tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225769992024-03-17T23:02:42.813-04:00Live With ME/CFSI have had Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) since March 2002. Both of my sons also got ME/CFS at ages 6 and 10. Our younger son fully recovered after 10 years of mild illness. Our older son still has ME/CFS and also has Lyme disease plus two other tick infections. This blog is about how our family lives with chronic illness, with a focus on improving our conditions and enjoying our lives in spite of these challenges.Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.comBlogger1724125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-66232680002964606252024-03-15T18:15:00.003-04:002024-03-15T18:15:34.321-04:00Treating Endocrine (Hormone) Dysfunction in ME/CFS<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUb7xGMdwDqqJtxcyF0g-jKFHHP2ddWk-KpaW834fVj_LridmZe-XEZ9Zvo-y0aJI-rpZi6b5pARKwGIA8PpxcDJHxy3-thtCBTvzgIZhRaQuLUXrt9WY-_bpJ1og5QVLH8ExmTvBHRWG9HZoi19Ig-Ri6r4Wox0uNRBFlw2KIkWWf471E_tbS/s480/Effective%20Treatments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="480" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUb7xGMdwDqqJtxcyF0g-jKFHHP2ddWk-KpaW834fVj_LridmZe-XEZ9Zvo-y0aJI-rpZi6b5pARKwGIA8PpxcDJHxy3-thtCBTvzgIZhRaQuLUXrt9WY-_bpJ1og5QVLH8ExmTvBHRWG9HZoi19Ig-Ri6r4Wox0uNRBFlw2KIkWWf471E_tbS/s320/Effective%20Treatments.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I just updated my summary of <b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/p/mecfs-treatments.html" target="_blank">ME/CFS Treatment</a></b>s (always available through the tab at the top of the page on my blog). It provides a good roadmap for patients and doctors to all of the many effective treatments that are available <i>now</i> for ME/CFS and long-COVID. Many of those treatments are inexpensive and readily available everywhere. I had to add a whole new section on treating endocrine dysfunction because it's something I hadn't covered completely on my blog in the past. I decided to reprint it here, as a new blog post, to be sure everyone sees it.<br /><p></p><p>ME/CFS causes severe endocrine dysfunction--that's the part of the body that controls hormones, and hormones control <i>everything</i>. Messed-up hormones are behind <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/03/correcting-sleep-dysfunction-in-mecfs.html" target="_blank">sleep dysfunction</a> (which can be corrected) and are one factor behind <a href="http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2010/02/orthostatic-intolerance-and-cfs.html" target="_blank">Orthostatic Intolerance</a>, too. Since deep, good quality sleep is essential to the endocrine system, correcting sleep dysfunction should be your first step. As my doctor told me 21 years ago, getting good sleep will improve everything (she was right). </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">(Note that an endocrine specialist is usually only focused on diagnosing and treating primary endocrine disease, like Graves' disease, Hashimoto's, and others. It may be helpful to see one to rule these kinds of things out, but for most patients with ME/CFS, your primary care doctor or GP can help you with the areas outlined below.) <br /></p><p>Here are some other areas of endocrine dysfunction:<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Sex Hormones:</b> <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Sex hormones can wreak havoc in ME/CFS, too. When I was younger, I got much, much worse whenever I had my period. <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My doctor switched me to 90-day
low-dose birth control pills, which worked great! They keep my hormone levels
steady for 3 months at a time. Then, every 12-14 weeks, I stopped taking them for
5 days, got a period, and then went back on them. So, instead of crashing from my
period every 4 weeks (25% of my life!), it was just 5 days out of every 3 months
or so or 4 times a year. Much better!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In 2022, my OB/GYN
told me she was retiring. Since I was 57, she said I had to be fully in
menopause by then (our plan was to keep me on the birth control pills
until I was past menopause, to prevent worsening from menopause
symptoms). She wanted to see me through the transition before she left
(yes, she was wonderful). We both knew it would be rough--after decades
of holding my hormone levels perfectly steady--but it was much worse
than we'd expected! That sudden shift in hormones left me completely
wiped out, all my ME/CFS symptoms worse, and mostly
bedridden/couchbound. I waited six weeks for the artificial hormones to
clear out of my system, got tested, and I was indeed fully past
menopause. Then, she started me on Estradiol patches (estrogen
replacement, also known as Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT), along
with progesterone pills. As my hormone levels evened out again, I
returned to my previous (pretty good) level of functioning. My new
OB/GYN has agreed this is a long-term treatment for me because of my
ME/CFS (there are risks, though, so it should be discussed with your
doctor. Mine ordered tests first).</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Testosterone cream can also be helpful to some, especially men with low testosterone.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Thyroid:<br /></b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">For many, many
years, I said that thyroid dysfunction was very common in ME/CFS but
that I didn't have it. Boy, was I wrong! After that awful transition off
birth control pills at the end of 2022, my thyroid was severely
dysfunctional. Hormones are all connected (the endocrine system), so
when one is off, it can throw the whole system off. This is another
reason why it is so critical to <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/03/correcting-sleep-dysfunction-in-mecfs.html" target="_blank">correct sleep dysfunction</a>. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I
was already on a low dose of one medication for hypothyroidism, but it
clearly wasn't enough. I spent a full year, working with my primary care
physician to normalize my thyroid function--getting lab tests (which
ones is critical), adjusting medications, waiting two months to retest,
etc. Finally, by the end of 2023, with medications and supplements, my
thyroid was functioning well. I'm now feeling the best I have felt in
years! </p><p style="text-align: left;">And, by the way, I lost over 20 pounds <i>just</i>
from normalizing my thyroid function (no change in diet at that time),
and I am at a healthy weight I haven't seen in 20 years. That tells me
that my thyroid was off for a long time. This post explains all about <b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/10/diagnosing-treating-thyroid-dysfunction.html" target="_blank">Diagnosing and Treating Thyroid Dysfunction in ME/CFS and Long-COVID</a></b>, including which tests to ask for.</p><p style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Low Cortisol:</b> <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Low cortisol all the time is a hallmark of ME/CFS. However, the
top ME/CFS experts do NOT usually recommend taking hydrocortisone for low cortisol. The
biggest problem is that when you add in artificial cortisone, your body stops
producing it on its own. So, you take a patient who is already not making
enough cortisol and give them something that makes the situation even worse
over the long-term. It is likely to help in the short-term but should not be
continued for more than a month or so. </span></p><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A better approach is one that has worked well for
me. The endocrine system dysfunction that causes low cortisol is closely tied
to all the other dysfunctional systems in ME/CFS; it's all interrelated, especially in the endocrine system. So,
when you treat and correct other problems, the endocrine system just naturally
self-corrects and normalizes. So, instead of treating low cortisol directly,
treat immune dysfunction, correct sleep dysfunction (a huge factor in endocrine
problems), treat OI, correct methylation, treat thyroid dysfunction, and treat underlying infections. When
you do those things, the endocrine system just naturally begins to normalize.
This has worked well for me, and when I had my 24-hour cortisol test,
it was perfectly normal! It showed the expected higher cortisol in the morning,
slowly decreasing during the day to a low point at night. </span>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Do you have any experience in treating these types of endocrine dysfunction or any others?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Let us know what helped (or didn't). <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Please leave a comment below.</p><div style="text-align: center;">You can also connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-63247676351505591362024-03-08T19:04:00.001-05:002024-03-08T19:04:30.100-05:00New ME/CFS Study by NIH - What Does It Mean?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLSzlqBWNtxFQVildK9Jv3jft_ApiQL3XhyphenhyphentzvR9MlieIKBGsP1w0oHNVqoOPzaeFax3Mxp_QoVf3SPOc6pFZ93KJLWaFvGT1YKPz2g-lcUuXdUKWEL2f0WIL45PRMiIC31aV6wOZmOxrkwg1R6IAEVgsirJfELgz85S9T0ZoZRMtlDcHMiXs/s1280/In%20the%20News.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLSzlqBWNtxFQVildK9Jv3jft_ApiQL3XhyphenhyphentzvR9MlieIKBGsP1w0oHNVqoOPzaeFax3Mxp_QoVf3SPOc6pFZ93KJLWaFvGT1YKPz2g-lcUuXdUKWEL2f0WIL45PRMiIC31aV6wOZmOxrkwg1R6IAEVgsirJfELgz85S9T0ZoZRMtlDcHMiXs/s320/In%20the%20News.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I first heard about the newly published results of the first-ever NIH (National Institutes of Health in the U.S.) study of ME/CFS when a friend of mine forwarded an article from Medscape to me (I have some great friends). My first impression was, "Meh, not much new, and it was a tiny study," so I have been interested to see how much attention it is getting in the mainstream press and what ME/CFS top experts and advocacy groups are saying about it. Here's a brief summary:<p></p><p><b>Just the Facts</b></p><p>Bottom line of this study:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It was tiny - just 17 patients with ME/CFS. 17!! Out of the many millions suffering with the disease in the U.S.</li><li>But it was very comprehensive. Patients in the study underwent extensive testing in a variety of ways over the course of months, and analysis of the data was in-depth.</li><li>Much of what they concluded, we already knew: immune dysfunction is at the heart of ME/CFS, evidence of metabolic changes in people with ME/CFS.</li><li>They focused on its effects on the brain (stemming from the immune dysfunction).</li><li>The researchers definitely took the disease seriously, and the study paper--and all the resulting news coverage--reflects that.</li><li>Because of the tiny study size and the reasons why patients were excluded, we have to be careful about drawing sweeping conclusions about everyone with ME/CFS. <br /></li><li>There were some very specific new findings (like specific measures of immune dysfunction) that can be further studied.</li></ul> <p><b>What Mainstream Media Is Saying</b></p><p>The good news is that it is getting a lot of attention in the mainstream media (which ME/CFS research rarely does), thanks in large part to the connection with long-COVID. </p><p>Here's the <a href="https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/depth-study-finds-brain-immune-metabolic-abnormalities-linked-debilitating-chronic-disease" target="_blank">NIH's press release</a> (short and to the point), describing the results of the study. Clearly, plenty of news outlets picked up the story. And here's the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-45107-3" target="_blank">full scientific study report</a>, published in <i>Nature Communications</i>, a prestigious medical journal.<br /></p><p><a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/21/1232998694/an-ambitious-nih-study-has-brought-new-attention-to-chronic-fatigue-syndrome" target="_blank">NPR did an excellent, short summary</a> (you can read it at the link or listen to the story at the top of the page). They interviewed one woman who participated in the study, one of the study's authors from NIH, and four of our own experts: Nancy Klimas, Anthony Komaroff, Maureen Hanson, and Lucinda Bateman. They praised the study for its thoroughness, while noting some of its limitations. NPR was thorough as usual, and this quick update should help to educate the general public.</p><p><b>Science</b> always does a great job of summarizing scientific studies for the general population, and <a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/sweeping-chronic-fatigue-study-brings-clues-not-clarity-mysterious-syndrome" target="_blank">their brief article on this study</a> is good. I think they did a great job of summing it up right in the subtitle: <b>Sweeping chronic fatigue study brings clues but not clarity to mysterious syndrome: "megaworkup"revealed brain and immune differences in a small patient group.</b> Of course, they lose points for calling it chronic fatigue and a "mysterious syndrome."</p><p>It was also covered by the <b><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/21/health/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-long-covid.html" target="_blank">New York Times</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/people-with-myalgic-encephalomyelitis-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-may-have-an-exhausted-immune-system/" target="_blank">Scientific American</a></b>, and <b><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/feb/21/scientists-find-link-between-brain-imbalance-and-chronic-fatigue-syndrome?ref=upstract.com" target="_blank">The Guardian</a></b>. So, ME/CFS got a <i>lot</i> of news coverage from this report. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>What ME/CFS Experts and Advocacy Groups Are Saying</b></p><p>It's been very interesting to read the analyses of the study from various ME/CFS news outlets, advocacy groups, and patient organizations. </p><p><a href="https://www.meaction.net/2024/02/29/meaction-nih-study-response/?mc_cid=530d497b91&mc_eid=ba64a6d323" target="_blank"><b>#MEAction</b> has an excellent, easy-to-read summar</a>y, with their analysis of the study's shortcomings and conclusions. Among their observations:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The study size was so small (17) because the NIH excluded anyone with "comorbid conditions." Well, guess what? Most of us (one earlier study said 80% but it is probably higher) could name a whole list of other diagnoses: POTS, MCAS, EDS, NMH, etc. One could argue (as I often do) that certain "comorbid conditions" are actually an integral part of ME/CFS, like dysautonomia/OI.</li><li>The rigorous requirements of the study (overnight hospital stays, exercise testing, etc. automatically excluded those with severe ME/CFS.</li><li>The study only wanted people in the first five years of illness. Since an earlier (excellent) ME/CFS study showed significant differences in immune markers for people sick less than three years and more than three years, this new study is mixing those together and ignoring those sick longer.<br /></li><li>The study concluded that 4 of its 17 participants (24%) experienced spontaneous recovery! We all know that's not indicative of the whole population of people with ME/CFS. Earlier studies have put the recovery rate at about 5%. These strange results are probably due to the way they chose and excluded patients and their tiny sample size.</li><li>The study <i>did</i> require post-exertional malaise (PEM), i.e. exertion intolerance.</li><li>Most of the study's findings of immune and metabolic abnormalities have been reported in previous ME/CFS studies.</li><li>The study authors did find some interesting data suggesting "immune checkpoint inhibitors," which can be followed up in future research.</li></ul><p>As always, <a href="https://www.healthrising.org/blog/2024/02/22/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-me-cfs-brain-disease/" target="_blank">Cort Johnson of <b>Health Rising</b> website</a> provides an excellent, detailed yet easy-to-understand overview of the study and its findings. </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">So, bottom line, it's great that ME/CFS got lots of attention in both scientific journals and mainstream media, and its connection to long-COVID was often highlighted. This study was a good start, but a very long overdue one. Its conclusions have limited use and relevance due to the very small patient sample participating and the reasons why patients were excluded. But, the study did have some findings that warrant follow-up. I'm just glad the NIH is finally, after so many decades, taking our disease seriously.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">What are your thoughts on this new NIH study?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Please leave a comment below.</p><div style="text-align: center;">You can also connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div><p style="text-align: center;"></p>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-27096452506815507142024-03-01T17:50:00.001-05:002024-03-01T17:50:36.117-05:00Happy 22nd Illiversary to Me!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHqOPoKse6p8CjF_WhLHf1krSKUtloVS2s6IgdGdx4UnJ3etP4D8n-wp0jgknDL_9Fk37RO2bUUTSDZSjxre4fiG-3vQrT5Zh2NnxbuWO5__kTvrGpcm057s9SY2ZdrfeYg2h9jWL3j2DSVwrXBMZm5QGNQ-2Op8JDd2-NtnVNNRiZ9Hf8Yei/s3264/DBC55582-DAA6-4C07-8044-C40C714C9137.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHqOPoKse6p8CjF_WhLHf1krSKUtloVS2s6IgdGdx4UnJ3etP4D8n-wp0jgknDL_9Fk37RO2bUUTSDZSjxre4fiG-3vQrT5Zh2NnxbuWO5__kTvrGpcm057s9SY2ZdrfeYg2h9jWL3j2DSVwrXBMZm5QGNQ-2Op8JDd2-NtnVNNRiZ9Hf8Yei/s320/DBC55582-DAA6-4C07-8044-C40C714C9137.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Twenty-two years ago today, on March 2, 2002, I woke with the worst sore throat of my life, wracked with flu-like aches, and feeling completely exhausted. I figured I had a flu or some other virus, but we all know how that story ends!<p></p><p>You can read a written summary of our years of illness at the <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/p/our-story.html" target="_blank">Our Story tab</a> (or in Chapter 1 of <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/p/my-book.html" target="_blank">my book</a>) or <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2022/03/its-my-20-year-illiversary.html" target="_blank">the timeline version of our history</a> that I wrote on my 20th illiversary.</p><p><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2018/03/flashback-friday-16-years-ago-today.html" target="_blank">On my 16th Illiversary, in 2018, I wrote about how the anniversary date has affected me over the years, at various points in time</a>, including the treatments that helped me to improve.<br /></p><p>Most interesting to me now, 22 years into this journey, is that often the date passes without me really noticing! I only remembered this year because someone else was writing about an illness anniversary elsewhere online this week. In those early years, it was devastating to think of how many <i>years</i> I'd been sick, since I'd left my old life behind.</p><p>These days, after 22 years, as the title of my book, <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/p/my-book.html" target="_blank"><b>Finding a New Normal</b></a>, indicates, this is just normal life now. The date can be more difficult for me when I am badly relapsed (as I was for periods of the past three years), but this year, now that I am feeling better than I have in years, I am grateful that I am able to manage this well. This year, in particular, after those last few very difficult years, I am hugely grateful that I have come back to life in the past two months and am able to see my friends, go out, and be active again.</p><p style="text-align: center;">So, Happy Illiversary to Me! <br />(I certainly won't be eating any cake on this strict no-sugar diet!)<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">How many years have you been sick? <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">How does YOUR illness anniversary affect you?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Please leave a comment below.</p><div style="text-align: center;">You can also connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div><p style="text-align: center;"></p>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-57553755543346092832024-02-20T18:50:00.000-05:002024-02-20T18:50:00.349-05:00TV Tuesday: The Irrational<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPil534PC7c7pt0l_JbBkAJTDg_wq6g1DQ88VvxQESxyG-NZdToaFLqpT9AftZAu4w2EHaGRpOS3YMkUDn72AcziM7_6lhqu2iHoLVLTReTC_asE1iK8YNqyV488iJvsqhHnxD1hn9LB4VTfkH9QPr7HgAfIEARNbVZfgiGSfi_IJw6_xqgoH/s1000/irrational.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="675" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPil534PC7c7pt0l_JbBkAJTDg_wq6g1DQ88VvxQESxyG-NZdToaFLqpT9AftZAu4w2EHaGRpOS3YMkUDn72AcziM7_6lhqu2iHoLVLTReTC_asE1iK8YNqyV488iJvsqhHnxD1hn9LB4VTfkH9QPr7HgAfIEARNbVZfgiGSfi_IJw6_xqgoH/w135-h200/irrational.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>While most cable shows had a delayed "fall" season that is only just
starting now (due to the strikes), a few new shows did start on time in
the fall. Our favorite is <b>The Irrational</b>, a crime show with a behavioral scientist at its center.<p>Jesse
L. Martin plays Alec Mercer, a behavioral scientist at a university in
D.C. Alec teaches and has two grad students working with him: Pheobe,
played by Molly Kunz, and Rizwan, played by Arash DeMaxi. His ex-wife,
Marisa (played by Maahra Hill), works for the FBI, and Alec's sister,
Kylie (played by Travina Springer), is a brilliant computer expert who
lives with him. Marisa often asks Alec to consult on a case--and
sometimes Kylie and/or the grad students get involved, too--so there is
usually a new case to solve in each episode. But there is also an
ongoing story thread about the terrible burn scars on Alec's face. He
got those scars (and spent months in the hospital, with serious burns
over much of his body) many years ago, when a bomb was set off in a
church. One man was convicted of the crime, but Alec and Marisa suspect
there was someone else behind it who was never caught. The bombing left
Alec with emotional scars as well as physical, and Marisa and her FBI
partner are still looking into the cold case.</p><p>Like any crime show,
each episode involves a new case, so there is always something new and
different going on. Alec's unique talents in behavioral science provide
fascinating insights into victims, witnesses, and criminals that are
helpful to the FBI. In each show, though, the viewer also learns more
about Alec and the bombing that so traumatized him. The secondary
characters are also further explored and fleshed out. Martin is
outstanding in the lead role, and his co-stars are all excellent. The
writing is fresh, with a sense of humor, and the cases are interesting.
