By Each Other's Side: How We Overcame ME/CFS Together | Alexandra & Mona

[@RaelanAgle]

👉 ✅ Come join me in my new course! 🧠 Brain Retraining 101: For ME/CFS and Long Covid Recovery. Enroll now: raelan-agle-s-school1.teachable.com/p/brain_retraining_101

[@monakaur2513]

I was beyond grateful to share this information.. thank you everyone. I am happy to answer any questions. Each of you have a hidden warrior inside of you. You just have to get out of they way and let them come out 😁😁😁

[@B3l0v3d05]

Which program helped you? ANS Rewire also?

[@alexandraalbertz1442]

​@@B3l0v3d05 yes. Was ANS for Mona as well (second one for Mona as well as for me but the first one she tried was different then the one I first tried). Alexandra

[@leaperrins8373]

Wow, really enjoyed this recovery story, thank you! Some just resonate more than others, not necessarily in the experience of the illness, but the attitude of the recovery. Leaning into the joy of the wins, gratitude and self compassion is such a huge part of recovery that can be easy to miss when everything feels so hard. I initially made a 80 percent recovery and then had a severe relapse into bed bound literally over night (scary right?!), made improvements, then another significant relapse. In both of those improvements, leaning into joy was a big factor. I kind of lost it a bit over the winter (I'm in the UK), and now we are moving into spring, my joy has been returning. And funnily enough, I am seeing improvements again. Yay!!

[@andreibirladeanu3180]

I am beyond grateful to Alexandra for kickstarting my own recovery journey from CFS. I am now almost fully recovered and her guidance has been crucial ever since my recovery began.

[@alexandraalbertz1442]

Thank you so much, Andrei. Is my pleasure to give back and I always have a tender spot for my fellow Romanians as we know how this condition is treated and seen in Eastern European countries. You made such tremendous progress and your dedication and focus are truly inspiring. I am eager to see your recovery story in the months ahead.

[@amir.ayman11]

Hello andrei , how are you ?! I am suffering from CFS please could you help me to recover?! Thx 🙏

[@andreibirladeanu3180]

@@amir.ayman11 hi amir, for some reason my replies to you keep getting deleted. Could you let me know of a way to contact you?

[@B3l0v3d05]

The "autonomic overload" episode... that was me! So thankful she described it that way! Mona's story was mine, including skin reactions and the inability to do anything but get to the bathroom because of heart rate. I couldn't even sit up at first. I am still bedbound but i have made strides

[@carolwhitman7263]

Working with Alexandra has been such a revelation with me. So much inspiration, knowledge and compassion.

[@jessness715]

Love this story! The connection aspect is so important in recovery. This has inspired me to try to find a buddy that’s going through this as well. I bet it’ll make a world of difference. The people in our lives try to understand but no one truly does unless they are dealing with the same illness.

[@RaelanAgle]

So glad to hear that Jess, I'm sure you'll find an incredible recovery BFF 🧡 🧡 Wishing you all the best!

[@Jane-pg8jv]

Alexandra has such a big heart ❤ she helped me to go on and stay positive and trust the journey…not healed yet, almost there. Still receiving postcards and love from Alexandra…she will always be with me 💘 and i know i can call her if i need her 24/7 really, she is an ANGEL from god and i feel blessed that i know her. Much love and health to everyone and trust you will recover for 110%!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@alexandraalbertz1442]

I am speechless reading your kind words. I, for sure, met some amazing people on this journey. Thank you for being a friend. And yes, you and me keep the postcard business from not going out of style :)

[@Trisha-fy2rk]

Jane thank you for paying it forward to be my Buddy who is a year further in recovery. I am so proud of you where you are now in your recovery! And grateful for all your support! ❤🙏🥰🍀✨️

[@Olivia-cc5sf]

We all need a support system and this wonderful story shows us how a unique powerful connection can start from hugging a tree..beautiful!

[@Jane-pg8jv]

Thank you Realan, for everything and always 🫶💘❤️ lots of love from Holland 😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘

[@gvrain1]

Such an inspiring interview. I have had the priviledge of working with Alexandra and joining a group to focus on recovery. The power of recovery focused positive likeminded community cannot be overstated. To anyone watching…..keep going…..as Mona says “trust the process”…..it sounds like such a cliche but your mind and nervous system believe what you tell it. Flood it with love, compassion and belief in yourself and your body’s power to heal.

