• Welcome to Phoenix Rising!

    Created in 2008, Phoenix Rising is the largest and oldest forum dedicated to furthering the understanding of, and finding treatments for, complex chronic illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, long COVID, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and allied diseases.

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Search results

  1. CreativeB

    Working with CFS... Management and recovery?

    Hello @keepswimming. I would describe myself as having mild/moderate CFS/ME and work full time. I appreciate how difficult it can be trying to keep going with work and sometimes wonder if I should be working less. The difficult thing for me has been learning how to manage my symptoms. I...
  2. CreativeB

    Mineral absorption / absorption issues

    Hello @Snowx997 I'm not sure I can answer your question but I wanted to ask if you've tried magnesium baths? I use foot baths more or less daily and it works better than oral supplements for me
  3. CreativeB

    Article Why Is it so Hard to Learn New Things With ME/CFS?

    Thank you for writing this Jody. It's good to stop and take the time to rest. But it's also important to be at ease with ourselves. Thank you :D
  4. CreativeB

    Fired for being sick

    I'm so sorry to read about the lack of support from your employer. Unfortunately too many out there don't care the minute it impacts on their performance/profits Sending hugs to you :hug::hug:
  5. CreativeB

    Collagen Supplements

    Thanks @Pendergast
  6. CreativeB

    Collagen Supplements

    Hi @Pendergast I find that it's not so sensitive and can tolerate foods more. I don't have many of the extreme reactions of some here. When I relapsed about 10 years ago (with hindsight I think that's when I relspsed) I developed a hazelnut allergy and intolerances to whey protein and onions...
  7. CreativeB

    Collagen Supplements

    Mmm jelly sounds good @jesse's mom @YippeeKi YOW !! From what I understand, marine collagen is more easy to digest because the molecules (cant remember which ones) are smaller. I'll need to check the origins but I think Hollsnd & Barrett are reputable
  8. CreativeB

    Collagen Supplements

    I've been taking Collagen Supplements- initially due to getting older for my skin etc but am finding its helping my gut too. But I'm uncertain whether it's worth paying the e train for matine collagen. I wonder what others think? Does it make any real difference to use marine or bovine? I'm...
  9. CreativeB

    Stress echocardiogram yesterday - clinic employee out of line?

    I can't answer your question @dannybex but wanted to send my good wishes for your test :)
  10. CreativeB

    CFS and applying to university- do i mention it?

    @Dechi you're right, there are informal channels and they are used. But we also pick who to put as a reference :) But what we need is employers and society generally to be more understanding :cool:
  11. CreativeB

    CFS and applying to university- do i mention it?

    If agree with the yes voices. Educational establishments are set up to support people with additional needs and they should be tailored to your own specidic circumstances. I would expect any academic providing a reference to be professional. They should only be writing about your performance...
  12. CreativeB

    How many of you are able to work?

    I work full time, but like others have said- with a lot of flexibility, support and accommodation by my employer. I'm able to hold onto the job but come the weekend I need to rest. It doesn't take much to make the conditions worse and I end up spending holidays recovering. Fortunately I don't...
  13. CreativeB

    Anyone else sometimes just can’t speak?

    I would say the same as others. Depends on how I'm doing, if I've pushed too much, had a stressful day etc. Can write perfectly but can't think, can't find words, stammer, stutter and seem to just make up words. So you're definitely not alone.
  14. CreativeB

    Age 70+...How’s Your CFS?

    I'm 53 and right now feel old. I am just about managing to keep going with work but can't do anything else. I'm very unfit, ache all over and am stiff. I'm hoping (keep hoping) that if I can manage my conditions and symptoms better and can improve my symptoms then when I retire I will be...
  15. CreativeB

    Thoughts on Suicide — A Dream Experience

    Sending hugs @jesse's mom
  16. CreativeB

    Advice for applying for mortgage cover and critical illness cover in the UK?

    Hi @daveu. I don't have a definitive answer, but do have a few observations. State Retirement Age in the UK is 65, so I'd be wary of Zurich's policy. My understanding was that insurance companies won't cover a pre-existing condition so if they accept your cover keep all evidence that shows...
  17. CreativeB

    POLL: Which text format do you find easier to read with ME/CFS blurred vision?

    Hi. I have blurred vision when I'm feeling tired. I haven't voted as I struggled to read either very clearly, so didn't see a difference
  18. CreativeB

    CFS/ME?

    Welcome @YvonneM. I don't think I can add anything but I'm sure you will find PR a great source of support and helpful information. :hug:
  19. CreativeB

    UK austerity has inflicted 'great misery' on citizens, UN says

    True and sad
  20. CreativeB

    preparation for wisdom teeth and infected teeth extraction under general anesthesia

    @MartinK, I don't have any advice. Just wanted to wish you good luck :):hug:
  21. CreativeB

    Lack of flue / cold / other common disease

    Maybe because my CFS isn't severe or because I'm still working but I still catch colds/bugs etc and they seem to be worse than my colleagues because they aggravate my CFS symptoms.
  22. CreativeB

    Stress echocardiogram yesterday - clinic employee out of line?

    @picante sorry to hear you had such a shockingly bad experience. There is absolutely no excuse for the lack of compassion and respect you were shown.
  23. CreativeB

    Personal experiences of GET, CBT and specialist NHS clinics in the U.K.

    Good luck Rosa
  24. CreativeB

    Bizarre tooth pain that come and goes.

    What about a fluoride mouthwash? I'm supposed to use Flouriguard ... i think its by Colgate
  25. CreativeB

    Bizarre tooth pain that come and goes.

    @Misfit Toy, i hope it clears up for you. Tooth pain is never comfortable. o_O
  26. CreativeB

    Bizarre tooth pain that come and goes.

    Eh, yes I get that too. Dentist usually says 'it seems ok now, we'll have a look again next time'. By the next visit it's stopped, but then comes back. I have soft teeth and s lot have been fracturing, so I do worry too
  27. CreativeB

    Experiences

    That can be tough. For the most part I have a clear timetable and can plan my days. But I spend most of the weekend sleeping or resting. It feels sometimes that I'm crawling from one today to the next. I did attend a few counselling sessions to think about how I manage my workload/the...
  28. CreativeB

    Experiences

    Yes. That's exactly how I feel. My Line Manager and HR have been great, but I don't want to take time off. I also had agreed to help out by covering a class tonight and I have teaching tomorrow, so don't want to let people down - especially the students. I have a class-free day on...
  29. CreativeB

    Personal experiences of GET, CBT and specialist NHS clinics in the U.K.

    Hi Rosa. Your project sounds very interesting. I've a big gap between when I was first diagnosed with ME in about 1992 and now where I was possibly functioning normally, but latterly I think in denial. I never had CBT back in the 1990s but was encouraged to exercise. Now, I'd place myself in...
  30. CreativeB

    Experiences

    This sounds similar to me. I'd say I have mild ME/CFS and do still work. I don't know if that's a common theme, but I too find I'm floored with the slightest illness. I came down with a virus/sore throat last Monday and am still struggling a lot. I rest when I can, but I haven't called in sick