There is suspense and a mystery in each new episode, plus the ongoing
mystery of the bombing. My husband and I have really been enjoying this
show. We'll watch the final episode of its first season tonight, and we
were excited to hear that it's been renewed for a second season.</p><p><b>The Irrational</b> is an NBC show, so it's available On Demand if you have cable or <a href="https://www.nbc.com/the-irrational/episodes" target="_blank">on NBC.com</a> (all episodes still available free for all right now) or on Peacock. It's also <a href="https://amzn.to/3UST3UJ" target="_blank">available on Amazon</a>.</p><p>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l1kPSrX8NT4?si=n5MHJxSmNx4W5_uD" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /></p>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-3521805928360997552024-02-13T10:55:00.002-05:002024-02-13T10:55:06.236-05:00Celebrate Mardi Gras at Home, the Easy Way!<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbOQxptNuLPwwCIIH8zLmgqt5fi6zZsxz2cxsqpjUB1RzJZKZXXF38NOsWVVTM9msWji9xJ1PTOlxdrDkVVi0y5_mUWESGK0n9NJvNJijiYeBV_rLfPQcD3_rZNG-g1jobmU5osSlRJT0pagcdtyxFmQ9BxDRHCkE0cgC0g2jumRu9B_7_1bY8-g/s1280/Mardi%20Gras%20Celebrate%20at%20Home.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbOQxptNuLPwwCIIH8zLmgqt5fi6zZsxz2cxsqpjUB1RzJZKZXXF38NOsWVVTM9msWji9xJ1PTOlxdrDkVVi0y5_mUWESGK0n9NJvNJijiYeBV_rLfPQcD3_rZNG-g1jobmU5osSlRJT0pagcdtyxFmQ9BxDRHCkE0cgC0g2jumRu9B_7_1bY8-g/s320/Mardi%20Gras%20Celebrate%20at%20Home.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's Mardi Gras Day! We used to live in New Orleans, so this is a
major holiday at our house, as you may have heard in my video, <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgWV-jQm8TQ" target="_blank">Celebrate Everything, Big and Smal</a>l</b>, which includes loads of tips for celebrating with minimal effort.
We usually celebrate on Saturday and again on Tuesday. Before the
pandemic, we had an annual party with all the food, music, etc. on
Saturday. With my immune issues, it's now a small celebration with our
oldest friends, who lived in New Orleans when we did. We enjoyed takeout
from a favorite local New Orleans restaurant (a husband and wife team
who were both chefs in New Orleans, under two of the top chefs there!),
plus lots of shrimp. Today, Mardi Gras
day, we will finish off the
season with our annual tradition of
Popeye's at that same friends' house (yes, Popeye's is authentic
Louisiana
food). And, of course, we've decorated for the occasion, and I'm wearing
purple, green, and gold with my beads on!<p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Want to join the fun? Here is a collection of ways to celebrate
Mardi Gras, New Orleans, and Louisiana today...including food, recipes,
travel tips, movies & TV shows, and, of course, some great books! You can also check out my column in <i>Shelf Awareness</i> from last year that features books about and set in New Orleans, <a href="https://www.shelf-awareness.com/readers-issue.html?issue=795#m13956" target="_blank"><b>Armchair Travel: Destination New Orleans</b></a>. And if you prefer a video, check out my <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkxVxtS0kLQ" target="_blank">Recommendations for Mardi Gras Reathathon: Books, Movies, and TV Shows</a></b>.<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Great Adult Books Set In/About Louisiana (additional titles in my article linked above):</b></div>
<ul><li><a href="http://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2010/01/fiction-review-crowning-glory-of-calla.html" target="_blank"><b>The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder</b></a> by Rebecca Wells, author of <i>Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood</i>
- I listened to Calla Lily's story on audio and laughed out loud &
bawled my eyes out! It takes place in southern Louisiana, with plenty of
local color.</li><li><b> <a href="http://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2010/01/memoir-review-gumbo-tales.html" target="_blank">Gumbo Tales: Finding My Place at the New Orleans Table</a></b> by Sara Roahen - I loved this memoir about the food, history, people, and unique culture of New Orleans.</li><li><a href="http://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2011/11/memoir-review-trail-of-crumbs.html" target="_blank"><b>Trail of Crumbs: Food, Love, and the Search for Home</b></a> by Kim <span style="font-weight: normal;">Sunée
- although this food-focused memoir covers everyplace from Sweden to
France to Korea, the author grew up in New Orleans, where the food
culture impacted the rest of her life.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Burn</b>
by Nevada Barr - part of her Anna Pigeon series, about a National Park
ranger, this one is set in the French Quarter (where there's a National
Historic Park). I haven't read it yet, but I plan to this year!</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Mardi Gras Mourning</b> by Julie Smith - I first read this back in the 90's and am rereading it now for the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkxVxtS0kLQ" target="_blank">Mardi Gras Readathon on Booktube</a>. It's a classic detective novel, set in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, so the setting and atmosphere are great!</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2023/06/fiction-review-book-of-lost-friends.html" target="_blank"><b>The Book of Lost Friends</b> </a>by Lisa Wingate - outstanding historical fiction set in Loiuisiana, with a dual timeline in 1863 and 1987. It made my list of <a href="https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2024/01/best-books-read-in-2023.html" target="_blank">Top Ten Audios in 2023</a>! </span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2021/05/fiction-review-vanishing-half.html" target="_blank"><b>The Vanishing Half</b> </a>by
Brit Bennett is another excellent dual timeline historical novel, about
twin sisters born in Louisiana. One moves to New Orleans and the other
twin decides to "pass" as white and lives a very different life. </span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2022/12/fiction-review-horse.html" target="_blank"><b>Horse</b></a>
by Geraldine Brooks - in this historical novel from one of my favorite
authors, some of the story takes place in 1800's Louisiana. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></li></ul>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Middle-Grade and Teen/YA Books Set In/About Louisiana:</b></span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://greatbooksforkidsandteens.blogspot.com/2010/09/teenya-review-ruined.html" target="_blank"><b>Ruined</b></a> by Paula Morris - a teen/YA mystery/ghost story set in New Orleans (the perfect setting for a ghost story!)</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://greatbooksforkidsandteens.blogspot.com/2012/11/middle-gradeteen-review-freedom-maze.html" target="_blank"><b>The Freedom Maze</b></a>
by Delia Sherman - a compelling middle-grade historical fiction
adventure (with a touch of time travel), where a girl from 1960 travels
back to 1860 Louisiana</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://greatbooksforkidsandteens.blogspot.com/2014/03/middle-grade-review-zane-and-hurricane.html" target="_blank"><b>Zane and the Hurricane</b></a> by Rodman Philbrick - a middle-grade novel about Hurricane Katrina - powerful and gripping</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2014/05/teenya-review-out-of-easy.html" target="_blank"><b>Out of the Easy</b></a> by Ruta Sepetys - most people are familiar with her two YA novels set during WWII (<a href="http://greatbooksforkidsandteens.blogspot.com/2013/11/teenya-review-between-shades-of-gray.html" target="_blank"><i>Between Shades of Gray</i></a> and <a href="http://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2016/04/teenya-review-salt-to-sea.html" target="_blank"><i>Salt to the Sea</i></a>), but this historical novel is set in New Orleans in 1950</span></li></ul>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Movies & TV Shows</b></span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><a href="http://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2015/03/weeend-cooking-movie-review-chef.html" target="_blank">Chef</a> </b>-
a wonderful, uplifting movie about a family food truck that travels
from Miami to LA, with a stop in New Orleans, of course! My favorite
movie of the year in 2015.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b> <a href="http://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2016/04/tv-tuesday-ncis-and-ncis-new-orleans.html" target="_blank">NCIS: New Orleans</a></b><a href="http://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2016/04/tv-tuesday-ncis-and-ncis-new-orleans.html"> </a>-
though it's a crime show, it includes many scenes of New Orleans,
mention of local restaurants and landmarks, and other local tidbits,
plus some great local music.
They usually do a Mardi Gras episode once a season, for extra fun. It's
streaming on Paramount Plus (which used to be CBS All Access).</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Treme</b>
- we LOVED this HBO show, which we were somehow able to watch on cable
at one point. You can see it now streaming on HBO Max or Hulu.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;">You can also check out some classic movies and modern classics with New Orleans settings, like <a href="https://amzn.to/33YMTu4" target="_blank"><b>A Streetcar Named Desire</b></a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3hol9C2" target="_blank"><b>The Big Easy</b></a>.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Or tune in to watch parades and
other scenes in New Orleans streaming live (or if you missed the
parades, some great videos) at <a href="http://www.mardigras.com/" target="_blank">www.mardigras.com</a>.</span></li></ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDIO_yp5HQw-vgOLPWLLz1PslVu6ss0dC3W3mMNjHmPbAL90PO9HSLut5r0Wdneqsywuw4u19aiggvUo750xiBEwSo8gjlW5Wg1gImemr76zAQQoYu2kkOW-7iglzBNnCUTQ0wQ/s1600/IMG_1676.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDIO_yp5HQw-vgOLPWLLz1PslVu6ss0dC3W3mMNjHmPbAL90PO9HSLut5r0Wdneqsywuw4u19aiggvUo750xiBEwSo8gjlW5Wg1gImemr76zAQQoYu2kkOW-7iglzBNnCUTQ0wQ/s320/IMG_1676.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the locals in Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Travel</b></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">All this talk of Louisiana making you want to visit? I have written articles about <a href="http://suzanjackson.homestead.com/NewOrleans.html" target="_blank">visiting New Orleans</a> and <a href="http://myitchytravelfeet.com/2016/12/06/exploring-cajun-country/" target="_blank">Exploring Cajun Country</a> - check them out and start planning your trip (plenty of food recommendations in both!). I'm certainly ready to go back!</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeYlEXMCiyyqcPjcGxbPqSnF_HbEdUoAWTqeu2ljPLvnD-nhJmbFtiqy0zhGSsuQSufHI1rrwscBy2wHOCSe5k7YOh-NYRJyUZKhHa1SgZH_KHwV_EJDI27QXkvk7FY0N5eWeyg/s1600/IMG_1685.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeYlEXMCiyyqcPjcGxbPqSnF_HbEdUoAWTqeu2ljPLvnD-nhJmbFtiqy0zhGSsuQSufHI1rrwscBy2wHOCSe5k7YOh-NYRJyUZKhHa1SgZH_KHwV_EJDI27QXkvk7FY0N5eWeyg/s320/IMG_1685.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crawfish!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><p>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Notice that many of the books and
movies about Louisiana are focused on FOOD? Yes, Louisiana - and
especially New Orleans - is known for its amazing, unique food. This <a href="http://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2016/02/weekend-cooking-27-happy-mardi-gras.html" target="_blank">blog post on how to celebrate Mardi Gras</a>
includes <a href="http://suzanjackson.homestead.com/FF0212_MARDIG.pdf" target="_blank">my own recipes for some classic Louisiana dishes</a>, plus food
you can grab locally today and webcams where you can vicariously
experience Mardi Gras - there are plenty of suggestions in this post
that you can still manage to do between now and Tuesday. Or save it for later if you
like - we eat this food all year round. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">NOTE that Zapp's potato chips - which
you absolutely MUST try) have been bought out by PA-chip maker Utz, so
you don't have to get them by mail-order anymore. We can now
find them in local stores like Wawa here in Delaware or ordered on Amazon (<a href="https://amzn.to/3I08rXq" target="_blank">Cajun Crawtator </a>
and Cajun Dill are the best flavors.)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Laissez les bon temps rouler!</span></b></span><br />
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWw2NdU6gWEZPoWdf6tThasqEQideSB5LLVOZ0eLrqs-OabO69ZkdJouWi8hUEPO68cLmZ6JVFsfQe3uUt7EAquWkgfV7i8JK8sv7YNGhACr9fLD462N24_sp-r-Y_HwBcGs1f8g/s1600/MardiGras+w+Boys.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWw2NdU6gWEZPoWdf6tThasqEQideSB5LLVOZ0eLrqs-OabO69ZkdJouWi8hUEPO68cLmZ6JVFsfQe3uUt7EAquWkgfV7i8JK8sv7YNGhACr9fLD462N24_sp-r-Y_HwBcGs1f8g/s320/MardiGras+w+Boys.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-63432329850829470972024-02-07T19:28:00.001-05:002024-02-07T19:28:37.480-05:00My 2023 In Review: Chronic Illness Rollercoaster!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfI3hJGIuF117BU47FCw9Lv8B-JjDvGU0YQj39OJSNpBH0RcLJJ1PNrdSZdPsZAtwRmt5s-PEA2qAWlggdqBmBkOMX6lDpgxeSKO3Tpg3yiPhdf7QmjQhaCd6iqopgqhhe6zVrfxWVsjcu-kLXpyTTD-3fVR6zm5A5np7xVE08uXpS9GTS0X8/s1920/2023%20Wrap-Up%20Illness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfI3hJGIuF117BU47FCw9Lv8B-JjDvGU0YQj39OJSNpBH0RcLJJ1PNrdSZdPsZAtwRmt5s-PEA2qAWlggdqBmBkOMX6lDpgxeSKO3Tpg3yiPhdf7QmjQhaCd6iqopgqhhe6zVrfxWVsjcu-kLXpyTTD-3fVR6zm5A5np7xVE08uXpS9GTS0X8/s320/2023%20Wrap-Up%20Illness.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Chronic Illness is often said to be a rollercoaster (in fact, <i>Riding the Chronic Illness Rollercoaster</i> is the name of a chapter in <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/p/my-book.html" target="_blank">my book</a>!), and that was definitely true for me last year, with plenty of ups and downs in my life with ME/CFS and Lyme. I'm a little late with my usual year-end wrap-up (and only just set my goals for the new year!), but that's another fact of life when you have chronic illness; we make accommodations. <p></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">NOTE: I like data and am an analytical person. For details on how I simply track how I feel on a calendar, check out my post, <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2021/01/my-progress-in-2020-and-goals-for-2021.html" target="_blank"><b>My Progress in 2020 and Goals for 2021</b></a> and scroll down to <i>My Health in 2020</i>
and below that, the section called "How Do I Know This?" Or you can watch my short video, <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9du2xLfI0X8" target="_blank">Chronic Illness: Tracking How I Feel, Symptoms, and Treatments</a></b>. I use a 1 to 5
rating, where 1 is good and 5 is mostly bedridden. I also rate my
exertion each day on a 1 to 5 scale. And for details on the process I
use for goals, which focuses on taking very small steps toward what I
want in my life, see my video, <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFH_AerVYQQ" target="_blank">Setting Goals When Chronically Ill (Improve Your Life in Tiny Steps)</a>.</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>2023 in Review: My Health - the Data<br /></b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Average How I Felt = 2.5</b> (1 is good; 5 is bad)</p><ul style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><li>13% better than 2022, which was my worst year in 21 years of chronic illness.</li><li>My best months were 2.2, and my worst was 3.4.<br /></li><li>Things have been a lot worse for me since 2020 (see my <b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2022/06/mecfs-lyme-covid-relapses-and-recoveries.html" target="_blank">Relapses & Recoveries</a></b> post), so this was a move in the right direction!<br /></li></ul><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Average % crashed = 15%</b> (meaning I was couchbound/bedridden 15% of the time)</p><ul style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><li>Crashed = a 4 or 5 on my scale, unable to function, stuck in bed or lying on the couch. <br /></li><li>12% better than 2022, which was a low point.</li><li>The average doesn't tell the whole story because there were some highs and lows.<br /></li><li>My best months were April and June, with only 3% crashed, but in my worst month, November, I was crashed and nonfunctional 50% of the time.<br /></li></ul><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Average exertion = 3.8</b> (on a scale of 1 to 5)<br /></p><ul style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><li>8% better than 2022.<br /></li><li>My best months were April and October, with 4.3 average exertion, and my worst month was November, with just 2.8--I spent much of that month lying on the couch.<br /></li><li>I think my exertion level looks better than I actually felt; I know that I was pushing myself too hard and not resting enough during some of those early crash months. I finally gave in and rested in November.</li></ul><p> <b> </b></p><p><b>What Made Things Worse Last Year:</b></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Not listening to my body and resting enough when I crashed.<b></b></li><li><b>Yeast Overgrowth</b> - this was definitely my biggest issue in 2023:</li><ul><li>As with many people with ME/CFS, I suffer from chronic <a href="http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2014/12/treating-yeast-overgrowthcandida.html" target="_blank">yeast overgrowth</a> due to the <a href="http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2012/01/immune-system-abnormalities-in-mecfs.html" target="_blank">specific kind of immune dysfunction in this disease</a>.</li><li>I made the mistake--over and over!--of assuming it was under control because of all the treatments I routinely take/do that normally work effectively. This kept me from recognizing (and treating) the underling causes of my repeated crashes.</li></ul><li>My diet. I was calling my diet Paleo, but honestly, I wasn't sticking it to it very strictly by last year. This was a huge contributing factor. If I had actually stuck to a strict <a href="http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2017/09/eating-paleo-for-immune-disorders-our.html" target="_blank">Paleo diet</a>, the yeast overgrowth probably wouldn't have gotten so much worse.<br /></li><li>A short round of steroids (prednisone for five days) in November. Since the issue was actually yeast overgrowth, suppressing my immune system was <i>not</i> a good idea!<br /></li></ul><p><b> </b></p><p><b>What Helped Me Last Year:</b></p><p>I tried eight new treatments (or adjustments to old treatments) last year<b> </b>that helped me. Below are the changes that helped me the most (some things that I tried, I'm not sure yet if they are helping or not).<b><br /></b></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Normalizing my thyroid function.</b> I spent a full year working with my primary care doctor on this, getting thyroid labs every two months, adjusting my meds, waiting another two months, repeat. All that effort, patience, and persistence paid off, and I am starting 2024 with my thyroid working very well! Besides increased energy, less fatigue, and more stamina, I lost 20 pounds over the past year--back to pre-illness weight! It's been eye-opening to see what a difference this makes. I wrote all about it in <b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/10/diagnosing-treating-thyroid-dysfunction.html" target="_blank">Diagnosing and Treating Thyroid Dysfunction in ME/CFS and Long-COVID</a></b>.