[@RaelanAgle]

So beautifully said, Gvrain! ❤️❤️❤️

[@imunchienandalusia]

Thank you to Alexandra - she started my recovery journey with her yearly facebook post. I still have a lot of work to do but her group and ANS Rewire was a great nervous system education for me. I now believe that it's my nervous system and not some infection i need to test for, or some supplement i need to take. That was a game changer for me.

[@michellemh3309]

Thank you so much, Alexandra & Mona! Alexandra is such an amazing person, huge heart & truly committed to help others recover! Alexandra helped me focus my recovery & make it my #1 priority. She helped me continue my commitment & supported me throughout the process because that's who she is! Full recovery & transformation is possible. Thank you so much, Alexandra! 💖

[@kate4781]

By a weird turn of events, my husband and I both have ME/CFS. His is more mild than mine (he can work with accomodations from his understanding workplace, while I am mostly housebound at the moment somewhat bed-bound at my worst). We are both in our 30s. Although it would be nice to have an able bodied person in our household and I wouldn't wish ME/CFS on anyone, I frequently appreciate having an accountability partner and someone who understands. I hope everyone can find a buddy to help them through this difficult journey.

[@Beadybecs]

Such a beautiful video, thank you both - your deep friendship really shines and its really inspiring that that connection helped you both through. I've been going to Alexandra's free zoom meetings for the last few weeks and can't thank her enough for facilitating those - she is so warm and helpful and facilitates a space which is so conducive to sharing recovery ideas with one another. Or just listening - there's never any pressure, which is just so great. Huge thank you from me for all you're doing ❤

[@alexandraalbertz1442]

Awww. Thanks so much. Your comment made my day. My Zooms are always open (except when I travel) as a community to do recovery togheter. I wish you all the best and see you in the next zoom❤

[@Trisha-fy2rk]

Alexandra her yearly Facebook post inspired me to start with ANS Rewire in January 2024. I also join the weekly recovery zooms she gives for free and have 1-on-1 sessions with her. It's wonderful to hear her experience and also motivating to trust the process and keep going with the programm. She has a great ❤ and it is so inspiring for me to pay it forward too when I am recovered also. She also introduced me to my buddy from Australia (I am from Holland) and I can agree with Mona and Alexandra that this is really helpful! Thank you Alexandra! 🥰🙏❤️🍀✨️

[@TunesAndToys]

How are you now?

[@a6elhei6]

First of all, I want to say that I wish I could “like” this video more than once! It’s filled with authenticity, wisdom and realness. It’s truly heartwarming to see that in the mist of despair beautiful things can be born, and the friendship between Mona and Alexandra shines through so beautifully 🫶🏻. So, thank you Raelen for capturing this amazing story and interaction with the ladies, I’m sure it will inspire lots of people. During my own recovery journey I was also looking for accountability partners but I would never have guessed I’d end up with Alexandra as a best friend instead. She’s been my number one cheerleader in the process and at the same time I’ve been rooting for her to becoming a much needed ME/CFS coach. And that’s what an accountability partner is all about, lifting each other up to the next level! 🚀🚀🚀 Know that healing is possible, surround yourself with people who believe it as much as you do and then change WILL happen ❤️

[@alexandraalbertz1442]

My dear friend, Ada, I am so happy to call you a friend. When we meet in Europe we will celebrate health and life together. Thanks to Raelan I made such amazing connections all over the world ❤

[@danapc1980]

Thank you both for sharing your recovery story alongside each other, and show how important it is to have a friend that will be next to you on your recovery journey. Alexandra is really amazing and I understand why Mona felt that she had coached her. I have known Alexandra for over a year and she has always tried to encourage me along the way. She also has been meeting me for a 1 on 1 calls and I participate in her coaching zoom calls that she offers for free❤😊

[@MelanieIfield]

Just wanted to thank you Raelan for sharing this. I am so grateful to Alexandra for the time and effort she is putting in to give back to the ME/CFS community. I love our Zoomies to share insights and tips to work on my own recovery/transformation.

