The 3 Stages of recovery in ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia

[@lucyilly428]

I was in stage one and am now in stage two. I avoid stress at all costs. I pace, rest and mediate, I’m careful which foods I eat and am fiercely protective of my routine. This is how I stay out of pain and am able to feed myself and clean my house. I feel like I’m improving but it’s a very very slow process. If your living with this please don’t give up hope. It’s long and tough going, you have to make some difficult decisions and start putting yourself first but it can get better once you learn to manage things.

[@SiljeMeum]

Stage 1: Crash stage - You can't do anything. Denial to burnout. GET REST! Stage 2: Tired & Wired - Still feeling exhausted, too buzzed to rest/sleep. Return of energy but energy locked in nervoussystem making you overstimulated (and exhausted). Stage 3: The reintegrations stage - Healing and recovering when resting. Easily get overstimulated or exhausted when in activity. Finding balance Such an informational video! Thank you for sharing! This was really enlightening, you really go in depth on each stage!

[@LoobyLoo71]

People fight the crash stage mostly because they can’t work or support themselves so t stress and anxiety becomes astronomical if they have no one to look after them. It’s terrifying

[@paulsenjohannes]

Extremely well explained. I wish more medical doctors and health practitioners will listen to this video.

[@MS-dx7fj]

I am dealing with long covid and your video has been an absolute eye opener! Thank you so much for sharing your expertise and advice.

[@dominickeefe2454]

Effectively lost three years of my life to this. Got virus when travelling for two years, returned to stressful family situation, bad management at job I took up. Just gradually deteriorated into CFS, didn't knows what was wrong. People loose patience with you, you feel useless, don't want to admit you're I'll, feel very day you'll get better. Quit the job with redundancy, thought I'd get better, got worse, now been through most of tired but wired stage, which was potentially the worst stage as just could not rest. Still sleep difficulties, sometimes takes zopiclone, but things have definitely improved. At last referred to a clinic. Anti inflammatory diet, no gluten/lactose helped a lot. Seeing chiropractor as and when can afford, they work on spine which was out of line and possibly root cause. Thank god for the internet and resources like this. Things improve, but it takes time

[@MK-co6uf]

How are you now?

[@mattmason-healthchannel4959]

Great. I agree. Finally worked out how to heal and with patience it works

[@chihuahuapixieprincess2482]

I've had ME after Glandular Fever in '95 - you're SO right. I'm in stage 3 and stuck so finding this video now is perfect.

[@nataliecarew5618]

This is spot on from personal experience from years of learning to pay attention to my mind and body and understanding what's happening. You hit the nail on the head

[@TeresaElNaggar]

This is incredible, finally someone who really knows what it's like and has found the key to recovery. It's such a relief that I'm watching this video and crying because I now have hope that it can be better and that someone who has gone through it is willing to share their experience and knowledge with us that are having a hard time living with it. I'd started to feel negative and abandoned by the medical profession and my family but now there's a tiny light at the end of the tunnel. Bless you Alex, I thank you with all my heart 💖

[@garytbradbury4799]

There is no real recovery, just take your time, and rest as well as you can. It is nice having a solid answer, but as all CFIDS patients know there is no real recovery, at least none I've ever seen, or heard about. Not being negative, just stating facts. Trust your Dr, but listen to your own body.

[@liam.4454]

Why have so Many people recovered then?

[@davidhodge8509]

Garyt Bradbury ya I don’t think you’ve done honest research. There are tens of thousands of people who have recovered 100%.

[@ЯгодкоЯбълков]

How are you now mate? 🙂

[@zedbeeskitchen623]

I truly agree with what u are saying. This is exactly what I have been going through for soooooo. So hard explaining to people what I am going through nobody understands, but this guy makes so much sense.

[@user-rc1my2xc3s]

excellent description! from someone who considers herself now at stage 3 :)

[@garytbradbury4799]

Or himself.

[@davidhodge8509]

Are you 100% recovered now? How are you doing?

[@rawanfadel4737]

Can you explain the stages more

[@gooiehoop20]

Excellent description. Thank you.

[@rjkelley3864]

Absolutely beautiful video so thankful for this content you have no idea.

[@Kayaz48]

Simply brilliant exegesis. Thank you.

[@thefighter9881]

Searching so long and thats the first video that describes my stages. Now i am at stage 1. If i had become a diagnose earlier everything would be easier. My stage 1 is every time longer and longer. I hope i will get out soon.

[@ciggymore6687]

The Fighter if you take notice of Alex Howard believe me you will get nowwhere his knowledge only treated CFS symptons not the CAUSE please think on

[@JacquiQ]

Legend Alex. TY

[@mashandboo9933]

Great explanation. Thank you!

[@Josh-pe5pl]

Extremely helpful.