</li><li><b>Changing my diet. </b>In the very last two weeks of the year, I drastically changed my diet, once my functional medicine specialist pointed out to me that I <i>still</i> had thrush in my mouth, even with all the anti-yeast treatments I was on. I took her advice to "starve the yeast" by switching to a no-carbs Carnivore Diet. It is what it sounds like: meat, fish, eggs, butter, and no carbs at all. It worked, and by the first days of January, I was feeling the best I have felt in many years! Here's my video about <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BObWX80xOk" target="_blank">my first month on the Carnivore Diet</a></b>. I am currently about 97-98% Carnivore; I occasionally have a few bites of non-yeast-encouraging veggies or avocado. I am still feeling great (for me!). I've been seeing friends, taking daily walks, and even helping a friend with her move. Today, I went shopping for clothes for the first time in ages (my clothes are all too big now), and it is just such a thrill to be back out in the world!</li></ul><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Other Highs and Lows of 2023 for Me:</b></p><p><b>Lows: </b>Obviously, with all of 2023's health issues and months spent on the couch, many things just didn't get done last year:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Not enough time with local friends.</li><li>Very little writing outside of my two blogs and no magazine articles.</li><li>No energy for our home--decluttering is getting urgent!</li><li>Given my poor health many months, I was not able to walk as much as I like or keep up even my tiny on-the-floor strengthening routines. </li></ul><p><b>Highs:</b> But as always, though my year seemed awful when I was stuck on the couch in November and December, when I look back, I see some wonderful highlights:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLx9x0R74Hd-_svj8649W0912Hm1uVMXwN3A-FSMdxUkEmNGzpUSkClGRvYLVYEeZL308OKczpaMEYlTMEEaGzdeXknW0pTasUmU7GbBCdhtRcpDO5v-tGeWHDpeqxYq8J4tJAwF7NMqq6dRwvyGbahkiAIp51CXcryVt_HXlxS4am2X8ntMdR/s4032/1998A797-9637-4B49-B20C-6E1C7F48AA44.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLx9x0R74Hd-_svj8649W0912Hm1uVMXwN3A-FSMdxUkEmNGzpUSkClGRvYLVYEeZL308OKczpaMEYlTMEEaGzdeXknW0pTasUmU7GbBCdhtRcpDO5v-tGeWHDpeqxYq8J4tJAwF7NMqq6dRwvyGbahkiAIp51CXcryVt_HXlxS4am2X8ntMdR/s320/1998A797-9637-4B49-B20C-6E1C7F48AA44.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br />My husband and I enjoyed 3 relaxing week-long camping vacations: to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnAqXvuey7Q" target="_blank">Virginia state parks in April</a>, to the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpJcwGBC-hg" target="_blank">Catskills in June</a>, and to the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMunv42O-LA" target="_blank">Virginia mountains in October</a> for stunning fall foliage! When we travel with our camper, it is very easy and low-key. (links are to my travel vlog videos, where you can see some of the beautiful natural surroundings we enjoyed).<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBU3eaHyBWrW7iIprE6DtyWCyOs-8z44FJ0lDyY-m7Vbp-iUGuHAxS6sWagsFBL5d7MxmceApoiOSkaIr1iGL9t2w362nUJ9quwBRK5xOANn9Ytsm9AUy3qZTmBLB33C9VgEE7B7ibsmnGe96J_DT543OB6yQkK-cv32SlRRYhOO2poQU5Sad1/s3088/D8729E59-F689-41CB-B1A5-BA35DDAAC5DA.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBU3eaHyBWrW7iIprE6DtyWCyOs-8z44FJ0lDyY-m7Vbp-iUGuHAxS6sWagsFBL5d7MxmceApoiOSkaIr1iGL9t2w362nUJ9quwBRK5xOANn9Ytsm9AUy3qZTmBLB33C9VgEE7B7ibsmnGe96J_DT543OB6yQkK-cv32SlRRYhOO2poQU5Sad1/s320/D8729E59-F689-41CB-B1A5-BA35DDAAC5DA.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br />We enjoyed three weekends with our adult sons and their girlfriends, one at home for Father's Day, one camping in Pennsylvania and one at a rental on a lake in New Jersey. We cherish that quiet, laid-back, fun time with them!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgre0gQldvSIM-XxnXPdYaSGs1uiIYygDryeVzSThQGvc6csQqMJM19b46MOxfct7iLmpdeM1JaTjddX0RcxCwcbH9d7UkInNwWdcdHw6eUDFWTBBfm6LlmC3WODdQKd5Exbk1c8MSBBqAv-X3_1_Ry5Iz7-Y4yaDkhbFAj2SOcrnepY4jeXkq_/s3088/F1A27D07-B947-4C6B-94B3-43E0175C9D0B.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgre0gQldvSIM-XxnXPdYaSGs1uiIYygDryeVzSThQGvc6csQqMJM19b46MOxfct7iLmpdeM1JaTjddX0RcxCwcbH9d7UkInNwWdcdHw6eUDFWTBBfm6LlmC3WODdQKd5Exbk1c8MSBBqAv-X3_1_Ry5Iz7-Y4yaDkhbFAj2SOcrnepY4jeXkq_/s320/F1A27D07-B947-4C6B-94B3-43E0175C9D0B.heic" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>My childhood best friend, Michelle, came to visit me in July, and we enjoyed a wonderful weekend together, reminiscing and making new memories!</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj__Qy_jX4SWwqyIpcxGZIamPHUDZJscmRGh1umHenaIGhOazwqW5MR-9DOr2V4noaicl5inuI3Db_CWt3ssDL2AeZsxx-Z5TV3PplZcM2Iusa2yWcKuWN_RhGDyd6xLXsN5FFKiYlLpdLAS-5mgIHS7WHtJ8vVf30dPV8uZChrj-n9-mAEIj/s3088/4F790176-2BC9-44F0-96CE-0533734497F6.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj__Qy_jX4SWwqyIpcxGZIamPHUDZJscmRGh1umHenaIGhOazwqW5MR-9DOr2V4noaicl5inuI3Db_CWt3ssDL2AeZsxx-Z5TV3PplZcM2Iusa2yWcKuWN_RhGDyd6xLXsN5FFKiYlLpdLAS-5mgIHS7WHtJ8vVf30dPV8uZChrj-n9-mAEIj/s320/4F790176-2BC9-44F0-96CE-0533734497F6.heic" width="320" /></a></div><p>In September, I finally got to meet in person my friend from across the world! Annie and her husband were visiting from Australia, and they made time in their busy schedule to meet up with us. Annie and I met online over 10 years ago, in the group I started for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/164665786958252/" target="_blank">Parents of Kids and Teens with ME/CFS and Related Illnesses</a>. We both had sick kids, and we supported each other and bonded. Annie later helped me run the group, and we've stayed in touch even though our "kids" are now grown up (and both doing quite well). It was such a treat to meet in person!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWNkXStYIi2t3TVH-bK7eNsS15p82Ywrd-rasynQF9nuFJ6szDu3GU_kPJSH_vKnKGW_K-kXneGR341F3aS0iC_z2ToYQlHugP8A2ql546qc_9HsJyLXgWXTnh1wh-EJ5SJDZe_W0Y-8CgSposeA0-qLbOSfStsIsKP0Wq1-Sz_aY9q9tZ4eD/s3088/282018AD-9C57-4957-8DCB-707D4F6EC07B.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWNkXStYIi2t3TVH-bK7eNsS15p82Ywrd-rasynQF9nuFJ6szDu3GU_kPJSH_vKnKGW_K-kXneGR341F3aS0iC_z2ToYQlHugP8A2ql546qc_9HsJyLXgWXTnh1wh-EJ5SJDZe_W0Y-8CgSposeA0-qLbOSfStsIsKP0Wq1-Sz_aY9q9tZ4eD/s320/282018AD-9C57-4957-8DCB-707D4F6EC07B.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br />I stuck with my new goal to spend time outside every day and so enjoyed that extra time in nature! Given the state of my health, often that time was spent lying in a reclining chair on our deck or very slowly walking around the little cul-de-sac in front of our house, but the new habit really enriched my life. If you'd like to do the same, <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2024/01/join-me-to-notice-enjoy-nature-more-in.html" target="_blank"><b>Join Me to Notice and Enjoy Nature More in 2024!</b></a> with my #nature365 project.<br /><p></p><div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">So, that was my 2023. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>How was last year for you?</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>What small joys did you experience? <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>What treatments help you?</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Share your experiences (or any questions) in the comments below.</div><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div><p style="text-align: left;"></p></div></div>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-34506800635397989742024-02-05T17:49:00.000-05:002024-02-05T17:49:07.146-05:00Movie Monday: Stillwater<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh65EHId_xc2nR-1t68M2cZsON9UgHMw3W_morB7V11YCxgpFBCJ-jcRTOw8uFPWCL1j4K3jMHYK2M5uRWOP0wsnOss_O-eUBoFnfkWGmPY84lUFCAj6_kfC0TWeAh9dGkYhrrTmOka-NkzZMHvNqEK3alNQpdTubltSw4fwEx4i_eOqPzWFcU/s384/Stillwater_2021_film.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="259" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh65EHId_xc2nR-1t68M2cZsON9UgHMw3W_morB7V11YCxgpFBCJ-jcRTOw8uFPWCL1j4K3jMHYK2M5uRWOP0wsnOss_O-eUBoFnfkWGmPY84lUFCAj6_kfC0TWeAh9dGkYhrrTmOka-NkzZMHvNqEK3alNQpdTubltSw4fwEx4i_eOqPzWFcU/w135-h200/Stillwater_2021_film.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>A few weeks ago, my husband and I were looking for a movie to watch and stumbled on <b>Stillwater</b>,
starring Matt Damon. It was excellent, combining family drama, a
mystery, and legal drama, about a father trying desperately to save his
only daughter.<p></p><p>Bill, played by Matt Damon, is a widowed oil-rig
worker living in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Between jobs and estranged from
his only daughter, Bill flies to Marseilles, France, to visit her--in
prison. Allison, played by Abigail Breslin, was attending college in
Marseilles when her girlfriend was brutally murdered. Allison was
convicted of the murder and sentenced to nine years in prison. She won't
talk to Bill much at first, but he perseveres and stays there, near
her. When Allison finally opens up to her father, she insists that she's
innocent. Bill tries his best to plead with the lawyer to reopen her
case but is unsuccessful. Allison remembers a guy named Akim hanging out
with them that night, and Bill sets off on his own quest to find this
mystery man, searching social media and the rough sections of Marseilles
where he thinks Akim lives. Meanwhile, he has met a kind French woman
named Virginie, played by Camille Cottin, and they become friends. She
invites him to live in the spare room in her apartment and becomes
invested in him and his daughter and his fight for her freedom.
Virginie's little daughter, Maya, really likes Bill, even though she
speaks no English and he no French. They teach each other, become close,
and Bill becomes a part of the family, helping to care for Maya. But
Bill's priority remains proving that Allison is innocent and rebuilding
his relationship with her.</p><p>This movie really defied my
expectations. It's a moving, powerful drama about a father's love, with
the suspense and action of a mystery/thriller. In between, there are
moments of humor and joy--especially in Bill's growing relationship with
Virginie and Maya--and sorrow, too. Both Damon and Breslin give
excellent performances, and the rest of the cast is great, too. While we
see some of the darker parts of this beautiful city, the movie is an
integral part of its surroundings, making use of the setting to
emphasize Bill's fish-out-of-water status in France and his grim
determination to stay for as long as it takes. Its characterization of
Stillwater is a bit less authentic. It's depicted as a down-and-out
rural area that's practically a ghost town. My husband went to Oklahoma
State University in Stillwater; it's actually a thriving college town
with over 20,000 students. But it made a good name for the movie! We
both enjoyed this one very much.</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3Sv6KGf" target="_blank">Available on Amazon Prime</a> and for a fee on Apple TV and other platforms.</p><br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9cq1lPPeMUY?si=go__kLpXCm7CCWdM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-25531036813708457742024-01-31T17:59:00.002-05:002024-01-31T17:59:32.906-05:00Video: My First Month on the Carnivore Diet<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcK0eER2S9zkaHOHqcM9xGU7_jCl-MOIB8FJ6c2WSaTH9-Z1NH0CIOabDJd76w4BOk3Lnsh4mXZCIsVCeTumHqftMjdaPSK_8WX4ydH7C2doQIDeDshQFAqExaPzw6isSKzM9hIVbmyabPqwkrLO5uP05xqdLD0-LNNwV2zxSb5d6BIrRstqb/s1920/Carnivore%203%20weeks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1442" data-original-width="1920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcK0eER2S9zkaHOHqcM9xGU7_jCl-MOIB8FJ6c2WSaTH9-Z1NH0CIOabDJd76w4BOk3Lnsh4mXZCIsVCeTumHqftMjdaPSK_8WX4ydH7C2doQIDeDshQFAqExaPzw6isSKzM9hIVbmyabPqwkrLO5uP05xqdLD0-LNNwV2zxSb5d6BIrRstqb/s320/Carnivore%203%20weeks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Lots of people have been asking me about the new carnivore diet I began on January 2 (with a gradual move toward it in the two weeks before that). This has helped me to finally get chronic yeast/candida overgrowth (often a part of ME/CFS) under control, which has resulted in huge improvements for me. My immune symptoms (flu-like aches and exhaustion) cleared up and my energy has been really good for most of the past month (with a few rundown days this past week but today was better).<p></p><p>As I explain in the video, I am not a medical professional and am not recommending other people do this. I'm just trying to share my experiences and what I've learned so far, so you and your doctor can make informed decisions, based on your own medical needs.<br /></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">In this video, I explain what a carnivore diet is & why
I'm trying it, why it's supposed to be helpful for those with immune disorders, what we eat, and my results so far (spoiler: great!), with explanation of alternatives like Paleo & Keto. You can <a href="https://youtu.be/-BObWX80xOk" target="_blank">watch the video on YouTube</a> or here:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-BObWX80xOk?si=ZJH2jYIi8oQJ9JtN" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">If you watch it here, I will include the list of notes & links (that I mention in the video) that are below the video on YouTube:</p><p></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huigyfHlwaw " target="_blank">Chronic Illness Vlog 1-8-24: Much Better! The Diet That's Helping</a><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">A good place to start on improving diet and helping yeast overgrowth is <a href="http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2017/09/eating-paleo-for-immune-disorders-our.html " target="_blank">a Paleo diet</a>. This post explains what it is, the modified Paleo diet we
were eating, and how it helped us (note that if I'd stuck to strict
Paleo, without the modifications, I might not have gotten as bad as I
did!).<br /></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ketogenic-diet-101" target="_blank">Beginner's Guide to Keto Diet</a> <br /></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2014/12/treating-yeast-overgrowthcandida.html " target="_blank">Effective Treatments for Yeast Overgrowth/Candida</a><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2010/02/orthostatic-intolerance-and-cfs.html " target="_blank">Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) in ME/CFS, Long-COVID, Lyme, and other illnesses</a><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYvHsbrWw34" target="_blank">OI video </a><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.doctorkiltz.com/the-harvard-carnivore-diet-study/" target="_blank">Harvard Carnivore Diet Study</a> <br /></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amymyersmd.com/article/anti-candida-foods " target="_blank">Article I mentioned on Anti-Candida Diet</a><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/10/diagnosing-treating-thyroid-dysfunction.html" target="_blank">Diagnosing and Treating Thyroid Dysfunction</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Let me know if you have any questions.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Have you found any special diet that helps with your chronic illness?<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Please leave a comment below.</p><div style="text-align: center;">You can also connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-26303010784796305802024-01-26T18:08:00.002-05:002024-01-26T18:25:56.154-05:00Summaries of 2023 ME/CFS & Long-COVID Research and More<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vCS6FwZwC23fm2qxCWZXxnbA5zdfWPChUsrY3OS88G1tDNxJVRUmgPJAqnHSoXZX-2pVz6s4bsYVpNDzRdzFeAyl3kPK6D0x9dNe5OvjHlq9F0zKGyos6opP8_tFipXzUpqqaPlQdoKAsyZCQQKWdLRJbPD63U3UKNcnnLIzkMjr0r1ouNOC/s450/Research%20Update.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="450" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vCS6FwZwC23fm2qxCWZXxnbA5zdfWPChUsrY3OS88G1tDNxJVRUmgPJAqnHSoXZX-2pVz6s4bsYVpNDzRdzFeAyl3kPK6D0x9dNe5OvjHlq9F0zKGyos6opP8_tFipXzUpqqaPlQdoKAsyZCQQKWdLRJbPD63U3UKNcnnLIzkMjr0r1ouNOC/s320/Research%20Update.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's somehow the end of January already, and I'm way behind on my planned 2023 wrap-ups, so I wanted to get this one up before any more time passes. There are two excellent summaries, looking back at 2023 for ME/CFS and Long-COVID patients, that I want to share with you.<p></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://mecfsskeptic.com/2023-looking-back-on-a-year-of-me-cfs-research/" target="_blank">2023: Looking Back on Back on a Year of ME/CFS Research</a></b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">This post, written by the blog <i><a href="https://mecfsskeptic.com" target="_blank">ME/CFS Skeptic: a Critical View into ME/CFS Research</a></i>, provides an easy-to-understand, patient-centered summary of about 15 different ME/CFS and long-COVID research studies that the authors deemed "most interesting." They've already done the work of explaining each study in simple terms, so you can just scroll through their summary. Some interesting things I noted while reading it:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Some aspects of ME/CFS that have long been accepted--like low NK cell function--were not confirmed by the studies cited here. I suspect that is mostly due to differences between patients, how we are all so different, as well as some studies focusing on small groups and differences between short-timers and those who've been ill for much longer.</li><li style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Virus studies failed to find any specific viruses causing ME/CFS and concluded that we likely have dysfunctional immune responses ... which we already know! But it's good that researchers are beginning to zero in on that.</li><li style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">New population studies seemed interesting at first but were definitely flawed. One relied on asking people if they'd been diagnosed with ME/CFS by a medical professional--we all know how rarely that happens! Some were surprised the number seemed so much higher than before COVID, but I suspect it is actually <i>much</i> higher.</li><li style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Good news that researchers continue to dig into genetics and the gut. Now, I'd like to see more research focused on immune dysfunction!</li></ul><p></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.healthrising.org/blog/2024/01/02/2023-awards-chronic-fatigue-long-covid-fibromyalgia/" target="_blank">Looking Back at 2023 in ME/CFS, Long-COVID, and FM - the Most, Best, Cleverest, and Strangest</a></b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">As usual, Cort Johnson of the <i><a href="https://www.healthrising.org" target="_blank">Health Rising</a></i> website (highly recommended!) has pulled together a lot of complex information into a very easy-to-read, even entertaining format, with all kinds of creative "best of" and "worst of" categories. While some reference the same studies as the above summary, there is a lot here that is new. Some highlights:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Encouraging findings in the field of mitochondrial dysfunction.