[@alexandraalbertz1442]

Thanks Mel. Is my pleasure. Our Zoomies :) This week was week 14 of the continuous Zoom meetings and we keep going strong. Everybody is welcome.

[@jocelynehershey2558]

So amazing I found this today after a good friend reached out who’s taking a healing class- she asked me to be her first patient so I feel this is so aligned. I will now have her and just seeing that you two recovered gives me a lot of hope. I’ve exhausted all western med and just started a naturopath journey. I’ve already come a long way since I had COVID in May 21 but I still have some healing to do with fatigue and heat racing. Thank you ladies for being there for eAchother other and sharing with us! Awe you all just mentioned San Francisco, I moved away from there last summer after 16 years, after losing everything due to being sick. 🫶🏼 wish I had known about you when I was there!

[@IxMAGlCxl]

Alexandra is one of the most nicest and caring person I have ever met. She has been helping me since I started ANS rewire and has been an amazing support to me. During my darkest days with this illness she always encourages me and reminds me there is hope and recovery is within reach. She is very knowledgeable and such an inspiration. She is often talking about how lovely Mona is, nice to see you in the video.

[@alexandraalbertz1442]

Chris, thank you so much for your kind words. You truly made my day with this comment. Is my pleasure to be part of your journey back to complete health. Step by step. I am always here for you and glad to call you a friend.

[@TunesAndToys]

How are you now?

[@AnrupB]

I relate to this SO deeply!! Agreed 💯 percent - grieving is hardest and longest part. Once we start moving past grief, which has its phases and moments of returning no matter what, healing does become easier. And we have SO MUCH to grieve be it due to the condition itself, past wounds, making life changing decisions for out futures, etc. Also totally agree that love and kindness are truly all we have at the end of the day - it’s the essence of who we are, and we can choose to be kind at all times. Your group has been amazing, Raelan, and I have recently connected with some lovely people to develop new friendships. Grateful to all three of you, I’m in tears (so touched by it!)

[@florinvladutcreanga]

Thank you Alexandra for reaching out to me and for providing me with a glimpse of hope in my daily CFS struggle. God bless you!

[@alexandraalbertz1442]

Cu marw drag. Sunt alaturi de tine la fiecare pas. Doamne ajuta!

[@oakjane3884]

what a totally brilliant video of three beautiful people. Useful information, encouragement, and inspiring energy. I’m definitely going to bookmark this one to go back to on tough days. Thank you Raelan for all that you do - the resources you share and the positive message. Your channel helps me celebrate Every recovery step and gives me a sense of perspective when things get a bit rougher.

[@MerynMcGowran]

This interview is GOLD ✨ I had to stop doing dishes to sit and just watch because it was so compelling. Such incredible women with a beautiful, real connection. What you have all been through and overcome is extraordinary. Serious inspiration 🙏🏻🌸🌱

[@cristinab.4750]

Wonderful people with insight, experience and love to give to others! Survivors and winners @life!! Keep it up ladies 🤗

[@alexandraalbertz1442]

Multumesc mult, Cristina!

[@Rutashealingroute]

What a beautiful and inspirational story..love that they found each other during such a difficult time ...Brings so much hope..best wishes to you ladies for a bright and healthy future😊

[@MartensMichelle]

What a beautiful interview, inspiring and positive. I have joined Alexandra's online group meetings and it's been so helpful. The very generous support from Alexandra and being a part of a recovery community is life changing. ♥

[@amysin963]

Excellent interview Raelan! Mona and Alexandra are gems. I love the encouragement to keep going and to give yourself grace.

[@RaelanAgle]

❤️❤️❤️!

[@ebbabuddy]

Beautiful for sure!! Alexandra has been an inspiration and a blessing to me in the short time I’ve had the pleasure of learning from her!!! ❤😊❤

[@katefloyd4464]

I absolutely loved this interview, so inspiring, thank you! Such big hearts, so so grateful for your warmth and insights. ❤

[@cinderling5472]

This interview was so touching🥹 hearing how you supported each other and are still such good friends... All healed now!!😭 You guys!!! So freaking impressive! And I'm proud of both of you!🎉❤❤❤

[@RaelanAgle]

Awww, you're spot on - Alexandra and Mona are the best!

