years! By that time I was already partially paralysed. Periodically I guess the vertebrae moved causing vague intermittent symptoms. During my second pregnancy, the only way I could describe what was happening to my Doctor was that I felt very weak and tired. It doesn't sound very medical - does it? So, of course, when that continued after my son was born the Doctors jumped on a diagnosis of post natal depression, then later ME/CFS. My injury was a whiplash injury. The car was written off, and none of us had any obvious injuries. So, we counted our blessings and turned down the offer of a check up at the hospital :(

[@janetholmes]

@@GlasPthalocyanine That's such a long journey, I'm sorry you were given the run around like that. Thank you for sharing your story, it gives me hope.

[@janetholmes]

@@GlasPthalocyanine How was your recovery after the surgery?

[@GlasPthalocyanine]

@@janetholmes hard to say because I'm still paralysed. But the biggest positive change has been that I now sleep in one block of 8-9 hours, rather than lots of 2 -3 hour sleeps without ever feeling rested. That feels fundamental to healing and good health, including mental health. It's something I'd really missed for decades.

[@MsSkymom]

It's interesting that you say you experienced CFS after having a virus. I am convinced that my onset of CFS happened after I was diagnosed with mononucleosis. I recovered from that, but from that time onward, I would get bouts of never ending fatigue, aches, pains, headaches, like when I had mono. I wish we could understand the cause better. I've lived with it for over 40 years. I've managed by jealously guarding my time devoted to sleep and rest. Not a cure, but how I've adapted.

[@loveishappiness7330]

Yes, your intuition is correct, CFS is caused by EBV. Mono is stage one of the virus. It has 5 stages. And there are different strains of the virus. Aggressive strains lead to CFS. Or what AW calls “neurological fatigue” since the virus affects the nervous system which is what causes the fatigue. As it feeds on certain foods (and chemicals) and then the virus excretes a neurotoxin that inflames the brain. You can learn more details and how to kill the virus and recover. Start by reading these books. Medical medium Thyroid healing By Anthony William Then read his other books. They are all leading edge information. Look at the reviews if your skeptics, Also free info on his website and podcasts. But the books are best imo!

[@burgermind802]

Yes you have real CFS most people get it from Epstein-Barr virus which is what causes mono and you can get sick and it will reactivate the illness and make it worse like from other viruses. Sounds like you've learned how to Pace yourself. I am also with the same illness which is why I responded to you.

[@traceychapman4825]

Thank you for this. I might investigate the functional medicine place you mentioned

[@KevDogg683]

Hi Victoria, thanks for sharing. As I am using Activated Charcoal to treat mould and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), I wondered how you used it? I am using 1/2 tspn 1 hr before meals and the same 2 hrs after. Will try once or twice a day initially, then maybe three times. Many thanks Kevin

[@aglemonlover7709]

Thank you for sharing I am so proud of you and happy for you! I am struggling now but it’s stories like yours that give me hope!💕 May I ask how you were able to know how much activity to do/how to listen to your body and rest vs push yourself a little? I relate to you a lot where sometimes I feel worse or better and have no idea why!

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi thanks so much for your comment and reaching out! I really struggled with this too and got better at listening to my body the more I did nervous system regulation activities such as meditation and got to the point where I would only do something if I had a lot of capacity. I also worked with some exercise physiologists to get a handle on pacing. What I found helpful was lots of stretching and yin yoga, moving my body in a way without pushing it too much. You might like to check out the following link - Kristin Danis has some videos on this topic. youtube.com/@kristindainis?si=ZE7ztWSD7F-Z2n7z I hope this helps and wish you all the best for your recovery! 💕

[@ktronunlimited8876]

Dear Victoria, Thanks for all the information about ED and sharing all of the details and relational suggestions for couples on enjoying intimacy again . My Physical Therapist suggested you. Thank you again Be well and God Bless you .

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi there thanks for your message, I am so pleased to hear that you are enjoying and finding our resources valuable. All the best on your recovery journey!

[@sweetbutpcycholuna]

Your title even giving me hope

[@AcesOntheRiver]

Great video, so grateful. Are there any specific recovery stories that helped you the most ?