</li><li style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Lots of interesting findings in the growing field of long-COVID research, including high serotonin levels.</li><li style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Call-backs to research from decades ago that noted that clotting could be a factor in the blood of ME/CFS patients (I remember these studies and took them to my doctor), now in the forefront again, thanks to the study of micro-clotting in long-COVID.</li><li style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">New funding for "long Lyme" (previously called chronic Lyme), which is long overdue.</li><li style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">New "long cold" research on another coronavirus that causes colds and can lead to ME/CFS. The more researchers expand this concept of "long" infections (i.e. post-infection ME/CFS), the more it will help all of us.</li><li style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Plus, a new study on lasting illness after the COVID vaccines. I experienced this, as did many others, and patients have long reported that vaccines can trigger ME/CFS--another step forward in awareness among the medical profession!</li><li style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">New clinical trials for treatments.</li><li style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">The Mayo Clinic's massive turn-around from the worst place to go for ME/CFS in the US to actually listening to patient advocates and updating their protocols.</li><li style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">There's a whole lot more here to peruse, all written in short, snappy (even fun) blurbs - scroll through.</li></ul><p> OK, time for some dinner! I hope you find all of that as interesting as I did.</p><p>As for me, my months-long severe relapse that ended 2023 has mostly stayed in 2023. I'm pleased to report that I am doing much, much better, mostly due to a new diet that finally got my <a href="http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2014/12/treating-yeast-overgrowthcandida.html" target="_blank">yeast overgrowth</a> under control and all the work my doctor and I did last year to<a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/10/diagnosing-treating-thyroid-dysfunction.html" target="_blank"> normalize my thyroid function</a>. The first few weeks of the new year, I felt better than I have in <i>years</i>! I'll write about it here as soon as I can. In the meantime, this <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huigyfHlwaw" target="_blank">Chronic Illness Vlog 1/8/24: I'm Back, Baby! The Diet That's Helping</a></b> explains some of it, and I'll be posting a new video all about the diet I'm trying next week.<br /></p><p>I hope you find all this research news as encouraging as I do! <br /></p>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-10037480132932201682024-01-19T18:22:00.000-05:002024-01-19T18:22:32.943-05:00Favorite TV Shows Watched in 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzd4O-xAbw-UO4XWJyz-Ssh_VpnP7UpghgfwvSjX9wI20yy6MblqPTvdUPF8TwAtERKMDZ5rlWNtxMTcCu_-l3O7z6GvgUNCk4kdbmfcF_qBNsa-BsfrmmsNnM1GJe5pSQJW92Qwx4q31akpPiwaTj422T_om5i76CDyPHQ5nDCUUKXepgtQLs/s450/2023%20Best%20TV%20CFS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="450" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzd4O-xAbw-UO4XWJyz-Ssh_VpnP7UpghgfwvSjX9wI20yy6MblqPTvdUPF8TwAtERKMDZ5rlWNtxMTcCu_-l3O7z6GvgUNCk4kdbmfcF_qBNsa-BsfrmmsNnM1GJe5pSQJW92Qwx4q31akpPiwaTj422T_om5i76CDyPHQ5nDCUUKXepgtQLs/s320/2023%20Best%20TV%20CFS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's time for my annual wrap-up of my favorite TV shows reviewed in the
past year! These are not necessarily new shows, but they are shows that
we enjoyed last year, enough
that I took the time to write a review. They run the gamut, covering all
kinds of genres, so there's something for everyone. <p></p><p></p><p>Listed down at
the bottom of this post are <i>all</i> of the shows that I reviewed here on my
blog in 2023. I have also added all of these to my <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/p/tv-reviews.html" target="_blank"><b>TV
Reviews tab</b></a> on the blog, so you can come back anytime to see ALL
of the
shows I have ever reviewed (note that where to find shows may have
changed over the years). And check out my <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/01/favorite-tv-shows-watched-in-2022.html" target="_blank"><b>2022 TV Favorites</b></a>, too - they're all still available.<br /></p><p>I only review shows I like, so
anything listed here or on the <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/p/tv-reviews.html" target="_blank"><b>TV Reviews tab</b></a> is worth trying. </p><p> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Best of TV </b> </p><div style="text-align: left;">First a few superlatives--my favorite shows reviewed last year in each genre, plus some categories I made up! Links are to my reviews, including trailers and
details on where to find each show (subject to change).</div><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Best Drama</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/10/tv-tuesday-and-just-like-that.html" target="_blank">And Just Like That ...</a> </b>(HBO Max)<b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;">I never watched <i>Sex and the City</i> but enjoyed this reboot about women in their 50's (a rarity on TV!) <b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZeKDkPZ2aH3gT1mRoVns8Ig4fB6kAjFRURS9PTGV9Wor39iAgCMrtVGU1s19km5rZx2CbTSMZNvbsV-KtjfWE57ZKkdxrU8Sr1whLza-YoBWFdEpEWTWpGbhdcY6lYcbPkOr5CVuqRQXTExiaIB5KSeQkZKKeBBKYgqR_cYpJ6l3YZAJ769CV/s2880/and-just-like-that.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2160" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZeKDkPZ2aH3gT1mRoVns8Ig4fB6kAjFRURS9PTGV9Wor39iAgCMrtVGU1s19km5rZx2CbTSMZNvbsV-KtjfWE57ZKkdxrU8Sr1whLza-YoBWFdEpEWTWpGbhdcY6lYcbPkOr5CVuqRQXTExiaIB5KSeQkZKKeBBKYgqR_cYpJ6l3YZAJ769CV/w150-h200/and-just-like-that.jpg" width="150" /></a></b></div><b><br /> </b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Best Dramedy (both comedy and drama)</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/05/tv-tuesday-somebody-somewhere.html" target="_blank">Somebody Somewhere</a></b> (HBO Max)</p><p style="text-align: center;">My husband and I loved this warm, funny, wonderfully written show.<b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZYGeHU5VS2ji2N8EVuWoChpVMbPAVjSKa2Znj7Sox2l_0oboeT-PzQi2VJWP3WatWup4ep0GiT1-WBikQ1E-RZtOtIxKFgcFi5TvQFEjJgZALk9eWHU4mwWA8MFUBCoTvFgESziI7bIsPjvaVIdNtElrLksp7OAh66Gp0iA6EZMWGwk18PyE/s1481/Somebody-Somwehere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1481" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZYGeHU5VS2ji2N8EVuWoChpVMbPAVjSKa2Znj7Sox2l_0oboeT-PzQi2VJWP3WatWup4ep0GiT1-WBikQ1E-RZtOtIxKFgcFi5TvQFEjJgZALk9eWHU4mwWA8MFUBCoTvFgESziI7bIsPjvaVIdNtElrLksp7OAh66Gp0iA6EZMWGwk18PyE/w135-h200/Somebody-Somwehere.jpg" width="135" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Best </b><b>Crime/Mystery/Thriller<br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/03/tv-tuesday-will-trent.html" target="_blank">Will Trent</a> </b>(ABC) <b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b> </b>Our new favorite crime show, with great characters and a sense of humor. Returning February 20!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZT509htvgVsW85DeKOuRNm8CWxcMGttwyGW6hCYaBQC49l-8nme5ofmCMg8kEdjM3PiwoMANeAqt9cF5jg-tJliuFuIoeBQHG2ARt0x12ZMwsJezPVi0bwPryjyM5_igAnz_4hJ8wHgguUKareh88qgkIeyKK5FgpKGBpeqGUCnsN368U-IRy/s500/Will-Trent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZT509htvgVsW85DeKOuRNm8CWxcMGttwyGW6hCYaBQC49l-8nme5ofmCMg8kEdjM3PiwoMANeAqt9cF5jg-tJliuFuIoeBQHG2ARt0x12ZMwsJezPVi0bwPryjyM5_igAnz_4hJ8wHgguUKareh88qgkIeyKK5FgpKGBpeqGUCnsN368U-IRy/w160-h200/Will-Trent.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Best </b><b>Sci Fi </b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/06/tv-tuesday-silo.html" target="_blank"><b>Silo</b></a> (Apple)</div><div style="text-align: center;">An excellent adaptation of the <i>Silo </i>book trilogy that starts with <a href="https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2015/03/fiction-review-wool.html" target="_blank"><i>Wool</i></a>, a favorite of both of us.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IpsvREggLgBEfy5-VdPE1Xs743tcJvbQSkUCVpSh2MAb6QW6Otx-W4aYz8OF3-A33uoapJJFhXjNzqu32uY7hOQ-acaCntryuwfP_xxlwf-77-bRfEQYR67-J2BdrJlRmDfMT4-9xnPvNeM1VAR35HsVg2-VkwuiJ-cCUWUx545MMuPM6VR4/s3000/silo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IpsvREggLgBEfy5-VdPE1Xs743tcJvbQSkUCVpSh2MAb6QW6Otx-W4aYz8OF3-A33uoapJJFhXjNzqu32uY7hOQ-acaCntryuwfP_xxlwf-77-bRfEQYR67-J2BdrJlRmDfMT4-9xnPvNeM1VAR35HsVg2-VkwuiJ-cCUWUx545MMuPM6VR4/w133-h200/silo.png" width="133" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Best TV Show That Crosses Genres</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/08/tv-tuesday-diplomat.html" target="_blank">The Diplomat</a></b> (Netflix)<b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of our top shows of the entire year, this absolutely hilarious drama starring Keri Russell, about a no-nonsense woman appointed as new US ambassador to the UK when a crisis happens is also suspenseful, with political intrigue, plus the drama of a marriage breaking up.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXtnrmXox1S_FfBLjniDkrILVbrYOQve3vIMYuA6xUE83YuZQ5ms0-0Qdlk3Nn4F_UoPQfmvXQY5ZrZKsejZfnYsQgaHcD_uHmmqY0j-fjR7grP8TsCg6VBPRzdZX_euwBLkm-veUyJtd5gM1RX43i1g_5yh9VPsGYXYfgKOy4pahErZ6ddum/s1548/Diplomat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1548" data-original-width="1045" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXtnrmXox1S_FfBLjniDkrILVbrYOQve3vIMYuA6xUE83YuZQ5ms0-0Qdlk3Nn4F_UoPQfmvXQY5ZrZKsejZfnYsQgaHcD_uHmmqY0j-fjR7grP8TsCg6VBPRzdZX_euwBLkm-veUyJtd5gM1RX43i1g_5yh9VPsGYXYfgKOy4pahErZ6ddum/w135-h200/Diplomat.jpg" width="135" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Best Character on a New Show</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/02/tv-tuesday-poker-face.html" target="_blank">Poker Face</a></b> (Peacock)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Natasha Lyonne is fabulous as Charlie, a woman on the run, crossing America, who can tell when people are lying and solves mysteries along the way. Drama, mystery, and lots of laughs. We can't wait for season 2! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWITJTj-74WF7Biz5m1Snra9SrUhyphenhyphen-Bng2_jDGJfMduptVMgQrvSy1tL1GrJ7tS3E45tOKyLoVXK5am4wYOpdR_SjI3G8sEglJAbMFbaAbk3XzjcgHt65Y2x0BSo_SuBb0ROH4EwTz-ijkvPSTW0TJneb-d67XenuamHjHN92o3ZgioHhu9Qv/s3000/Poker-Face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2025" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWITJTj-74WF7Biz5m1Snra9SrUhyphenhyphen-Bng2_jDGJfMduptVMgQrvSy1tL1GrJ7tS3E45tOKyLoVXK5am4wYOpdR_SjI3G8sEglJAbMFbaAbk3XzjcgHt65Y2x0BSo_SuBb0ROH4EwTz-ijkvPSTW0TJneb-d67XenuamHjHN92o3ZgioHhu9Qv/w135-h200/Poker-Face.jpg" width="135" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Best Drama Musical</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/09/tv-tuesday-daisy-jones-and-six.html" target="_blank"><b>Daisy Jones and the Six</b></a> (Amazon Prime)</div><div style="text-align: center;">I felt this wonderful adaptation of the best-selling novel deserved a mention for its unique combination of drama plus a fabulous fictional rock band you will believe is real.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE03oF0HSoy3fqoXTR0LaiHKYP4XDR96fgZdHcXZIo0DLS8UmIoK5MiLl46EqFH8SI0FCHujdFf0mmSeyGJWVBSOty7Pjfou2FYouSHOMINpHNiA8Ag6eYdZNJL2kh1HLhRfn_FfmKaJsv2NOXbJbRQMuGauBf0u6RDTUF6bKn2RVs6olJ1nyF/s2880/Daisy-Jones%20tv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2160" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE03oF0HSoy3fqoXTR0LaiHKYP4XDR96fgZdHcXZIo0DLS8UmIoK5MiLl46EqFH8SI0FCHujdFf0mmSeyGJWVBSOty7Pjfou2FYouSHOMINpHNiA8Ag6eYdZNJL2kh1HLhRfn_FfmKaJsv2NOXbJbRQMuGauBf0u6RDTUF6bKn2RVs6olJ1nyF/w150-h200/Daisy-Jones%20tv.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Funniest Show With a Potentially Depressing Premise</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>or</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Best TV Role by a Movie Actor</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/04/tv-tuesday-shrinking.html" target="_blank">Shrinking</a> </b>(Apple)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> This deserves a mention because it's about grief but is laugh-out-loud funny, starring TV star Jason Segel and the great Harrison Ford (who is surprisingly funny). Another one we are waiting for season 2!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDyHqDb5LoTiT7gMgnCtGqE1vPuOD9fYeNUaWUapdFFE5fNqu_i8IC_gfyQjwM_DsWMGS8o1jdLm4mBVhOxqSwOsadono0tIivr16B-0h85jwHFEwhbl3gkES5UrO4s74OM7DNp3UsrTBZSMOOMBa2GFVqdC4Ssl72Xn4edx3mIdYg92jFFWP/s275/Shrinking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDyHqDb5LoTiT7gMgnCtGqE1vPuOD9fYeNUaWUapdFFE5fNqu_i8IC_gfyQjwM_DsWMGS8o1jdLm4mBVhOxqSwOsadono0tIivr16B-0h85jwHFEwhbl3gkES5UrO4s74OM7DNp3UsrTBZSMOOMBa2GFVqdC4Ssl72Xn4edx3mIdYg92jFFWP/w133-h200/Shrinking.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b>All TV Shows Reviewed in 2023</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">These were all great! Good enough that I took the time to write a review. Click the links to read my short review (never any spoilers), watch the trailer, and see where they were available when I reviewed them (subject to change). I indicate below where the show originated, though most shows are now available from many services.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Drama</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/10/tv-tuesday-and-just-like-that.html" target="_blank">And Just Like That ...</a> </b>(HBO Max)<b> <br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/09/tv-tuesday-daisy-jones-and-six.html" target="_blank"><b>Daisy Jones and the Six</b></a> (Amazon Prime)<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Dramedy (both comedy and drama) </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/08/tv-tuesday-diplomat.html" target="_blank">The Diplomat</a></b> (Netflix)<b> <br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/04/tv-tuesday-shrinking.html" target="_blank">Shrinking</a> </b>(Apple)</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/05/tv-tuesday-somebody-somewhere.html" target="_blank">Somebody Somewhere</a></b> (HBO Max)</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/08/tv-tuesday-togetherness.html" target="_blank"><b>Togetherness</b></a> (HBO Max)<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Crime/Mystery/Thriller </b><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/05/tv-tuesday-company-you-keep.html" target="_blank"><b>The Company You Keep</b></a> (ABC)<b> </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/11/tv-tuesday-lincoln-lawyer.html" target="_blank"><b>The Lincoln Lawyer</b></a> (Netflix)<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/02/tv-tuesday-poker-face.html" target="_blank">Poker Face</a></b> (Peacock)</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/10/tv-tuesday-who-is-erin-carter.html" target="_blank">Who Is Erin Carter?</a></b> (Netflix)<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/03/tv-tuesday-will-trent.html" target="_blank">Will Trent</a> </b>(ABC) <b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> <br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Sci Fi </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/06/tv-tuesday-silo.html" target="_blank"><b>Silo</b></a> (Apple)<b> </b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b>What were YOUR favorite TV shows watched last year? </b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">Please leave a comment below.</p><div style="text-align: center;">You can also connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div><p style="text-align: center;"><b> </b> </p>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-89993352207317630832024-01-17T19:07:00.000-05:002024-01-17T19:07:41.623-05:00Favorite Movies Watched in 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ckdm0CVqFGvTYMk9bHdeVb8lc4CTtPmJqPiKKDMo4BMp-7GI98MheWJ2rurFJV9KHvqFBMUWnC7yhJDtn-ojdUBLkNJhnQoCdksFJlns7o_UnJMSzmj-JccCMfDkt8t_g9rGIMvI5GxwN71WVeOM18FFIik0eUyZvOmMzyiWxyOGJNh1sl9c/s692/2023%20Best%20Movies%20CFS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="692" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ckdm0CVqFGvTYMk9bHdeVb8lc4CTtPmJqPiKKDMo4BMp-7GI98MheWJ2rurFJV9KHvqFBMUWnC7yhJDtn-ojdUBLkNJhnQoCdksFJlns7o_UnJMSzmj-JccCMfDkt8t_g9rGIMvI5GxwN71WVeOM18FFIik0eUyZvOmMzyiWxyOGJNh1sl9c/s320/2023%20Best%20Movies%20CFS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Once again, I reviewed just 9 movies in 2023, in part because there is so much great TV to watch now<b>.</b><span style="color: black;"> I only review movies that I really enjoy, so
any movies on my entire 2023 list (below) are worth watching, not just my top picks. These are now all available on streaming.<br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;">As
in years past, you can see my full list of movies reviewed last year
further down, and my top picks
in each genre just below. To see <i>all</i> of the movies I have reviewed on my blog (a considerable list), check out the <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/p/movie-reviews.html" target="_blank"><b>Movies</b> tab</a>,
where they are listed by genre, though it's getting harder to
categorize a movie into just one genre as there's so much cross-over
now. Links go to my reviews, with a trailer. Note that <i>where</i>
each movie is available might have changed over the years, since I
first reviewed it, so double-check to see where you can watch it now.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Best of the Best Movies Watched in 2023:</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;">(Three categories only included one movie each, so not much of a choice!<b>) <br /></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Best Action/Suspense/Thriller</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/07/movie-monday-indiana-jones-and-dial-of.html" target="_blank">Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny</a></b></span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;">Why movies were invented! </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;">Nonstop action and adventure, lots of suspense, plenty of humor, and just a whole lot of fun.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiLSH_CWDmSmxgfGgFwA8u-Gaj0tRYO-QEBxGfOt6uyNzx6pDxLyTNxrMaet6tdFNIMcn68BWdlBrXkrkP2fjKrtCwU2xtFTE48QkiqHKFw9kCmImx9jS7RYCnoFxD-H4om-z6CGnMwJ5rrzur39BSllRqSC63bWixWINODjiPNG784DOYRsN3w/s337/Indiana_Jones_and_the_Dial_of_Destiny_theatrical_poster.jpg.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="220" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiLSH_CWDmSmxgfGgFwA8u-Gaj0tRYO-QEBxGfOt6uyNzx6pDxLyTNxrMaet6tdFNIMcn68BWdlBrXkrkP2fjKrtCwU2xtFTE48QkiqHKFw9kCmImx9jS7RYCnoFxD-H4om-z6CGnMwJ5rrzur39BSllRqSC63bWixWINODjiPNG784DOYRsN3w/w131-h200/Indiana_Jones_and_the_Dial_of_Destiny_theatrical_poster.jpg.webp" width="131" /></a></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Best Drama</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/02/movie-monday-coda.html" target="_blank">CODA</a></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;">Warm, funny drama about a teen girl whose deaf family relies on her, though she has dreams of her own.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUfOTjxChM2QAr37mgb2UHnmPwCbiccGQe7JKt7ISk49ydhZUXk9jEobU2ZqiYnSwOGLXqLU4alDkLk3QW40t4c-fMWgrsefIfAdwmciEyn1o28g5Tuuw-ZXjaJDrQOSsbQize03r0o_CccNVxQtzfYP0Kb8Vh_ZqzCwo30f7KDFO3rym2MRgfQ/s1501/CODA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUfOTjxChM2QAr37mgb2UHnmPwCbiccGQe7JKt7ISk49ydhZUXk9jEobU2ZqiYnSwOGLXqLU4alDkLk3QW40t4c-fMWgrsefIfAdwmciEyn1o28g5Tuuw-ZXjaJDrQOSsbQize03r0o_CccNVxQtzfYP0Kb8Vh_ZqzCwo30f7KDFO3rym2MRgfQ/w133-h200/CODA.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Best Comedy</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/02/movie-monday-man-called-otto.html" target="_blank">A Man Called Otto</a></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;">Excellent