[@AliWade1971]

Fantastic video. I have only recently started my recovery journey, and also just started with Alexandra’s weekly Zoom group. We are blessed to have so much support and inspiration.

[@RaelanAgle]

Wonderful, Ali! ❤️

[@nzurita86]

Such an inspiring interview! So many great tips with love and wisdom. I have the pleasure to be in Alexandra’s recovery group in Australia and it is really helping me to believe that full recovery is possible.

[@virginiapanta7637]

Ma bucur enorm pentru ambiția ta de a cunoaște și de a ajuta și pe alții. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@alexandraalbertz1442]

Multumesc, mama.

[@sadnagoso-yn6iz]

Thank you for sharing your experience. God bless w🙏🏾

[@zennenn]

Thank you to all three of you for this video, I really needed motivation to keep going with a program I'm doing, and this really helped.

[@RaelanAgle]

Super happy to hear that, Zennenn ❤️ Hoping you've found an awesome recovery buddy!

[@Hi_que]

Raelan, thank you so much for your work and for spreading HOPE!!! You look so good, healthy, vital and inspiring - it's almost hard to believe that you also were that sick. Would you mind sharing some pictures of your worst days to make it more believable that recovery is possible for really severe cases? Excuse me if that's too much to ask for. God bless you abundantly.

[@jog5289]

Wow! Such an inspiring interview! Congratulations on your recoveries, ladies! 💛🧡💜 Having an accountability partner is a great idea. That's awesome Mona and Alexandra found each other. Best wishes to all on their recovery journey! Thank you, Raelan! 💛🧡💜

[@RaelanAgle]

You got this, Jog! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@Jane-pg8jv]

Thank you angels!

[@MsJessyBee]

Love this!!! Did they both do ANS rewire? Wondering what kind of practices they kept each other accountable with….congratulations girls! ❤❤ I have a Bonnie, Emily and Annie 🤍🤍🤍

[@lianpeet3502]

Just when I think I've seen it all (I know, arrogant 😅) this was fabulous. So happy for you two beautiful ladies and thanks for all your helpful, insightful tips!

[@RaelanAgle]

❤️❤️❤️

[@carolephern4757]

Hello Raelan. I have been looking at some of your videos and I am trying very hard to get well from cfs and fibromyalgia. I was a carer for my mum for 19 years and she passed away last August. At the end of last November I started suffering very bad anxiety. Waking up terrified and my cfs and fibro are much worse again. My ibs is also very bad. I am struggling to get through each day and cry a lot. Many food intolerances. Can you please suggest any of your videos that might help me to find a path back again. I am feeling very lost and so tired. Thank you.

[@rezzo7290]

if you are truly getting crushed by anxiety, there is no shame in getting some medication to help. Notable people who have recovered did get on SSRI or whatever to stop the huge anxiety response of the nervous system

[@carolephern4757]

@@rezzo7290 Thank you for your message and taking the time to reply. I am on an SSRI and also prescribed medication to help me sleep. I find I tense up - bring my shoulders up round my ears and clench my buttock muscles. As soon as I realise I am doing it, I stop it, but I soon after find I am doing it again. I don't understand why I am so frightened.

[@rezzo7290]

@@carolephern4757 sounds like a very deep anxiety response. Dealing with major health issues and loss of a loved one on top is troubling. I recommend the Heartmath device, it just has a way of helping to set above the trauma a bit. I have noticed some persistant negative states lifted after using it

[@RaelanAgle]

My heart goes to you Carole. I know it’s a bit of a cliche, but trust your gut! If Alexandra's story resonated with you, join her free Zoom calls and start there. ❤️❤️❤️

[@carolephern4757]

@@RaelanAgle Thank you for taking the time to reply, Raelan. You are such a busy lady, so I really appreciate it. I will give your suggestion a try. You are wonderful for doing all your videos and for giving us hope. xx🤗

[@Nofurries1427]

Thank you

[@FavianMartinez-ey2fk]

Alexandra is on high levels on low dose naltrexone…. I strongly believe that’s what got her into remission plus she worked extensively with a functional medicine doctor.