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi there Ace, so pleased you found this video helpful on your CFS journey! Here is the YT video playlist of recovery stories: Recovery Stories: kzbin.info/aero/PLYGv2houTixnrfxc1uvVbfbcTWhSNz4vq

[@XMagiX21]

Hey Victoria! Thank you SO much for telling us about your journey! I am now 3 months in my symptoms and I would say that the worst part for me is the brain fog. Unfortunately, I sometimes don't know how to even begin my journey (especially when it comes to the crucial part of meditation and "rewiring" the nervous system), because my fuzzy brain won't really allow me to go very deep into the procedures. Do you have any tips for this? You mentioned that you also struggled with brain fog - how did you go about this?

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi there, brain fog was a really difficult symptom. sometimes the nervous system regulation practices would help a little but, luckily it cleared up for me over time. Wish you all the best on your recovery!

[@pierwotnezmysly]

Thank you!!

[@jimwheeler9840]

So glad to hear your story and see that you recovered, because you and your work are a gift. Question: You mentioned nervous system regulation. Without getting into specifics, did you experience childhood trauma of any kind (since that is so often a source of nervous system dysregulation)?

[@ATouchySubject]

Hello Jim, that's an excellent question, something that I'm now grateful CFS forced my hand in doing was looking back at stress/trauma in early childhood (with the support of a trauma informed therapist). I feel that integrating those aspects certainly helped with nervous system regulation, and mopping up that kind of background stress along the way has definitely led to a calmer life now regardless of whatever impact it had on recovery! For anyone reading this particularly interested in addressing trauma, I found somatic experience practices, inner child healing hypnotherapy (via an online program called To Be Magnetic), and self compassion based mindfulness helpful. The book "the body keeps the score" is also an excellent starting point.

[@Hannah-oi6ti]

@@ATouchySubject Hi Victoria. I have a pretty significant history of both physical and emotional trauma. Over the past year, I've had some of the most incredible movement through my mental healing journey with a type of therapy called IFS. It's broadened my emotional capacity, self awareness, and both self communication and interpersonal communication in incredible ways. I'm so grateful for it. I'm now in the 3rd month of CFS symptoms, and have been conflicted on whether I should continue therapy work right now because it can sometimes be very emotionally demanding, but at the same time, I feel strongly that this specific therapy is also helpful in regulating my emotional states and ultimately my nervous system because I'm fine tuning being in touch with all my needs. That was a long intro, but my question is, were you working through SE/trauma informed therapy in the midst of your CFS symptoms? And if so, did you feel like it made your symptoms flare up more? Or was it manageable?

[@TheDetoxCureGuide]

People with CFS are often sensitized to environmental pollutants. Causing endless immune system activation. Once the levels of pollutants are reduced symptoms go away. I made a vid on this.

[@goldmund5593]

How was your protocol with activated charcoal? I also have mold issues at home. Thank you so much.

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi there, thanks for your questions, Victoria's activated charcoal protocol for mould was tailored to her alongside supplements to support me going through that process. Her team at Melbourne Functional Medical clinic tailored this for her. The process took a few weeks and she undertook it once she was in a mould free environment.

[@angelbryan98]

I got my symptoms from the HPV vaccine. Same symptoms as ME/CFS and Post Viral Fatigue; Brain fog, blurred vision, anxiety and panic attacks, fatigue, fasciculations, palpitations, shortness of breath, joint pain, food malabsorption and I am sure I am forgetting more. It is so bad that I am considering quitting my job as developer, I simply can't do it anymore, I can't concentrate and get very anxious just by sitting and looking at the screen. I really don't know what to do, I think it's similar to Long Covid but my situation was caused by a vaccine. I wonder if I have chance of recovery.

[@youtube.account-d9v]

I was in the same situation and finally started to recover after learning about leaky gut and how the gut microbiome is directly linked to the immune system. The vaccine messed up the balance in your microbiome. Research how to heal dysbiosis, basically the regimes that help heal SIBO/IBS/leaky gut etc will help you start on your road to recovery. While some things differ for different people, there are some things that everyone benefits from like excluding all gluten from your diet temporarily to allow your gut to heal. It is key that you understand how the gut is linked so that you can be in tune with your body and figure out how to go from there. For me I realized I had extremely low stomach acid due to overgrowth of bad bacteria in my stomach. It's highly likely that you have the same if you have malabsorption of food. A simple way to help your body to improve digestion is to start drinking apple cider vinegar in water before every meal, you will likely notice an immediate difference and joint pain will improve very quickly, it will take a while for everything else to start healing though.