adaptation of the best-selling novel, about a grumpy, lonely old man
discovering a reason to live. (and really both drama and comedy).</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTZ87c-smwqxly74c1kDKs8O4liZrVbB-sxcZDGlklnOGoKxuXlZBwWcgyMB08vu_dEQdHVj-u6z7zI8nAkSczonCbn6ddBXLNW1RteW6UbrjaQ-ijf5Eb8RhH0EtldgZc2CDbc8o6vMljhDEwMfX0P7-xObMFuV4z2x8fJlWERoXpYh8Kx6kgw/s1250/A-Man-Called-Otto.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTZ87c-smwqxly74c1kDKs8O4liZrVbB-sxcZDGlklnOGoKxuXlZBwWcgyMB08vu_dEQdHVj-u6z7zI8nAkSczonCbn6ddBXLNW1RteW6UbrjaQ-ijf5Eb8RhH0EtldgZc2CDbc8o6vMljhDEwMfX0P7-xObMFuV4z2x8fJlWERoXpYh8Kx6kgw/w160-h200/A-Man-Called-Otto.jpg" width="160" /></a></b></div><b><br /> Best Sci Fi</b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/12/movie-monday-leave-world-behind.html" target="_blank">Leave the World Behind</a></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;">A tense sci fi thriller, as two families grapple with a mysterious crisis.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tCzvvfPjLKzwPib1bt6uXAbNfhzpIj-wTk6MRPBkmAJA2ZBjp6HhFUgCuljWh-atP6hc2E1Xp_uKX1tKk1B403O8OWma4hhOHw83S_-AAG3PgaSpHCVZICyav-AWoncHbhaj6uoAk92Yx_7JFAfGkDj2YPuft-yRCZVe7hEpQtjsXvmm1YLPzw/s370/Leave_the_World_Behind_film.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="250" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tCzvvfPjLKzwPib1bt6uXAbNfhzpIj-wTk6MRPBkmAJA2ZBjp6HhFUgCuljWh-atP6hc2E1Xp_uKX1tKk1B403O8OWma4hhOHw83S_-AAG3PgaSpHCVZICyav-AWoncHbhaj6uoAk92Yx_7JFAfGkDj2YPuft-yRCZVe7hEpQtjsXvmm1YLPzw/w135-h200/Leave_the_World_Behind_film.png" width="135" /></a></b></div><b><br /> Best Musical</b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/11/movie-monday-barbie.html" target="_blank">Barbie</a></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;">Super clever, funny, surprisingly thoughtful musical drama with some great music and eye-popping visuals. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7DPdDzLffpOKL0keD4a4cy3afuKYIMwbBsIgR9SW53DaJLkIgfXAukVtKg5M64DgqqNSxeXS5fSkB9QIlvyd-M5_Yiv3OkFgJo8A1hCCumoFMq4dgYZUjDxCMfnGcAzseQBD7ieo4Lq2VAmRsEWFgA8vtE5xLSCdB4Y90z3hz3D6lSlaUgItug/s1763/Barbie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1763" data-original-width="1175" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7DPdDzLffpOKL0keD4a4cy3afuKYIMwbBsIgR9SW53DaJLkIgfXAukVtKg5M64DgqqNSxeXS5fSkB9QIlvyd-M5_Yiv3OkFgJo8A1hCCumoFMq4dgYZUjDxCMfnGcAzseQBD7ieo4Lq2VAmRsEWFgA8vtE5xLSCdB4Y90z3hz3D6lSlaUgItug/w133-h200/Barbie.jpg" width="133" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b>All Movies Reviewed in 2023:</b></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;">All of these are worth watching! It was hard to pick just one favorite in the first two categories. See </span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;">the <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/p/movie-reviews.html" target="_blank"><b>Movies</b> tab</a> for more great movies.<br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Action/Suspense/Thriller</b></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/07/movie-monday-indiana-jones-and-dial-of.html" target="_blank">Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny</a></b></span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b> <br /></b></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/06/movie-monday-missing.html" target="_blank">Missing</a></b></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b> <br /></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Drama</b></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/09/movie-monday-air.html" target="_blank">Air</a> <br /></b></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/08/movie-monday-are-you-there-god-its-me.html" target="_blank">Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret.</a> <br /></b></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2023/02/movie-monday-coda.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b></b></span></span></a><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/02/movie-monday-coda.html" target="_blank">CODA</a></b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2024/01/movie-monday-flora-and-son.html" target="_blank">Flora and Son</a> <br /></b></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b> <br /></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Comedy</b></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1020525656"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b></b></span></span></a><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/02/movie-monday-man-called-otto.html" target="_blank">A Man Called Otto</a></b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sci Fi </b></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/12/movie-monday-leave-world-behind.html" target="_blank">Leave the World Behind</a></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Musical</b></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2023/11/movie-monday-barbie.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b></b></span></span></a><b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/11/movie-monday-barbie.html" target="_blank">Barbie</a></b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;"><b>What were YOUR favorite movies watched last year? </b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">Please leave a comment below.</p><div style="text-align: center;">You can also connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: center;"></p>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-32835534939298897032024-01-09T11:45:00.001-05:002024-01-09T11:45:06.309-05:00Chronic Illness Vlog: I'm Back, Baby!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gXqcraWduZAGx5VNYL4gatNym0aYUkZd8R1BRB9BdQiqX3uuYJ2jGHb6AjHoIOosYGWMrXw9_aYpMv8M6DNdYBXc_wUcQXGW-tRVjJr_CvM_kZouLI527RQeFPAQyVgOh2CcSP6ZBMoXqU4Aw3CAXcF1zrVctTGprnhMcTbqihMlLcmBRfTR/s1920/CI%20Vlog%201-8-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1442" data-original-width="1920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gXqcraWduZAGx5VNYL4gatNym0aYUkZd8R1BRB9BdQiqX3uuYJ2jGHb6AjHoIOosYGWMrXw9_aYpMv8M6DNdYBXc_wUcQXGW-tRVjJr_CvM_kZouLI527RQeFPAQyVgOh2CcSP6ZBMoXqU4Aw3CAXcF1zrVctTGprnhMcTbqihMlLcmBRfTR/s320/CI%20Vlog%201-8-24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />After months of a very bad relapse of my ME/CFS, I had a wonderful week! I felt really good, had good energy, and was active and productive. In this video, you can see me out and about, coming back to life after months on the couch, and I explain how I figured out what was behind my bad crash (in short, still <a href="http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2014/12/treating-yeast-overgrowthcandida.html" target="_blank">yeast overgrowth</a>!), and the radical diet change I made that resulted in such a stunning turn-around.<p></p><p>You can watch the video <a href="Chronic Illness Vlog: I'm Back, Baby! In this vlog, you can see how much better I'm feeling, after months on the couch, and I explain how I figured out what was behind that awful relapse, and the diet change that has helped me to feel so good. How are YOU? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huigyfHlwaw" target="_blank">on YouTube</a> (there are additional notes below the video - click on "...more") or here:</p><p><br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/huigyfHlwaw?si=EHRpzFojpK7zBQvz" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</p><p>You will see a very big change from my last chronic illness vlog, a few weeks ago, which was almost entirely from a horizontal position on my couch. <br /></p><p>That's all I have time for today - a quick update. My husband and I are going out of town for a few days - just a quick trip to a town about an hour away. They have a wonderful independent bookstore that is hosting a book event for me and <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/p/my-book.html" target="_blank">my book</a>! I'll have a chance to tell my chronic illness story, read a bit of the book, meet people, and sign books. This has been scheduled for months, so I am very relieved to be feeling well enough to manage it!</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: center;">How was YOUR week?</div><div style="text-align: center;">How are you doing?<br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">Please leave a comment below.</p><div style="text-align: center;">You can also connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p><br /></p>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-43819944519485116712024-01-04T18:02:00.005-05:002024-01-04T18:02:42.579-05:00Join Me to Notice & Enjoy Nature More in 2024!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KS4qAGur27wR5wdRgPYX3HWVILeMX6KB_mKGBz6Gbkp635g5GqLAP4paJjopM-oTUYLSOcfXysnq0EIsdB27C-C-i2niqJz9AzdWVXwkNAzwoA3oJrC9B6AvOFBsFr-hyLdxCXI9Q70IiwJLTNneueD7ZpURavWf7Yp3Y3hxt5u9ht1YeCyA/s1920/%23nature365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KS4qAGur27wR5wdRgPYX3HWVILeMX6KB_mKGBz6Gbkp635g5GqLAP4paJjopM-oTUYLSOcfXysnq0EIsdB27C-C-i2niqJz9AzdWVXwkNAzwoA3oJrC9B6AvOFBsFr-hyLdxCXI9Q70IiwJLTNneueD7ZpURavWf7Yp3Y3hxt5u9ht1YeCyA/s320/%23nature365.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />In 2023, I created #sky365 to use on social media, and I posted a photo of the sky (almost) every day. Last year was a rough one for me health-wise, but this very simple habit helped me to get outside at least once a day, reminded me to look up, and inspired me to find beauty and joy, even on my worst days.<p></p><p>This year, I am using #nature365 for the same reasons, and I would love for you to join me! You don't have to be a great photographer. The idea is simply to snap a quick photo each day of anything in the natural world: a tree, flowers, birds, or yes, the sky! Then share it on social media using #nature365, so the rest of us can enjoy it, too. Even photos taken from your window--or even of a houseplant--count. It's very flexible, but the purpose is to help us all pay more attention to the outside world and notice and appreciate nature wherever we find it.</p><p>Research shows that nature has amazing positive effects on both our physical and mental health, even with just 5 minutes of time or even just looking at pictures of nature. I explain all this in more detail and provide lots of easy tips for enjoying nature, even when you are severely limited, <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/p/my-book.html" target="_blank">in my book</a> and in this video, <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TvU1PYosZI" target="_blank">Get Out! Nature Improves Health</a></b>.</p><p style="text-align: center;">So join me and post your #nature365 pics!</p><p style="text-align: center;">You can connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, where I will try to post a nature photo everyday, and you can reply with your own. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Or post on whatever social media platform you prefer (I am determined to finally get on Instagram this year)</p><p style="text-align: left;">In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite #sky365 photos from last year - remember even just looking at these photos improves your health! Click on them to enlarge:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9GHk-QOLiSZ1kuIkQ71Xql9xJkDx4m3x83DI8rl307txAfZs5JjADTZlRe2CK5XQiKK4cDRKT5oBW1HmvCPjUvAGTEgjwsn_QGzIO55E_4X4X_grremGLvpDCKtjUMUpqZjwP8uG78YtT0_NqndM78nVPtarGUPJw0WePPpetdrFsKcnXiBL/s4032/3D728857-1FBA-4AA8-9430-1E7AF499879C.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9GHk-QOLiSZ1kuIkQ71Xql9xJkDx4m3x83DI8rl307txAfZs5JjADTZlRe2CK5XQiKK4cDRKT5oBW1HmvCPjUvAGTEgjwsn_QGzIO55E_4X4X_grremGLvpDCKtjUMUpqZjwP8uG78YtT0_NqndM78nVPtarGUPJw0WePPpetdrFsKcnXiBL/s320/3D728857-1FBA-4AA8-9430-1E7AF499879C.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFMPqkemYCSlCAoUnHmQ3yy2_M2VS04T8jhmDClsnmnldmUsIwW3yiLJwcGFO3o6ILjKgtckt2G_GMWFyCMZdda5JFIFsYiL5YyBBWPEw9ygACp9BcN67w8LTYYmiE1IPl12UD0rMqbUWVXXdvbC3AzRbM9e3e0d8pDMEz67nqnIIMC8qUkRN/s4032/14C953E9-FC41-402D-AF18-2224049DF567.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFMPqkemYCSlCAoUnHmQ3yy2_M2VS04T8jhmDClsnmnldmUsIwW3yiLJwcGFO3o6ILjKgtckt2G_GMWFyCMZdda5JFIFsYiL5YyBBWPEw9ygACp9BcN67w8LTYYmiE1IPl12UD0rMqbUWVXXdvbC3AzRbM9e3e0d8pDMEz67nqnIIMC8qUkRN/s320/14C953E9-FC41-402D-AF18-2224049DF567.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFRqNASV24pqQP0053gNGs_lRgDpRSZQvBvCyS_VwvYjRxOUdDwP1ZzPyuFJnDtqxdLeJo8GDCfHCRv73xSHVXIwS0_I_G2l-G2wVkfblkWG03Xu4QaxUFHzn12R-GvTw5PVU3wGNuuy4Xh6GsQfxDcbq5NvbKy_X9wCYjAoDBPO4OX0iSPkR/s3931/31033BFF-B775-4039-9AC2-66AA8FA889E3_1_201_a.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2948" data-original-width="3931" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFRqNASV24pqQP0053gNGs_lRgDpRSZQvBvCyS_VwvYjRxOUdDwP1ZzPyuFJnDtqxdLeJo8GDCfHCRv73xSHVXIwS0_I_G2l-G2wVkfblkWG03Xu4QaxUFHzn12R-GvTw5PVU3wGNuuy4Xh6GsQfxDcbq5NvbKy_X9wCYjAoDBPO4OX0iSPkR/s320/31033BFF-B775-4039-9AC2-66AA8FA889E3_1_201_a.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasJy_erI_i1dc2f_D1aBgd7Yb5htjkd4Ahuqz62dR36L4tfXEM4SWr_qLVE8p6WJhrsS7z7Q_L5vXJqd_bqQDAk6PM7ZMYcvD8gKkP420KyF69Qds9RzgPm7UJs2RVRpTpCUYtb89qT0BFpSSTLLqnt9v6EKAGueOtbTJSOSl40ljzMoJnSwS/s4032/35797FB8-FBCC-476B-9443-B37FD5030DEC.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasJy_erI_i1dc2f_D1aBgd7Yb5htjkd4Ahuqz62dR36L4tfXEM4SWr_qLVE8p6WJhrsS7z7Q_L5vXJqd_bqQDAk6PM7ZMYcvD8gKkP420KyF69Qds9RzgPm7UJs2RVRpTpCUYtb89qT0BFpSSTLLqnt9v6EKAGueOtbTJSOSl40ljzMoJnSwS/s320/35797FB8-FBCC-476B-9443-B37FD5030DEC.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYz2HaIA7fIGo7fphToUDjcIFqenhoK5ReuqpTgjbz6EyRYRudEAq7WeTlsT7R2hzSA1iWReOLU11INIua45bB7XifSME0ZY2xXx10Uz7G4foyXbcFDikfGtVWz-iRh2ooa5HkTVS2NMc0ksG_V44SgU3zSoRIHitpofg4hzywp0IK3pRYzSR/s4032/952768A8-99CD-41D6-9806-AF3665ECD4B9.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYz2HaIA7fIGo7fphToUDjcIFqenhoK5ReuqpTgjbz6EyRYRudEAq7WeTlsT7R2hzSA1iWReOLU11INIua45bB7XifSME0ZY2xXx10Uz7G4foyXbcFDikfGtVWz-iRh2ooa5HkTVS2NMc0ksG_V44SgU3zSoRIHitpofg4hzywp0IK3pRYzSR/s320/952768A8-99CD-41D6-9806-AF3665ECD4B9.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydmdXK-P2R6Z_uqthofh5-rX5JjjvKnNT2NevrTvq1Mtslj-XplRj64EotMo0MoMQhOQ_H-nfTOuObKK1ijFk686wiAehe99UNxzXqpKa5CzZs5aL9erg4QEnre6pSDl8SIxRC4vjhaxtbu5RgpOXPzosDpR3Jw8cjOeT-qf0o6YbrFTnkz54/s4032/B186C16D-4452-45AB-97C2-3428F9096489.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydmdXK-P2R6Z_uqthofh5-rX5JjjvKnNT2NevrTvq1Mtslj-XplRj64EotMo0MoMQhOQ_H-nfTOuObKK1ijFk686wiAehe99UNxzXqpKa5CzZs5aL9erg4QEnre6pSDl8SIxRC4vjhaxtbu5RgpOXPzosDpR3Jw8cjOeT-qf0o6YbrFTnkz54/s320/B186C16D-4452-45AB-97C2-3428F9096489.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br />Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-62775372461730869942024-01-03T12:45:00.002-05:002024-01-03T12:45:25.576-05:00What Do YOU Want in My Monthly Newsletter?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Egkps60qa98CSVHefQFgf3vPXXKEdb2muyrGs0jJiArRO4Gd1EUfheFxmydWpw78HVBGYZWfXRpWYqxquU9XimLMQ7Xs9m7jldIL9kmk_UhwqiwkUpTQY-IxySvdAp31brnQivrX2PCpzjYNoWsl8uams7AfvkY-FxwplKWPoQ1zdEmtHJbB/s1920/I'm%20Listening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1442" data-original-width="1920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Egkps60qa98CSVHefQFgf3vPXXKEdb2muyrGs0jJiArRO4Gd1EUfheFxmydWpw78HVBGYZWfXRpWYqxquU9XimLMQ7Xs9m7jldIL9kmk_UhwqiwkUpTQY-IxySvdAp31brnQivrX2PCpzjYNoWsl8uams7AfvkY-FxwplKWPoQ1zdEmtHJbB/s320/I'm%20Listening.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />If you <a href="https://follow.it/livewithcfs?action=followPub" target="_blank">subscribe to my e-mail list</a>, then you receive each of my blog posts in your e-mail inbox, plus a monthly newsletter that I write, with exclusive content just for subscribers.<p></p><p>
</p><p class="ql-align-center">I've been sending out monthly newsletters to the mailing list for the past 15 months now, and to kick off the new year, I'd like to hear your feedback on what YOU want to see in the newsletter ... or if you don't read it at all. Whether you are a current subscriber who gets the newsletter or are just signing up for the e-mail list for the first time, I want to hear from you!<br /></p><p class="ql-align-center">Currently, I usually include the following topics in the newsletter that gets emailed at the start of each new month:</p><ul><li class="ql-indent-2"><strong>Life</strong> - an update of what is going on in my life</li><li class="ql-indent-2"><strong>Quote of the Month</strong> - a quote from a book I read that relates to chronic illness life</li><li class="ql-indent-2"><strong>Blog of the Month</strong> - a link to someone else's chronic illness blog and what I like about it</li><li class="ql-indent-2"><strong>YouTube Channel/Podcast of the Month</strong> - my recommendation for a chronic illness video channel or podcast (not included every month)<br /></li><li class="ql-indent-2"><strong>From My Book</strong> - an excerpt from my own book (and sometimes a sale on my book)</li><li class="ql-indent-2"><strong>A Look Back on the Blog</strong> - an older post from my blog that is still relevant</li><li class="ql-indent-2"><strong>My Recent Videos</strong> - new videos posted in the last month</li><li class="ql-indent-2"><strong>My Recent Blog Posts</strong> - in case you missed anything the past month</li></ul><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="background-color: white; color: #231f20;">Please let me know what you think:</span></p><p class="ql-align-center" style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><strong style="background-color: white; color: #231f20;">Do you read the monthly newsletter at all or just delete it?</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center" style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><strong style="background-color: white; color: #231f20;">Which features do/would you enjoy?</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center" style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><strong style="background-color: white; color: #231f20;">Which features do/would you skip?</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center" style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><strong style="background-color: white; color: #231f20;">What would YOU like to see in the newsletter?</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center" style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><strong style="background-color: white; color: #231f20;"> </strong></p><p class="ql-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #231f20;">I spend a lot of time each month writing the newsletter, and I want it to reflect what YOU want to get in your inbox. Please tell me your thoughts!<br /></span></p><p class="ql-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #231f20;"> </span></p><p class="ql-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #231f20;">You can leave a comment on this blog post (click on "Post a Comment") or e-mail me at </span><a href="https://api.follow.it/trackstatistics/v2/N-adDS3LZ5LbMOZs7eX1bNZarrNamBdFcZaq1lWDe2j2S7-pLXNSVSUTllHE88m1OPoN9ZYT_UCey_ccww5Rri4c9vzTW5Uz?key=uvvxUXcuIo_m4rEXrvSKNG0JEuG09Ca5WMTMAt7yO_gR1C-9EDm3hw" target="_blank">sljackson@suzanjackson.com</a> with your feedback.</p><p class="ql-align-center" style="text-align: center;">You can also connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. <br /></p><p class="ql-align-center" style="text-align: center;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-653133272796286702024-01-01T19:22:00.002-05:002024-01-08T11:06:01.313-05:00Movie Monday: Flora and Son<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXizRW-2qbosEuxcoFKG9x3tJ159bvtmu2xpUjuLYAfIOx5VKuZZgoTnQG_g2SjYwck7MRiRfMcsUsrxIN_IBl3zB5swLANKd5HmNkZ6Gnq5qUr-fsWZfwqEGIKes1Wkve29omqd_Henh3S7TXv4m6uCqLSEviazyqmdJikQuiOok3S2Foymvv/s2370/Flora%20&%20Son.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2370" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXizRW-2qbosEuxcoFKG9x3tJ159bvtmu2xpUjuLYAfIOx5VKuZZgoTnQG_g2SjYwck7MRiRfMcsUsrxIN_IBl3zB5swLANKd5HmNkZ6Gnq5qUr-fsWZfwqEGIKes1Wkve29omqd_Henh3S7TXv4m6uCqLSEviazyqmdJikQuiOok3S2Foymvv/w135-h200/Flora%20&%20Son.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>On New Year's Eve, my husband and I watched a wonderful, uplifting movie, <b>Flora and Son</b>. A great way to end the year!<p></p><p>In