[@EllaSloman]

I've watched your video so many times . Long covid keeps putting me back into stage one ! .. After watching your videos , I really want to enrol on your course to train to be a coach

[@TheOptimumHealthClinic]

Glad to help

[@oceanark77]

Ya know whats sad? When your doctor gives you permission to rest bc of this but then remembering the bills gotta get paid! Any advice cause Im all ears. This really sucks😢

[@kitten_purrrs73]

I've been crashed and bed ridden for a little over 2 yrs but I don't sleep all the time ..it's my body that is tired not so much my mind cuz I was also in stage two as you describe it ..awake and feeling overwhlmed by sensitvity from ppl and light and noise and I'd be awake for days but can only just lay here from the pain and weakness.. just try to take a shower would make me vomit and then I'm done ...I can't do nothing else and later on in so much pain..... I have ME AND CFS but don't think I have fibro.

[@garytbradbury4799]

You sound so much like me! I'm praying for you!

[@garrettarm]

Taking a shower caused me significant symptoms, something about the hot water and CFS patients. I used to shower twice a day in the summer, not I shower once every 3 days(or when I have to go out). Also, I sit while in the shower when I can. When I get out of the shower I immediately rest for about 5 minutes. I limit hair dryer use as this will also cause symptoms in ppl with CFS. Hope this helps!

[@janmartell9792]

I'm going through tired, but wired right now after helping my neighbor with getting to her appts. It's too much for me.

[@bbcactus3860]

I am not sure about the credibility of this clinic but I am listening with an open mind for now. Everything he says though is common sense and knowledge that is available via ME/CFS charities and even NHS CBT CFS programmes (as crap as that is). I am Stage 3 probably since last 2.5 years and have been working mainly from home part time during this period. Outside work I have very little capacity. I am not recovered, progress is static and energy envelope not drastically improved, only optimised via pacing, good mental health, etc to be able to work. This is not recovery - it is simply good management. They are not the same, but many out there would claim I am recovered. Far from it!

[@liam.4454]

I've been on stage 3 for 15 years At one time I was running 10 miles 2/3 times a week but i still felt ill in all honesty

[@mattmason-healthchannel4959]

Hope you're getting there... I had a breakthrough about six months ago. Holistic approach and consistency over time. Took ages to work out even what to do. Now I share with others

[@treecek]

@@mattmason-healthchannel4959 Running is not a healthy exercise. It only weakens the body

[@garytbradbury4799]

Yet this is a wax & wane illness, we find ourselves going through stages, back and forth. There is really no refreshing sleep, so we find ourselves exhausted, we are tired, and wired all the time. Again there is no recovery stage completely! So in short stage 1: We attempt to rest, whatever might help you, hard to sleep, but try. Stage 2: Limit your work, or activity, eat well, rest up, limit yourself. Stage 3: Limit activities, don't over due! (This man makes me nervous, lol he talks so fast!) But anyway, remember this is a wax & wane illness & you need to manage it yourself, if you are blessed by a support network, then you're very fortunate!

[@TheOptimumHealthClinic]

Hi Garyt there are definitely a lot of different factors that can contribute to a better chance at recovery, including access and support, but full recovery with no limitations is possible, as we have found with many patients of our clinic. There isn't a clear answer as to why some things work for some and not for others but our work is evolving all the time. Those that have recovered (including a huge percentage of our staff), have recovered to the point there are no repercussions to living a full life, you don't have to live carefully. We hope you'll find this more is the case with further videos.

[@garytbradbury4799]

@@TheOptimumHealthClinic You said "some recover", that tells me loads, so don't promise a full recovery to everyone! My prior comment really speaks to most everyone, I'll stick with that. TY

[@TheOptimumHealthClinic]

Hi GaryT we are very careful to never promise any kind of cure or full recovery for everyone. We are very open about what our methods are and continue to share information as we learn it. It's ok if it's not right for you, we're hoping we all learn more as we go forward.

[@garytbradbury4799]

@@TheOptimumHealthClinic Thank you for what you are doing.

[@karenharvey2549]

You can slow down a video so you can hear him without the anxiety. Go to the top right hand side and look at settings. Hope this helps.

[@cathycoppin5682]

Hi it’s now 2022 and still don’t know if it’s auntomune

[@SaharaWhite]

I ask myself: why does the energy goes into the ANS in such an overstimulating way? and I ask myself: how can I manage the transition from step 2 into step 3 without dramatical relapses?

[@michaelbrent6099]

yer that's what keeps happening to me. attempting 2 to 3 and ending up back at 1

[@garrettarm]

Search positive affirmations on youtube. I do 30 minutes of positive affirmations + 1 hour of meditation and I'm moving quite well!

[@tessgirl383]

Don’t the clinic help you with this

[@blissfulpetrichor]

can you really recover from chronic fatigue if you have a full time job?