[@alexandraalbertz1442]

I was on LDN years before I started my recovery as well. And worked extensively with functional medicine doctors, a lot of them almost 2 years before starting my recovery. I did not saw a shift until I took responsabilty and a plan that include clear tools based on neuroplastisity. But recovery is not just one thing for most of us. I wish it was. People's resourses and accesability to a team of practitioners are variable and the results are variable as well with these treatments. What we can take charge for ourselves and how we can inspire others is what the message of this video is about. And if you find a friend along the way, even better. Sending all the best your way towards full recovery.

[@TimMurphy41]

7:55 Can anyone make out what brain training program she says here?

[@RaelanAgle]

ANS Rewire - there is a link under the video!

[@alexandraalbertz1442]

Tim, I also did an in depth recovery interview with Dan (ANS Rewire) 2 years ago. You can find it if you google CFS Unravelled episode 10. Sending you all the best towards full recovery

[@rezzo7290]

hives = a lot of supps and meds have itching as a side effect - getting on many of them can lead to hives! Hot baths actually make the itching worse over time.

[@juliemarcotte1303]

❤❤❤. I makes me want to find a « healing partner » 😂

[@janieruby2lips]

I didn't catch which brain training program cured her. Could someone tell me?

[@Trisha-fy2rk]

ANS Rewire

[@alexandraalbertz1442]

There is an in-depth interview about me working with ANS Rewire. Google CFS Unravelled episode 10 to read or watch it. Wish you all the best in your recovery.

[@alisonburke5017]

How does one get an accountability buddy?

[@RaelanAgle]

Hi Alison! You can post in my FB group and say that you're looking for a recovery buddy.

[@prathamrballal1229]

Thats called pots high heart rate while standing

[@monakaur2513]

Hi! A lot of my symptoms were POTs like, but I didn’t meet the true criteria for this diagnosis. I had a comprehensive testing done at Stanfords autonomic disorders department and they ruled this out. I too thought it was POTS, but I wasn’t getting the BP drop with classic POTS. However, I can definitely say it was an autonomic overdrive issue in conjunction with severe fatigue and multiple other symptoms. The worst symptom for me was a vagal vagus issue. I’d had extreme uneasiness in my stomach to the point were I felt I would pass out. This feeling would only go away after having a bowel movement. This would last several hours. The urticaria was also an immune overdrive issue. My immunologist/allergist eventually diagnosed me with MCAS, IBS, and CFS. But honestly, these are just labels for “we don’t really know what’s going on” in my opinion, this all stems from disordered nervous system which impacts our immune system as well.

[@prathamrballal1229]

@@monakaur2513 now what is ur heart rate when u stand, can u stand for longer time n cook ur food

[@prathamrballal1229]

@@monakaur2513 can u tolerate heat ligh sound, I have a similarity I get daily maigraine, some time nausea, I could not stand during my periods, i get panic attack while sleeping, but I also cured lots of my symptoms now.

[@zennenn]

​@@monakaur2513thank you for sharing your story! just in case others see your comment, the diagnostic criteria for POTS does not include blood pressure, it's only heart rate. There are lots of aspects of the autonomic nervous system tested during a workup, and sometimes doctors will use their own opinions rather than the official diagnostic criteria, unfortunately. Dysautonomia International is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more.

[@monakaur2513]

@@prathamrballal1229 hi! My heart rate has normalized. I don’t even pay attention to it anymore. I do normal functional activities while standing and also am exercising now. during the time I was sick, my heart rate issue was getting so bad that I had to be put on beta blockers , which made the fatigue even worse. Also there was a link with the high heart rate and my gut. For example, sometimes I would wake up in the middle of the night to a high heart rate and a feeling of uneasiness. Then I’d have a bowel movement at 3 am in the morning and about 30 minutes after this, the heart rate would normalize. Sometimes it would take hours before it would normalize.

[@seaweedeater3104]

Thank you so much ladies for sharing this story. I am truly inspired!🪷🌝🧡

[@RaelanAgle]

I'm so happy to hear that, Seaweed! ❤️❤️❤️