Dublin, a young woman named Flora, played by Eve Hewson, is raising her
son, Max (played by Oren Kinlan), with some occasional help from her
ex-husband, Ian (played by Jack Reynor) who is a bass player, though not
currently in a band. Flora had Max when she was only 17 years old, and
he's now 14, so she's still quite young and was caring for a baby while
her friends were out partying. She blows off steam by going to clubs and
dancing with her best friend. Max is at an age now where he and Flora
are always fighting, he gets in trouble a lot, and he doesn't want to
spend much time with her. Flora sees a beat-up old guitar in the trash
one day, pulls it out, and gets it fixed by a local music shop. She
tries to give it to Max, but when he's uninterested, she searches online
until she finds someone offering guitar lessons whom she feels a
connection with. She hires Jeff, played by Joseph Gordon Levitt, for a
cheap price to give her online lessons. Jeff lives in Los Angeles and
seems to be at loose ends in his own life, too. Over the course of many
lessons, they get to know each other better, and Flora gradually
transitions from bitter and derisive to engaged and committed to
learning the guitar. Meanwhile, she realizes that Max is also interested
in music, though he's focused more on synthesizer music and rap. Music
just might be the thing to mend their relationship and bring them closer
together, while changing both their lives for the better.</p><p>This is
just a delightful movie. Flora, Max, and even Jeff are all in bad shape
when we first meet them, each struggling with their own demons and
challenges. Flora is especially rough at the start, smoking, drinking
too much, and yelling and swearing at Max and anyone else who gets in
her way. Seeing the way that music--and human connection--changes each
of them is wonderfully inspiring. As you might expect, there is plenty
of music integrated into the movie, from the electronic dance music in
the clubs where Flora goes to the rap and hip hop Max loves to the
beautiful harmonies and ballads Jeff is teaching Flora. All of the
actors are excellent here, and it is a joy to see their characters'
transformations. This heartwarming, funny movie is elevating and
delightful, with an ending that will leave you with a smile on your
face. </p><p><b>Flora and Son</b> is playing exclusively on Apple TV+.</p><p>And if you like this kind of uplifting, musical movie, I also highly recommend <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2017/01/movie-monday-sing-street.html" target="_blank"><b>Sing Street</b></a> (my review at the link), from the same writer/director, and <b>Begin Again</b>, currently available on <a href="https://amzn.to/3TOsI9x" target="_blank">Amazon Prime</a>, Netflix, and Hulu.<br /></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/beNTTHnMIy8?si=pfR5bDW_2UVP51XB" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
<p> </p>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-75327462463043092212023-12-21T18:09:00.001-05:002023-12-21T18:09:44.476-05:00Holiday Tips, Support, and Fun for the Chronically Ill<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQodTBLDl0UJftZcX6sPF665kEc0JiApIEnt3MT0j6TV9rQy6aQYdhMJl1ybCTY4uAxP7HIVkkFMXY6HPkVEXxRHIztb3jVCT1NeExrqAvN7L6KD0PHVwU4ziP7FCxN99y8s9UgWVffM31x9JBzt2ld5vRf1IN72l6T5bm7n9s-MtRzBtoEb4/s1920/Holiday-Help.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQodTBLDl0UJftZcX6sPF665kEc0JiApIEnt3MT0j6TV9rQy6aQYdhMJl1ybCTY4uAxP7HIVkkFMXY6HPkVEXxRHIztb3jVCT1NeExrqAvN7L6KD0PHVwU4ziP7FCxN99y8s9UgWVffM31x9JBzt2ld5vRf1IN72l6T5bm7n9s-MtRzBtoEb4/s320/Holiday-Help.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />During this busy season, I am sharing here a wide range of holiday tips, support, and ideas for fun from past posts and past years, to help you through this coming week of Christmas and New Year's celebrations.<br /><p></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">[I haven't been posting much here recently because I am <i>still</i> stuck in this awful relapse that began in mid-October. I've spent months with constant flu-like aches, lying on the couch, so my life has been very limited. I've realized that yeast overgrowth/candida is still at the root of this latest relapse, so I am on an extremely strict diet now: pretty much just meat, fish, and seafood, plus some cruciferous vegetables. I'm feeling better, my energy is better (thanks to working all year on normalizing thyroid function), but I still have thrush on my tongue and flu-like aches. Fingers crossed this clears up by Sunday so I can enjoy Christmas with my family!]</p><p>First up, the part of the holidays I struggle with the most (and many
of you, too, from your posts and comments) is family relationships,
which can be challenging when you're chronically ill. Those challenges
multiply with the stresses and expectations of the holiday season.
That's why I wrote <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2017/11/weekly-inspiration-managing-family.html" target="_blank"><b>Managing Family Relationships - Holidays and Beyond</b></a>, which is excerpted from <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/p/my-book.html" target="_blank">my book</a>.
This article/chapter provides practical tips to help you not only
manage relationships but even enjoy the holiday season, in your own way and within your own limits.
</p><p>Two years ago, I collected <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2021/12/weekly-inspiration-chronic-illness.html" target="_blank"><b>Chronic Illness Tips and Support (and Fun!)</b></a>
from other chronic illness bloggers and writers. Check out that
round-up of support, practical advice, and some time-out fun, too. There
is a lot of collective wisdom in the large chronic illness community!</p><p>And here is another round-up from other chronic illness bloggers: <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2020/11/weekly-inspiration-chronically-ill.html" target="_blank"><b>Chronically Ill Holiday Gifts and Tips</b></a>, with some great posts from other bloggers about coping, planning and preparation, gift ideas, and support.</p><p> I posted two Gift Guides here on my own blog this month: <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/11/chronic-illness-holiday-gift-guide.html" target="_blank"><b>Chronic Illness Holiday Gift Guide</b></a> ( I got some of these for my step-mom who's dealing with chronic pain) and <b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/12/gifts-created-by-and-for-spoonies-newly.html" target="_blank">Gifts Created by and for Spoonies</a></b>. It might be too late to buy gifts for others, but you can put your new gift cards to good use! </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjnTPodRCoWPjQ2dHQxGnXI66kh2K20jH8ioaBn3LIjSsIy25daMv-mWl0u6IQuARfPKShW4bCdb7hAb326EESGktielmWaBmmk9YYeyORxD9-Iwsv7Icq1nw3CTEy1YM8pYPGtLFDuUon4jJvJPwiSNqrqRoa-tpgQE56EI6EDQFdw4P-A/s1920/Holiday%20Movies%20&%20TV.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1920" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjnTPodRCoWPjQ2dHQxGnXI66kh2K20jH8ioaBn3LIjSsIy25daMv-mWl0u6IQuARfPKShW4bCdb7hAb326EESGktielmWaBmmk9YYeyORxD9-Iwsv7Icq1nw3CTEy1YM8pYPGtLFDuUon4jJvJPwiSNqrqRoa-tpgQE56EI6EDQFdw4P-A/s320/Holiday%20Movies%20&%20TV.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Finally, when you just need to take a break from all the activity and people and noise, check out <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2021/12/movies-and-tv-for-holidays-or-not.html" target="_blank"><b>Movies and TV for the Holidays (or Not!)</b></a>,
my own collection for the season. I included some of my favorite
holiday movies, old and new, and some outstanding, uplifting non-holiday
movies and TV shows, if you just need to escape for a bit. And I will add one more holiday movie to that list - I just started watching <b><a href="https://amzn.to/3NH7qa3" target="_blank">Last Christmas</a></b>, and it is just what I needed: a fun, uplifting seasonal romcom. Re-reading
this list reminds me of how great these films and shows were!</p><p style="text-align: center;">OK,
that's it for me until after Christmas. I still have a few more
decorations to put up, cooking to do (just a little this year), and a few more gifts to wrap. I'm trying to pace myself!</p><p style="text-align: center;">How are you doing this holiday season?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Do you have any tips or favorite holiday movies and TV shows?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Please share in the comments.</p><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy the holiday season, in whatever way you can!</div><p></p>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-61425407422261211612023-12-13T12:36:00.001-05:002023-12-13T12:36:57.644-05:00Chronic Illness Vlog: Still Relapsed, Still Flat, Trying Treatments<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgp3niwAfPkkaiStGb2xCOMdYJlEsnNsoWag9inIU22U-WAoEhOilQ26JuV1SiVW5YGKMTRv77640JJqjPEXPOmvtHtqkp-CZ1FJHZaLbnGTObbM5MtXHkp30YYlvS3PDLGACH2LwcTj01aLxXykqJ1SnSHYEeyJIX4e4IteI2agucm16h_yT/s1920/CI%20Vlog%2012-12-23%20pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgp3niwAfPkkaiStGb2xCOMdYJlEsnNsoWag9inIU22U-WAoEhOilQ26JuV1SiVW5YGKMTRv77640JJqjPEXPOmvtHtqkp-CZ1FJHZaLbnGTObbM5MtXHkp30YYlvS3PDLGACH2LwcTj01aLxXykqJ1SnSHYEeyJIX4e4IteI2agucm16h_yT/s320/CI%20Vlog%2012-12-23%20pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I recorded a vlog last week, showing an honest view of my life with chronic illness, which is currently quite restricted. My months-long relapse defined by immune activation (especially almost-constant, flu-like aches) continues. I had some really bad days and some not-too-horrible days, though I spent most of my time horizontal on the couch. I did manage a few brief outings last week, plus some online shopping and other holiday to-do's from the couch. Most importantly, I was trying two new supplements that I think are helping, plus a prescription from my ME/CFS specialist to try to break this immune activation cycle I am stuck in.<p></p><p>You can <a href="https://youtu.be/bM2EglU-_iI " target="_blank">watch the video on YouTube</a> or here below:</p><p><br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bM2EglU-_iI?si=pWKhEmH9jJbYqIta" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
</p><p>You'll see this vlog is a bit longer than my usual ones because I tried to explain as much as I could about the treatments I am trying. As always, the notes below the video on YouTube include lots of links to more information and anything I mentioned in the video. I will reprint those here:</p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/11/mecfs-treatments-tried-true-and-new-hope.html" target="_blank">Article on treating severe ME from Norway, plus a look into the future</a> </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/10/diagnosing-treating-thyroid-dysfunction.html" target="_blank">Diagnosing and Treating Thyroid Dysfunction in ME/CFS and Long-COVID</a> </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3v4ttAX" target="_blank">Iodoral (iodine) for thyroid</a></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2017/10/throwback-thursday-immune-dysfunction.html " target="_blank">Treating Immune Dysfunction</a>:
This blog post includes information both on improving immune function
and on treating underlying infections</p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2014/12/treating-yeast-overgrowthcandida.html" target="_blank">Effective Treatments for Yeast Overgrowth/Candida</a> </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2010/02/orthostatic-intolerance-and-cfs.html" target="_blank">Diagnosing & Treating Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) blog post</a> </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9du2xLfI0X8" target="_blank">Chronic Illness Tracking: How I Feel, Symptoms, and Treatments</a> </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2022/06/mecfs-lyme-covid-relapses-and-recoveries.html" target="_blank">My post from last year on Relapses and Recoveries</a> </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=674078637356678&ref=sharing" target="_blank">My local bookstore interviews me about life with chronic illness and my book</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">I'm still achy today, still on the couch. I did sit up to record a couple of short book videos but am back to flat now (and more achy). </p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: center;">How was YOUR week?</div><div style="text-align: center;">How are you doing?<br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">Please leave a comment below.</p><div style="text-align: center;">You can also connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div><p style="text-align: left;"> </p>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-15248340949411167452023-12-11T18:20:00.000-05:002023-12-11T18:20:12.248-05:00Movie Monday: Leave the World Behind<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-5bOYLg836mMML9rpHwVbfTmqt25Ac6i6Ul7IuFd6c-xCTN_LYn6f7ueWXng7jZNKgUAnTCSHx_hX2Dz3Si5kx5Ju6Gs1gJfDsTYG7k5XZmzkxCDl1t0TVY6mvpT6vijdjy5H4aSnCdbfDew51v0zqGIguSwBSNUOpp8ltTbH9Kw0TWY2pgi/s370/Leave_the_World_Behind_film.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="250" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-5bOYLg836mMML9rpHwVbfTmqt25Ac6i6Ul7IuFd6c-xCTN_LYn6f7ueWXng7jZNKgUAnTCSHx_hX2Dz3Si5kx5Ju6Gs1gJfDsTYG7k5XZmzkxCDl1t0TVY6mvpT6vijdjy5H4aSnCdbfDew51v0zqGIguSwBSNUOpp8ltTbH9Kw0TWY2pgi/w135-h200/Leave_the_World_Behind_film.png" width="135" /></a></div>Saturday night, my husband and I watched the new Netflix movie <b>Leave the World Behind</b>, an adaptation of the novel by the same name, which was a finalist for the 2020 National Book Award (<a href="https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2020/11/fiction-review-leave-world-behind.html" target="_blank">my review of the book--no spoilers--here</a>). Like the book, this 2 1/2-hour thriller was full of tension, though the movie built on the foundation provided by the novel.<p></p><p>Amanda
Sanford, played by Julia Roberts, surprises her husband Clay, played by
Ethan Hawke, with a weekend getaway when she rents a luxurious house on
Long Island for them and their two teen kids. As they leave the city
behind, each family member is engrossed in their own digital world in
the car. They arrive to find the house is even more beautiful than it
appeared in the listing, complete with a pool and enormous TV. It's
relaxing at first, as the kids play in the pool, and Amanda and Clay
begin to unwind, but strange, frightening things begin to happen when
the family goes to the local beach the next day. Back at the house, they
find the WiFi, cell service, and TV are all out. After the kids go to
bed, Amanda and Clay are relaxing with a game and copious amounts of
wine when the doorbell rings late at night, startling them. It's a a
Black man, who introduces himself as G.H. Scott (played by Mahershala
Ali), and his daughter, Ruth (played by Myha'la). Amanda is clearly
suspicious that this expensive home is owned by a Black family and shook
up to have them show up at the door unannounced. They explain that the
power is out across the city, so they returned to their home on Long
Island, where it would be safer. Since they did rent the house to the
Sanfords, G.H. offers to stay in the basement apartment and refund some
of their money, and the Amanda reluctantly agrees. The next day, more
strange things happen, and the group of six realize that something very
frightening is happening in the larger world, though they don't know
exactly what. Forced together by circumstances, they begin to get to
know each other and work together to protect their families from this
unknown danger.</p><p>All of this adds up to a <i>lot</i> of suspense
and edgy tension that keeps ratcheting up, as stranger things begin to
happen, and it's clear this is not just a simple power outage. In fact, I
had very bizarre dreams that night after watching it! It's a long
movie, and the underlying feeling of dread just keeps building. It's not
just a suspense movie, though. It's also a character study, of what
happens when people are randomly stuck together during a crisis, delving
into latent racism, class issues, compassion versus self-protection,
and more. The novel was very vague about what was causing the problems,
and there wasn't a whole lot of action; it was mostly about the
characters and the ambiguous tension. Here, we get a lot more action,
and while the disaster is never completely defined, there are a lot more
hints and information provided as to what is or might be happening in
the wider world. In fact, the novel just sort of ended, with no answers,
so the movie is a bit more satisfying in providing some hints of what
is happening and how things might go in the near future. I enjoyed the
novel (on audio) and my husband hadn't read it, and we were riveted by
this gripping movie with its all-star cast that is both suspenseful and
thought-provoking.</p><p><b>Leave the World Behind</b> was released in limited theaters and is now showing on Netflix.</p><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cMVBi_e8o-Y?si=ukFM1MmMQptUoUt_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-8520735586025257132023-12-09T17:41:00.005-05:002023-12-10T11:08:56.640-05:00Gifts Created by and for Spoonies (Newly Updated!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbhyZ77mgs6llfbtz9pPb8QRY3mHGCw9mA4SmwZJDSgArMMUdZ4JFhwNW7l2izUPgYdP-FDlISNKJ4AAW84oiBdhz4kOfK991TwJ8ovD5ztO9NfmM7iKAsqBgQqBItJUsJNCwZtxVy-2DzqVgJWazDLpEkMeGRtnbXFNBqOEZUjqrqmkUyQ/s450/Gifts%20Created%20by%20Spoonies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbhyZ77mgs6llfbtz9pPb8QRY3mHGCw9mA4SmwZJDSgArMMUdZ4JFhwNW7l2izUPgYdP-FDlISNKJ4AAW84oiBdhz4kOfK991TwJ8ovD5ztO9NfmM7iKAsqBgQqBItJUsJNCwZtxVy-2DzqVgJWazDLpEkMeGRtnbXFNBqOEZUjqrqmkUyQ/s320/Gifts%20Created%20by%20Spoonies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />(Note: spoonie refers to anyone living with chronic illness and disability.) <p></p><p style="text-align: center;">This
holiday season, why not help to support your fellow chronic illness
peeps by purchasing cool, unique gifts created by those with chronic
illness and disabilities? Or maybe <i>you</i> deserve the gift of self-care for the new year!</p><p style="text-align: center;">When
I put out a call for gifts created and sold by those with chronic
illness, I was inundated with all sorts of wonderfully creative items!