[@pemmom403]

I wish I knew. I work full time and there is no quitting at this time

[@kitten_purrrs73]

blissfulpetrichor I had a full time job and one day I just couldn't get out of bed no more to do it. I owned a salon and was a hairstyles and make up artist and I was so passionate about my work. I went to hair shows and did runway and even access modeling searches n broadway shows in theatrical arts. I loved it and suddenly it was all taken away and I found myself bed ridden for almost 3yrs.Lost my business and clients and so many friends cuz they just didn't understand .... I can no longer work. So please don't push yourself.It can get worse and then harder to recover. That is what my specialist told me ...he said I ignored the signs and I pushed myself to far and that's what made me crash for years. I hope your well..I see this comment is a year old. but anyone who is reading this ...please listen to your body ....xox

[@TheOptimumHealthClinic]

It really depends what stage of illness you are in and how much rest you need. Many people need to take a full break from their work lives in order to get to a stage where they are restoring enough energy to get through some tasks instead of burning out every single day. Everyone's recovery story is different though, so it's a very individualised program.

[@garytbradbury4799]

NO!

[@garytbradbury4799]

@@TheOptimumHealthClinic There is no recovery. Why are you telling us there is? Explain recovery? I've had this (CFIDs & FM) for over 30 years, and I've tried your technique, and hundreds like it, so where is the recovery? Thank you for explaining.

[@michaelbrent6099]

I keep going back and forth between 1 2 and thinking I'm at 3

[@mattmason-healthchannel4959]

Hope your better. Took me time...

[@davidhodge8509]

Matt Mason - Health Channel are you 100% recovered? How long did it take you?

[@mattmason-healthchannel4959]

Not fully recovered but hugely improved. Consistently good choice daily + time = progress. 6-9 months of that will get you a long way down the road 👍 I share more in my videos

[@janmartell9792]

Early diagnosis? Hah. I've had this for over 40 yrs, live close to major university hospitals, and have seen soo many Drs and not one of them has ever mentioned CFS. I have finally diagnosed myself.

[@sheriffbullet]

I'm a bit confused. I wasn't given permission to rest for several years after burning out. Does that mean my chances of recovery are reduced?

[@Starzagal]

sheriffbullet I don't think so- take action now if you can and I honestly don't think you'll be worse off

[@Starzagal]

sheriffbullet I missed that stage for a year as well :( stupid school system forcing me to do 11 GCSEs

[@sheriffbullet]

Thanks so much for your response. Likewise, I was forced through college for 4 years (my parents didn't give me an option, I could either finish or give up and leave) and i only ended up making myself worse. Although i thankfully got through it, I haven't made any progress with my health. I hope I didn't do myself permanent damage.

[@blissfulpetrichor]

sheriffbullet no, I think it just means it may take a bit longer. you still have a good chance of recovery but you truly have to listen to your body.

[@Starzagal]

The education system has a lot to answer for in my opinion- I've been bedbound for years because I pushed through and ended up with no A Levels anyway! Good luck to you I hope you get there!

[@Lilzvx]

Point on

[@gaoshikui88]

People who get sudden onset CFS seem to be able to recover, but the gradual onset people seem to just get worse and worse.

[@TheOptimumHealthClinic]

Check out our recovery story from Richard on the Fatigue Super Conference! He was ill since 14 and all through his 20's, and made a slow recovery over a decade in his 30's. We also have a recovery story from Alison T who was ill for 20 years, just search "Alison T's Recovery Story". Naomi had a gradual onset with lots of different co-morbidities gradually building up - there's a whole variety of situations where folks can find recovery. Hope that helps!

[@lindakelley2676]

I've had fibro and ME 30 years from a car accident and injuries suffered. I'd consider that sudden onset and it's getting progressively worse.

[@emmajones3131]

Is that a cannabis plant in the background 😂

[@TheOptimumHealthClinic]

LOL! Can assure you it's not but if it adds a little zest to the topic why not 😅

[@sherigraham-jv7qm]

crash then do a day of activity then crash no regular pattern and anxiety before or after activity, then crash.

[@RiTuber]

Wow

[@SaharaWhite]

is there a written paper about this 3 stages somewhere?

[@TheOptimumHealthClinic]

Hi Sarah - I hope you find this helpful: www.theoptimumhealthclinic.com/2010/02/the-art-of-pacing-in-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-cfs-me/

[@SaharaWhite]

@@TheOptimumHealthClinic yes, wonderful, very helpful! tahnk you :-)

[@laiyeetlian6818]

Many thanks. That’s very useful 👍🏾😀

[@LeanneAuroraBlue]

Stage 1

[@dirkkatz172]

Dear, now the cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is found: radiation of microwave-oven(magnetron).To stop you have to eliminate the oven out of the house.The plug out of electricity net because the oven has also radiation when it is not in use.And out of the house because the oven has a high voltage capacitor.The distance between an oven and a person is very important.After a 2 weeks without microwaves health becomes better.(total recovery=2months).The victims are more sensible and also the distance between victim and oven is important.(Also possible: nightmares, change of character)Most people with a microwave arent chronically ill because some people are more sensitive for microwaves, also the distance person/microwave is very important. The oven in another place is more safe. The radiation become less when the oven gets older.Some ovens give less radiation then others. In Russia the less radiation is allowed by law.BEANTWOORDEN

[@janicedean4113]

There is no recovery, it only gets worse, whatever it is you do to try and make things better will eventually fail and leave you in a worse place