[@angelbryan98]

@@youtube.account-d9v You were also injured by the HPV vaccine? Which were your symptoms and what exactly you did to heal your gut?

[@angelbryan98]

@@youtube.account-d9v Please, respond.

[@sona9687]

@@youtube.account-d9vwas it h pylori?

[@martinhonner724]

Thankyou again

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi Martin you are welcome!

[@B3l0v3d05]

How did they find the mold and iodine deficiency??

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi Murphy, both were urine samples, my functional medical team sent me the tests. They also included a "visual contrast sensitivity test" for mould detection.

[@B3l0v3d05]

@@ATouchySubject oh like the Shoemaker Protocol VCS?? Thanks! I wonder if they work with people from the states or have recommendations for providers

[@jaynebailey]

Going on almost 3 years

[@jmch7788]

This sound similar to my situation. Came down with CFS in Aug 2018. Still have it although my condition has improved a lot. Could use the extra help though.

[@ChrisZemdegs]

Thanks very much

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi Chris. You are welcome!

[@janmartell9792]

I did all this too, with no results.

[@styledbydaisy5367]

Hi do you reccomend any particular practitioner at the Melbourne functional Medicine

[@emmiev1982]

Hi, can you please give me the name of the meditations in Insight Timer app? De link doens't work for me. I do have the app yet. Thank you

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi there, thanks for your comment. I would recommend getting the insight timer app, then clicking on these links using the KZbin app. That way they will link between the apps and it should open the meditation. I hope this helps.

[@prathamrballal1229]

Did u had panic attacks at night, light sound sensitivity, maigraine heart palpation

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi there, thanks for your comment, no I didn't experience these types of symptoms, I think that it can vary for each individual. We wish you all the best on your healing journey.

[@lauracaponegro6811]

ty

[@Truerealism747]

Do you have hypomobility i have cfs 26 years fybromyalgia 6 which for me same thing different interpretations did you have alot if pain

[@ATouchySubject]

Hi Tom, thanks for your comment. I have heard that that's a really interesting area of research around the connectedness between CFS/fibromyalgia and hypomobility. In my case I didn't have chronic pain or fibromyalgia my main symptoms were PEN, fatigue and brain fog.

[@Truerealism747]

​@@ATouchySubjectthankyou didn't get reply

[@Islandpeak2024]

Took 9 years to get things back to 80 percent fitness

[@burgermind802]

Congratulations

[@promiseofapony]

I got nothing specific from this

[@Eflodur]

The ans meditation sounds like yoga nidra.

[@jeansmyth7474]

Time has shown that majority of people with chronic fatigue recover irrespective of treatment. They then write book on “How I Recovered” Only one in four make no recovery.😅.

[@burgermind802]

Actually the ones miraculously recover actually never had CFS this person may not have had CFS. Believe me I know they try to market these brain training bullshit cures to real sick people to make a lot of money. Over 90% of people with CFS have it until they die.

[@greigsanderson]

You can't recover from CFS, not fully.

[@ezza1236]

The biggest tool to recovery is not listen to weak people who say it’s not possible to recover loo

[@ATouchySubject]

Yes! Thanks for sharing your insights! Wish you all the best on your recovery journey.

[@patrickjohnson1309]

There not weak you A grade goose!! It's one of the most miss treated illnesses in the world!!

[@ArtyAntics]

That’s not necessarily weakness, people might believe that because they were told that by Drs. Often people want to heal but don’t have the right tools. I know in the group I run, most people struggle with linking it to their nervous system.

[@USALibertarian]

It has nothing to do with "weak" or "strong" or willpower.

[@burgermind802]

Ableism is a hell of a drug

[@cathyjennings5580]

So familiar symptoms. U were too smart. U were able to afford treatments. I couldn't work .function..oh grief. R u a people PLEASER ?????

[@germanside7890]