Some are made specifically with spoonies in mind and others would make
great gifts for anyone on your list. And you'll be helping to support
fellow spoonies! Check out these awesome items:</p><p><u><b>Books</b></u></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Suzan L. Jackson (I had to include my own book, too!)<br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b>Finding a New Normal: Living Your
Best Life with Chronic Illness</b> – guidance on emotional coping, daily living,
relationships, and more.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Available anywhere books are sold,
in paperback and all e-book formats.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/p/my-book.html" target="_blank">Available here</a>. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /></p>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal">Melissa Gijsbers</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Melissa's son has ME/CFS, and she wrote <a href="https://melissagijsbers.com/product/3-2-1-done/" target="_blank">a children's book about his experience, <b>3, 2, 1 ... Done</b></a>, plus lots of other <a href="https://melissagijsbers.com/my-books/" target="_blank">children's books and books for writers</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Kristin Houlihan</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Kristin has written <b><a href="https://amzn.to/3Gy9D3M" target="_blank">Lift the Mask: a short collection of poetry and lyrical prose</a></b><b> </b>which is very brain fog friendly! "<span>Poetic and heartfelt musings on life, parenting, and faith, told through the lens of a chronically ill and disabled mom."</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span>Lene Anderson</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span>Lene is an award-winning writer with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), She has <a href="https://amzn.to/3uSz5hK" target="_blank">several books</a>, including <b><a href="https://amzn.to/3uQi9Zp" target="_blank">Your Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Tips for Managing Treatment, Side Effects, and Pain</a></b> and <b><a href="https://amzn.to/4agKvMo" target="_blank">Chronic Christmas: Surviving the Holidays with Chronic Illness</a></b>, which sounds very helpful right about now!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Amy Arthur</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Amy has a brand-new book coming out December 28 (available for pre-order now), <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1785305611/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_9VR95ENW8V9B8XF0CYZ1?linkCode=ml1&tag=aarthur-21" target="_blank">Pace Yourself: How to have energy in an exhausting world</a></b>. The link goes to the UK Amazon website, but they do also deliver to the U.S. (and probably other countries as well).<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Anna Wood </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">25 Birds, a beautiful book of photographs taken by Anna, who is housebound with ME/CFS, of birds in her garden over the course of a year. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/25-Birds-Anna-K-Wood/dp/1739139100" target="_blank">Available in the UK</a>. Also <a href="https://amzn.to/4abrNWz" target="_blank">available in the U.S.</a> (and possibly other countries).<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">K.T. King</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Fiction (including <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Little Eden</b> series) and nonfiction (including
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">21<sup>st</sup> Century Prayers</b> series),
available in paperback and e-book. Author has ME/CFS.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><style>@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><a href="https://linktr.ee/ktkingbooks" target="_blank">Available here</a>. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">JK Morgan</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">This chronically ill writer has published novels, short stories, poetry, and more. You can read all about her and her work <a href="https://www.jkmorganswebsite.com/" target="_blank">on her website</a>. Many of her varied books are <a href="https://amzn.to/48akVqx" target="_blank">available on Amazon</a>.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Kathleen O’Shea</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b>So Much More Than a Headache:
Understanding Migraine Through Literature</b> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><a href="https://www.kentstateuniversitypress.com/2019/more-than-headach/" target="_blank">Available in paperback and e-book</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Victoria Mack</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b>5-Minute Gratitude Journal for People with Chronic Illness</b> - A beautiful journal, with inspiring
and supportive prompts to help with mindfulness, gratitude, and self-care.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><a href="https://amzn.to/488uiqW" target="_blank">Available here</a>. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: left;"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Infinitely Chelle – Chelle del Rosario</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Beautiful notebooks and reading
journals (wide variety with fun prompts).</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3GCVSka" target="_blank">Available here</a>. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: left;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Jen Hardy’s Planners</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">3 planners: <b>Path to Happiness 5-year Journal</b>, <b>Chronic Illness Journal for
Moms</b>, and a <b>Business Planner.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><a href="https://amzn.to/41diyRJ" target="_blank">Available here</a>. <br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><u><b>Jewelry</b></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: left;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Words as Medicine Shop – Etsy – Christina B. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Wide variety of earrings – all
different kinds of themes, shapes, colors, including holiday themes. I love
earrings and want all of these! I ordered the gingerbread men/peppermints last year.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WordsAsMedicineShop" target="_blank">Available here</a>. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: left;">(Also see under Other Gifts - several sellers with multiple items include jewelry)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Other Gifts</u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: left;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Crafty Miss B – Etsy - Beth</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Wide variety of hand-crafted items,
made with embroidery, wood, metal, and fabric. Gifts include bookmarks,
jewelry, decorations and ornaments. Creator has ME/CFS. She is on a break but will return in the new year.<br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Only ships in UK.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CraftyMissBCrafts" target="_blank">Available here</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: left;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">FUMS – Kathy Reagan Young (has MS)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Wide variety of gifts with the FUMS
logo, including hats, tote bags & fanny packs, clothing, masks, and more.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><a href="https://fumsnow.com/shop" target="_blank">Available here</a>. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: left;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">SunnyAuntCreations- </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/SunnyAunt/shop?utm_source=rb-native-app&utm_campaign=share-artist&utm_medium=ios" target="_blank">Her RedBubble shop</a> features beautiful watercolors on clothing, cards, stickers, and other products, and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/sunnyauntcreations/?etsrc=sdt" target="_blank">her Etsy shop</a> includes watercolor prints and cards. Her work is beautiful!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">BibiPins - </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Black,
queer, disabled creator offers a wide range of gift items, including
stickers, pins, stationery, compression garments, and much more! <a href="https://bibipins.com/" target="_blank">Full shop here</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">InPhusions - </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Botanical body butters aimed at others with skin conditions and pain, from a Black, queer, trans, disabled creator. <a href="https://inphusions.com/" target="_blank">See and order products here</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: left;"><style>@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style><b> <br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: left;"><style>@font-face
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</p><p class="MsoNormal">Grace and Magic – Etsy – Katherine Grace</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Beautifully designed planners,
journals, notebooks, and trackers, available in print, digital, and printable
pages to help with all kinds of planning, organizing, tracking, and self-care.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GraceandMagic" target="_blank">Available here</a>. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: left;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Siren Blossoms – Heather Wright</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">A wide variety of printables,
jewelry, and books, available through Etsy, Amazon, and other platforms. All
links here:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><a href="https://linktr.ee/sirenblossoms?fbclid=IwAR1b-Um_90E6etEbJ_orNGP6U9sr5GHyGL37sk8hyKgYVHpCAEsRs9Dfs9I" target="_blank">Available here</a>. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: left;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Achy Smile Shop – Erica Nicole Carrasco (chronic migraine)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Beautifully-designed
migraine-themed shirts, stickers, hats, bracelets, and phone cases.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><a href="https://achysmile.shop/?fbclid=IwAR3GukpfIErGK-n7dwvwjTw3vXQsAjsKUMd6s_GoVj2hb2ys_Kj3qJ1PY_Q" target="_blank">Available here</a>. <br /></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: left;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">RatnaRaniBracelets</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">The creator has ME/CFS and offers a wide variety of artwork, jewelry, clothing, skin serums, and more. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RatnaRaniBracelets?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=243277778" target="_blank">Visit her Etsy shop</a>.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: left;"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: left;"><b>Chronic Illness Shop Directory:</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: left;"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: left;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Ability Shop: Chronic Illness and Disability-Owned Small
Business Directory</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">A directory of businesses of gifts,
businesses, books, art, and services from those with chronic illness and
disabilities.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><a href="https://theabilitytoolbox.com/disability-owned-businesses/" target="_blank">Available here</a>. <br /></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: center;">WOW!
So many unique gifts from so many creative folks with chronic illness
and disabilities! I love the idea of getting cool gifts (for others and
for myself) while also helping to support fellow spoonies. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.0866in; text-align: center;"><b>Happy Shopping!</b><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /></p>And
if YOU create gifts or other items that are available for sale and not
on this list, please include your link in the comments below (if you
have trouble leaving a comment on a mobile device, try using a
computer).<p> </p>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-59016771261816979892023-11-30T16:17:00.007-05:002023-11-30T16:17:52.679-05:00Chronic Illness Vlog: Highs and Lows<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhvv0c7wSCBualJq7pMH39bb63LTbCFMTK1dAaGOpIP8ZCUpyCFskshxX5Tk6fI2pssIoknD4KUbaw0PdixkjQU4S8QP8rswahU958EA8w03z-wzmukdFXezchQtycvrIWH9G_vTadBX71-dT7GU_-6oklUumjRKyEhYWBbLUOy-CZNaHS8sx/s1280/CI%20Vlog%2011-27-23%20pic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhvv0c7wSCBualJq7pMH39bb63LTbCFMTK1dAaGOpIP8ZCUpyCFskshxX5Tk6fI2pssIoknD4KUbaw0PdixkjQU4S8QP8rswahU958EA8w03z-wzmukdFXezchQtycvrIWH9G_vTadBX71-dT7GU_-6oklUumjRKyEhYWBbLUOy-CZNaHS8sx/s320/CI%20Vlog%2011-27-23%20pic.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />I posted a chronic illness vlog from last week, showing an honest view of my life with chronic illness. And, wow, last week was one of extremes! I went from crying on the couch, wracked with flu-like aches, to the euphoric victory of attending my 40th (!) high school reunion and the challenges of traveling to spend time with family on a long holiday weekend.<p></p><p>You can <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-59DWZ8f3M" target="_blank">watch the video on Youtube</a> or watch here:</p><p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1-59DWZ8f3M?si=gShSDiKN3iq7eIPA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
<br /></p><p>Yes, it was one of those weeks that felt like a rollercoaster, one that jerked me from very high highs to extremely low lows, often with no transition in between. As you can see, I was feeling optimistic when I recorded the last segment on Monday this week, but--alas--that was short-lived. By Wednesday, I was back to crying on the couch, with horrible aches, hitting bottom once again. After my husband left to go to the store, I opened the refrigerator to get some water, and the bottom rack in the door pulled apart, spilling all the contents onto the floor. That did me in. I collapsed in a heap in front of the open fridge and sobbed my eyes out. It was just one of those "last straws," know what I mean? I eventually pulled myself together, put everything back in the fridge, and huddled down under the blankets on the couch to watch two old episodes of <i>Grey's Anatomy</i> (my happy place). My wonderful husband said, "you're not even attempting dinner tonight," and took care of it entirely. </p><p>Today, I am feeling better emotionally, though still achy. I scheduled a phone appointment with my ME/CFS specialist for next week, so I'm hoping she has some ideas to calm down my activated immune system. In the meantime, I am resigned to staying horizontal as much as possible and listening to my body.</p><div style="text-align: center;">How was YOUR week?</div><div style="text-align: center;">How are you doing?<br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">Please leave a comment below.</p><div style="text-align: center;">You can also connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div><p style="text-align: center;"></p>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-90342687659822597122023-11-28T11:16:00.002-05:002023-11-28T12:11:53.321-05:00Giving Tuesday 2023: Help ME/CFS and Long-COVID Patients<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmIFqbeA50D7WhDBi7Ys2tOaES22GKK5a5DuhLW0ojPm7AHz0X6pUa8NAAm_fYTuOV6C8hdOBcBA2p7Xfn4ewGb274jYdRFIzvtP__JETchQ-mI-vGT9hyphenhyphenym4ddRMEd2V9li5EnsoyhrCQavo8q2uQ7E7UdVpz8sXS0oOtUTUJ-OSpAbtfp_p/s450/Giving%20Tuesday.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="435" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmIFqbeA50D7WhDBi7Ys2tOaES22GKK5a5DuhLW0ojPm7AHz0X6pUa8NAAm_fYTuOV6C8hdOBcBA2p7Xfn4ewGb274jYdRFIzvtP__JETchQ-mI-vGT9hyphenhyphenym4ddRMEd2V9li5EnsoyhrCQavo8q2uQ7E7UdVpz8sXS0oOtUTUJ-OSpAbtfp_p/s320/Giving%20Tuesday.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><p>Today is <span style="color: blue;"><b>Giving Tuesday</b></span>, a day
devoted to giving back, after the commercial excesses of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Every little bit counts, even if it's only $2 or $5. If
you, like me, spent way too much shopping online for the holidays
yesterday or you just want to give year-round, you can even set up a
recurring donation. That's what I did years ago with OMF (see
below) so that $5 was automatically donated from me each month, and last year, I increased it to $10 a month. I don't
have to think about it or do anything else, and my donation now adds up to
$120 a year! It only takes a few minutes to either donate or set up
recurring donations. And every little bit counts.<br /></p><p></p><p></p><p>And there are some amazing deals in
place right now that will double or even triple your donation, turning
$10 into $20 or $30! All of the groups listed below that do ME/CFS research
and/or support ME/CFS patients are now also helping those with long-COVID.<br /></p><p><b>Where to Donate:</b><br />
<br />
Here are some wonderful places to donate to support ME/CFS research and
patient support & advocacy--all are doing wonderful work and the
first three are the top ME/CFS research organizations in the world,
funding or conducting the bulk of the scientific research today:<br />
</p><ul><li><b>Open Medicine Foundation</b> - <b><a href="https://www.omf.ngo/tgn2023/" target="_blank">#TripleGivingNovemberOMF</a></b>
- Thanks to generous gifts by multiple donors,
every
donation made in November is TRIPLED, up to $500,000! It's a great opportunity
to make your money go farther! This organization does some outstanding
groundbreaking scientific research into causes, treatments, and cures for
ME/CFS and long-COVID, with doctors, scientists, and researchers in Collaborative Centers across the globe. You can <a href="https://www.omf.ngo/the-end-mecfs-project/" target="_blank">read about their End ME/CFS Project here</a>.<br /></li><li><b>Solve ME/CFS Initiative</b> - <a href="https://secure.solvecfs.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1400&1400.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T" target="_blank">Donations</a> made to Solve ME in November will be doubled, thanks to donations from their Board of Directors! And today only, on Giving Tuesday, another generous donor has offered to also match donations up to $25,000, so <i>donate today and your money will be quadrupled</i>! This organization does a lot of work in both ME/CFS and long-COVID research and advocacy.
You can <a href="https://solvecfs.org/news-and-insights/research-1st/" target="_blank">read their newsletters here, </a>including research updates and read more about <a href="https://solvecfs.org/the-solve-long-covid-initiative/" target="_blank">their Long-COVID Initiative here</a>.<br /></li><li><b>Simmaron Research</b> - <a href="https://www.simmaronresearch.com/donate" target="_blank">Donate through their website</a> and you can read all about <a href="https://www.simmaronresearch.com/" target="_blank">their research projects here</a>.</li><li><b>#MEAction</b>
- This organization is focused on advocacy
and outreach rather than on research, and they are doing some amazing
work with patients, communities, and governments! For instance, gaining
Congressional support in the U.S. is absolutely essential to increasing
research funding. <a href="https://www.meaction.net/about/" target="_blank">Read more about them here</a>, <a href="https://www.meaction.net/" target="_blank">ways that anyone can help and take action</a>, and you can <a href="https://act.meaction.net/page/13161/donate/1" target="_blank">donate to the organization here</a>.<br /></li><li><b>ME Association</b> - This UK organization supports patients and research in both ME/CFS and long-COVID. Here's <a href="http://meassociation.org.uk/" target="_blank">more about the organization</a> and what they do, plus <a href="https://meassociation.org.uk/research/research-projects/" target="_blank">their current research projects</a>.They also have <a href="https://meassociation.org.uk/product-category/goods-clothing/" target="_blank">an online shop </a>featuring all kinds of books, t-shirts, cards, and more. And today through December 5 is their <b><a href="https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a056900002RXtzLAAT" target="_blank">Christmas Challenge Big Give</a></b>, with your donation matched.<br /></li><li><b>Emerge</b> - The <a href="https://emerge.org.au/" target="_blank">primary ME/CFS association in Australia</a> provides research and patient support and advocacy. They are now
also helping to support the Australian Collaborative Research Center of Open Medicine Foundation. <a href="https://www.emerge.org.au/donate/" target="_blank">Donate here</a>.</li></ul><p>
<b>Host Your Own Fundraiser:</b></p><p>To have an even bigger impact on
these organizations, you can host a Fundraiser on Facebook. I
have hosted fundraisers on Facebook for my birthday every year, and it's very
simple to set up. Just go to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fundraisers" target="_blank">Facebook Fundraisers page</a>
and click on "Select Nonprofit" (all of the ones listed above are
available), then follow the steps. You set your own fundraising goals,
and share your fundraiser with Facebook friends. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Donate While Shopping:</b><br />
And remember - especially this time of year - to make your shopping work
for you with automatic donations to your favorite ME/CFS charity every
time you shop! <b></b><br />
</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.goodshop.com/" target="_blank"><b>Goodshop</b></a> or <a href="https://www.iGive.com/cCrg1" target="_blank"><b>iGive</b></a>
have almost every online store covered between them - I always stop at
iGive first before doing any online shopping. You can also earn by using the site to search. And use that iGive link I posted in the previous line, and we'll earn an extra $5 for Solve ME!<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">To show you how well this
works, my iGive page currently shows that I have selected Solve ME as my cause, that I have personally earned and donated $305.15 to them, and
that they have earned a total of $6602.45 from all supporters! Isn't that
amazing? Over $6500 just from clicking a button before we shop online. Amazon is not a part of either program and got rid of its own charitable donation program this year, but you can find most other online stores on at least one of these.<br /></p><div style="text-align: center;">
With so many painless ways to give, we can all help to move ME/CFS research forward and support patients! </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Let me know if you know of other organizations or other ways to give that I missed here.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: center;">You can leave a comment below.</p><div style="text-align: center;">You can also connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div> </div>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-49439009512839284322023-11-24T06:00:00.001-05:002023-11-24T06:00:00.146-05:00Book on Sale for Black Friday!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOQgveWaq5MCuHd8XUm79YJW37kY-Y8MEEYG7JRhx1nKmWuUfZFBKMoRjPawWFuU2Dk_rvUy4iXqetKU_8rc5Ft4Bq8I35zK-DP7hoJapWxLice27Qh4RqhaKc0Fn6FSrlEloe_SEKARCTTRsgXGTASagrqCDYtgZ_W5oV0ppGO9AkIOpVHF9/s3264/2D0D4212-8C94-4592-BE91-6DBB9C989C09.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOQgveWaq5MCuHd8XUm79YJW37kY-Y8MEEYG7JRhx1nKmWuUfZFBKMoRjPawWFuU2Dk_rvUy4iXqetKU_8rc5Ft4Bq8I35zK-DP7hoJapWxLice27Qh4RqhaKc0Fn6FSrlEloe_SEKARCTTRsgXGTASagrqCDYtgZ_W5oV0ppGO9AkIOpVHF9/s320/2D0D4212-8C94-4592-BE91-6DBB9C989C09.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I just wanted to let you know that my book is on sale, now through Cyber Monday, November 27. All e-book formats are on sale, and the paperback when bought through Amazon (sorry but I don't have control over pricing of the paperback through other online and in-store retailers but it is available everywhere).<p></p><p>About the book:</p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">"Whether you are in the early days of living with chronic
illness or have been at it for years (or decades), there are always challenges
in living a life framed by limitations and restrictions, where isolation is a
common issue. This guide provides inspiration, advice on emotional coping, and
guidance on living your best life with chronic illness from someone who’s been
there. Though it seems impossible at first, your life will eventually settle
into a new normal, and while that life may be different than the one you had
planned, it can still be a vibrant, fulfilling life based on strong
relationships, a healthy emotional state, and finding joy in every day. The
emphasis in this book is on LIVING your life, not just enduring it.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">From Sue Jackson, the author of the popular and
award-winning blog <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Live with ME/CFS</i>, comes
a book to help you live your best life with chronic illness. Based on Sue’s over
20 years living with chronic illnesses in her own family, writing her blog,
writing articles on chronic illness, and leading multiple support groups, she
provides support and practical advice you can use."</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">A few of the many 5-star reviews:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Loved It</b> “<span class="a-size-base"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
book was eye opening and helpful. I am recently diagnosed with Lupus and
struggling to understand it all. This book helped me to understand my life
isn't over and I don't need to feel guilty when I can't do all the things.
Instead I just need to change how we do things such as have movie nights etc.”</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span class="a-size-base"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A Must Read for Those Struggling with Chronic
Illness and Their Families</span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> - <span class="a-size-base">There is nothing more desperate than trying to find someone
who “gets” it! Chronic Illness is real and the emotional toll it takes on the
patient and family is tremendous. Looking for someone to help or at least
understand is almost impossible. This book gives hope to those suffering from chronic
illness by letting them know they are not alone, that there is help out there,
and there are things to do to get you through those dark and scary times. There
were very limited and often outdated books available to help my family during
our initial struggle dealing with a child with a chronic illness. In the
beginning life was a lonely and living hell. I was blessed to find Sue and a
wonderful group of people online, who shared similar experiences and showed us
how to survive in our new “normal”!”</span></span> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><style>@font-face
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<span class="a-size-base"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Encouraging</b> - Chronic illness is
difficult to say the least. The daily challenges you face are often so
debilitating. Suzan does a wonderful job sharing her and her family's
challenges and triumphs living with chronic illness. What a comfort to
know there are people who understand and really "get" what you’re
going through. Having support makes a world of difference when you are battling
an illness and is essential in moving forward and living your best life.
I recommend this book if you have a chronic illness or if you know someone that
does.”</span></span> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><style> </style></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><style>@font-face
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</div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><style>@font-face
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</div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><style>@font-face
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span class="a-profile-name"><b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">"Must Read</span></b></span></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">I am only half way through and it has saved my life.
Seriously.”</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/p/my-book.html/" target="_blank">You can read more about the book and see more reviews, plus a list of links for finding the book (e-book and paperback) through all the major outlets and formats here.</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">If you're in the US, I hope you're enjoying the holiday weekend! <br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><style>@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-38227873598594780972023-11-20T17:21:00.003-05:002023-11-20T17:21:37.119-05:00Chronic Illness Holiday Gift Guide<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBQ4KsfG5v031C8kGgntGCNvUMVIzvyaA61HWVysZNMuEWkrwgJH7_j50VNRRZhEKo2XIk4X3D_jTRTge4sYqDaQ6xpGDl6MfMrQjSWh3Wt4F66fkHyy_VEFEOTEafkvqwxjyQcIhAuM_ZOC1LX5X7yr9uAItmHPKyG80oiMV0ELwxh6YN4M1/s1920/CI%20Gift%20Guide%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBQ4KsfG5v031C8kGgntGCNvUMVIzvyaA61HWVysZNMuEWkrwgJH7_j50VNRRZhEKo2XIk4X3D_jTRTge4sYqDaQ6xpGDl6MfMrQjSWh3Wt4F66fkHyy_VEFEOTEafkvqwxjyQcIhAuM_ZOC1LX5X7yr9uAItmHPKyG80oiMV0ELwxh6YN4M1/s320/CI%20Gift%20Guide%202023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Whether you are looking for gifts for someone else in your life who lives with chronic illness or other health problems or you could use a little self-care yourself, there is something here for everyone on your list! Choosing a gift for someone who's chronically ill and who is limited or even housebound can be tricky, but here I've collected a bunch of great ideas, many of them tested in our own home, sure to please the Spoonies in your life but also healthy friends & family. Shop for someone else, gift yourself, or add these to your own wish list for your family! And if you have other ideas, please let me know in the comments below.<p></p><p><b>Comfort and Care</b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Super Comfy Soft Blanket:</b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">When I am crashed, all I want is to be surrounded with super-soft<b> </b>comfort, even when it's warm out! Just feeling that soft, smooth texture is very comforting. Here are several different blankets, all very soft and cozy, in varying weights.<br /></p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3SFbwTw" target="_blank"><b>Lightweight</b> <b>Blanket</b></a> - This lightweight plush blanket is super soft. We have a bunch of these in our family room, and we use them around a campfire, too.<br /></p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/46smn6E" target="_blank">Heavier/Warmer Blanket </a> </b>- Super soft outer layer, plus a sherpa lining, for extra warmth and two different textures.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3MNREcY" target="_blank">Fuzzy Faux-Fur Blanket</a></b> - This one is for people who appreciate ultra plush, fuzzy comfort (like my son!)<br /></p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3uls6xE" target="_blank"><b>Weighted Blanket</b></a> - For those who get comfort from a weighted blanket, this one also features a super-soft feel, with plush on one side and sherpa on the other.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRIHuLT-GTsEa5BToWQSMoE09cI2IhwdxtvZLlLuT4TO8WZ7bcrC9SrewFUQMuCWk0_-RIfNX95KEdIBKxfeBQlEODNYQaf5bcC7kug6kB_-H1n8ljxBZ2uc8D6oN6WOTmchvRHixr-wRVNQ3h8G_m89b7e9KYcz3QgLQCKdDr7GCtpK2hBG0/s724/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-17%20at%204.07.47%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="724" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRIHuLT-GTsEa5BToWQSMoE09cI2IhwdxtvZLlLuT4TO8WZ7bcrC9SrewFUQMuCWk0_-RIfNX95KEdIBKxfeBQlEODNYQaf5bcC7kug6kB_-H1n8ljxBZ2uc8D6oN6WOTmchvRHixr-wRVNQ3h8G_m89b7e9KYcz3QgLQCKdDr7GCtpK2hBG0/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-17%20at%204.07.47%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fuzzy Faux-Fur Blanket<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table> </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Back Cushion for Support:</b></p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3R3ws5b" target="_blank">Lumbar Support Back Cushion</a></b> - Life-changing for me! I got this gel-filled lumbar cushion for the car when I was having low-back pain but discovered it works just as well in my recliner to support my back and prevent pain. Also works for couch, bed, chair, or wheelchair.</p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Prop-Up Pillows</b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">When you spend a lot of time in bed or on the couch, you need to prop yourself up sometimes (like to eat!). Here are some great options to support your back and keep you comfortable.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3G5dyos" target="_blank"><b>Adjustable Bed Wedge Pillow</b> </a>- This simple wedge pillow adjusts to multiple positions to support you while sitting or lying down</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47D55o5" target="_blank"><b>4-Piece Orthopedic Pillow Set</b> </a>- This 4-piece ergonomically-designed set can be used in many different ways to provide just the right support for your position (and there's currently a $10 off coupon available).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4e0qWw7RaMNeWGYY96jx1YeF5D1KEKLH1YsbkJBrSPm16Rh-vcak4mWcoaYAM6o8GCm_Qe8p7Nwib_huXiOV2HWeLiuYbiZtEpVB-qTJBc0WNtcnx5x3bEpxE7d95O2rJxzOzHRmGRIJln6UnKa2fYph8Nr1IOhmwLO8qXP1uYLyfj12yfh8/s679/Wedge%20pillow%20set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="679" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4e0qWw7RaMNeWGYY96jx1YeF5D1KEKLH1YsbkJBrSPm16Rh-vcak4mWcoaYAM6o8GCm_Qe8p7Nwib_huXiOV2HWeLiuYbiZtEpVB-qTJBc0WNtcnx5x3bEpxE7d95O2rJxzOzHRmGRIJln6UnKa2fYph8Nr1IOhmwLO8qXP1uYLyfj12yfh8/s320/Wedge%20pillow%20set.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>4-Piece Pillow Set</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Comfy Slippers</b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">I don't know about you, but with all the time I spend at home, the "shoes" I wear most are slippers, and they wear out. Because I wear them so much, I prefer the kind with good arch support or memory foam and durable soles that can go outside (I'm wearing them now as I type on my deck!).</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/49E8kNZ" target="_blank">Cotton Memory Foam Slipper</a></b> - These inexpensive, lightweight but well-made slippers feature breathable cotton uppers, memory foam insoles, and nonslip rubber soles, in a variety of colors.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/49KmH3t" target="_blank">Orthotic Slippers with Arch Support</a></b> - For those with plantar fasciitis or other foot pain, these slippers come with orthotic insoles for arch support and comfort (and still not very expensive and they look nice!).<br /></p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/46oJ63c" target="_blank">Deluxe Orthopedic Slippers</a></b> - A bit more expensive, these slippers (and other styles) from Orthofeet provide orthotic insoles, cushiony insides, and warm faux fur. <br /></p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3SOzTOy" target="_blank"><b>Convertible Indoor/Outdoor Slippers</b></a> - These convertible slippers can be worn as clogs or with a back and come in unisex sizes, with a nonslip sole that can go outdoors.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOMwR9kOeHmDAQOCLVtKl-mXuXztsmouhcRD4GN-UBaGXxPdxBmybzvbSwbjYcWWo9WuAAS5SrjQAorq1y8smr1Q-ExehdLr4xm_YU_mZsdVaxyxV7tu7ScBhAFUPzuLC-O2Fav60mgIJM-uny28Ks6qw7zOTyD0u_dasFCCy8rTZmbkm_2uf/s969/Orthotic%20slippers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="969" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOMwR9kOeHmDAQOCLVtKl-mXuXztsmouhcRD4GN-UBaGXxPdxBmybzvbSwbjYcWWo9WuAAS5SrjQAorq1y8smr1Q-ExehdLr4xm_YU_mZsdVaxyxV7tu7ScBhAFUPzuLC-O2Fav60mgIJM-uny28Ks6qw7zOTyD0u_dasFCCy8rTZmbkm_2uf/s320/Orthotic%20slippers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Orthotic Slippers with Arch Support<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Pajamas/Loungewear</b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">If you spend a lot of time in pajamas or loungewear, they might as well be super comfortable.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/40GDSi9" target="_blank">Cozy Long-Sleeve Shirt and Joggers</a></b> - These warm, ultrasoft pajamas from Eddie Bauer are comfy all over and look nice enough to be seen in! (<a href="https://amzn.to/3G4oRgx" target="_blank">a similar set for men</a>)<br /></p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3QHLxIA" target="_blank">Breathable Bamboo Pajamas (long)</a></b> - I don't know about you, but I'm always overheated (my son is, too). This summer, I finally tried bamboo pajamas and love them! Super soft and lightweight but breathable, they are perfect for those who suffer night sweats or get overheated easily (<a href="https://amzn.to/3umABZr" target="_blank">similar pajamas/loungewear for men</a>).</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3SMxbsR" target="_blank"><b>Breathable Bamboo Pajamas (short)</b></a> - If you're looking for something even cooler, these are made of the same lightweight, breathable bamboo fabric, but in a shorts style (<a href="https://amzn.to/40LqBVJ" target="_blank">here are similar ones for Men</a>).</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGt6LIEp-F62XG2ZKkJtOKDL42yX0879VOKttfLo3Sbvfe9s8BX7tqOiDp3MRSry0kGFo5_G1_70YbtJ3aDS4PelYMBu0JZ9FRPeFQZkM1ECBDt5T7flO5FD51hnSNwsoDRIKIbjn4wzxyi5yq0iY6dGpx-oZwBM4k4dBhoHY0PYILWkH8wZUF/s879/Bamboo%20pajamas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="330" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGt6LIEp-F62XG2ZKkJtOKDL42yX0879VOKttfLo3Sbvfe9s8BX7tqOiDp3MRSry0kGFo5_G1_70YbtJ3aDS4PelYMBu0JZ9FRPeFQZkM1ECBDt5T7flO5FD51hnSNwsoDRIKIbjn4wzxyi5yq0iY6dGpx-oZwBM4k4dBhoHY0PYILWkH8wZUF/s320/Bamboo%20pajamas.jpg" width="120" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bamboo Pajamas<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Ease the Pain and Fatigue</b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Ice Packs</b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Ice packs come in all shapes and sizes and have many uses for those with chronic medical conditions.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47uq64q" target="_blank"><b>Large Flexible Ice Pack</b> </a>- I bought these because they were recommended when I went to physical therapy (the same kind they use professionally), and I can see why! They come in various sizes (I like the large one for back, shoulders, neck), are flexible, and comfortable. I just keep mine laid flat in the freezer, ready when I need it (note these can also be used as heating pads - keep one in the freezer and one out, ready to microwave).</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/40N4IW2" target="_blank">Migraine Head Ice Hat</a></b> - When you get a migraine or other severe headache, sometimes nothing seems to help, but ice/cold can do wonders to reduce swelling and inflammation, constrict blood vessels, and provide relief. I used to have to awkwardly wrap ice packs around my head and neck, but now you cam get one like this, made specifically for your head to wrap all the way around. Ahhh!</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPt2gvF7H_QiXUzeiILxcWjXXDpMbmic9x6mC16pPH_hGaYrBU7tFQvUPOoQVkyB23BWdw0ha88H4sqM-bPwb9Hl3RNsQlhGdfHockZJWwwgJYJVhOvAK3Bun__qbGzaOv6pJ2phZVH6aKD6_dNKVpd0Ye9h4tiKPBBV-KJoE-o_SfLwwZORRN/s1500/ice%20cap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1198" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPt2gvF7H_QiXUzeiILxcWjXXDpMbmic9x6mC16pPH_hGaYrBU7tFQvUPOoQVkyB23BWdw0ha88H4sqM-bPwb9Hl3RNsQlhGdfHockZJWwwgJYJVhOvAK3Bun__qbGzaOv6pJ2phZVH6aKD6_dNKVpd0Ye9h4tiKPBBV-KJoE-o_SfLwwZORRN/s320/ice%20cap.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Migraine Ice Hat<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Heating Pads</b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">I used to use old-school electric heating pads, until my dermatologist said I had sun damage on my lower back. When I said that part of my body hadn't seen the sun in many decades, he explained that electric heating pads could damage the skin just like the sun. Since I lost my dad to melanoma, I was motivated to find an alternative! Again, I took the recommendations of professional physical therapists, who use gel-filled heating packs. They're not only safer and won't damage skin, but this kind of moist heat better penetrates deep into the tissue where it can do the most good.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47FiwUu" target="_blank"><b>Rectangular Two-Sided Hot/Cold Pack</b> </a>- While there are lots of gel heating pad options, this one is my favorite. It's inexpensive, well-made with sealed outer edges (I had a few that leaked after multiple microwaving before this one), and has two different surfaces. When it's very hot, just out of the microwave, I use the cloth-covered side and switch to the smooth side as it cools down a bit. It can also be used as a cold pack, but I reserve this one just for heat. I bought one for my step-mom for her birthday last year (she has chronic pain), and she said it was the best gift she'd ever gotten!</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3R4jPHe" target="_blank">Aromatherapy Neck and Shoulders Hot/Cold Pack</a></b> - This one is specially designed to wrap around neck and shoulders, which can be hard to get to with a rectangular pad. It's infused with herbs for aromatherapy, too.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Jb_d93HzxBquMjXmByan_0dDIClfUldcSohDc_il_lpbqBUPsQifoq43I1f1Cv-64517WErwgZ-tbhA4q-Dup5Tt_PTXwvR1kRNdTOOM_cxiNXiTYuT6Gy06ROJ_JOA46EdbsBeNfUFsZnA95FohChod68qMiX-PvubJedmkxaRNeJjZodzT/s1398/Heatingpad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="1398" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Jb_d93HzxBquMjXmByan_0dDIClfUldcSohDc_il_lpbqBUPsQifoq43I1f1Cv-64517WErwgZ-tbhA4q-Dup5Tt_PTXwvR1kRNdTOOM_cxiNXiTYuT6Gy06ROJ_JOA46EdbsBeNfUFsZnA95FohChod68qMiX-PvubJedmkxaRNeJjZodzT/s320/Heatingpad.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hot/Cold Pack<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Migraine Glasses</b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">With Lyme disease, my son often gets crippling migraines with severe light sensitivity that causes him to don sunglasses and hide in his room.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3R6KH9H" target="_blank"><b>Anti-Migraine, Light Sensitivity Glasses</b></a> - These can help when migraines hit but they can also help to prevent migranes and help with general light sensitivity. Bonus: they also block blue light from screens that can disrupt your sleep (see below). </p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oBJW6MADyJkLn22K3n397EKg-qqaYFLg2_wwrJINIVBiUjbzfvT11NGYbCPX50Gj_d8DR0brVpQaATHvG0AF57scpFrN54ex41pS1eRGYLHn-a0I140nAHN5v8vN0_2D_UfozCVo4MKRKqDd27DqWtApDtWcj7eCU97C4mouUi__2bGjffxL/s679/Migraine%20glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="679" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oBJW6MADyJkLn22K3n397EKg-qqaYFLg2_wwrJINIVBiUjbzfvT11NGYbCPX50Gj_d8DR0brVpQaATHvG0AF57scpFrN54ex41pS1eRGYLHn-a0I140nAHN5v8vN0_2D_UfozCVo4MKRKqDd27DqWtApDtWcj7eCU97C4mouUi__2bGjffxL/s320/Migraine%20glasses.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Migraine Glasses<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Compression Garments</b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Anyone with any kind of Orthostatic Intolerance (OI, including POTS), which is everyone with ME/CFS and many with long-COVID, Lyme, EDS, and fibro, will benefit from compression socks and other garments that gently help to improve blood flow and prevent blood pooling in the lower extremities. And they now come in lots of stylish options--these are not your Grandpa's compression socks!</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/47ERbSi" target="_blank">Knee-High Light Compression Socks (Women)</a></b> - Made for nurses (who spend a lot of time on their feet), these light compression socks come in lots of fun styles.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3uj0QzU" target="_blank"><b>Unisex Light Compression Knee-High Socks</b></a> - Rated light compression (15-20 mmHg), these fit men and women and come in a variety of styles.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3SQ59wD" target="_blank">Inisex Moderate Compression Knee-High Socks</a></b> - These provide more compression, rated moderate (20-30 mmHg) and come in packs with lots of wild designs--you might as well enjoy them!</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/46mGbIv" target="_blank">Women's High-Waisted Compression Shorts</a></b> - Studies show that compression shorts that cover the waist and pelvic area can help OI by prevent blood pooling while sitting or standing. Most compression shorts sold as shapewear or athletic wear (like these) will do the trick. Bonus: These have high waists and pockets and could be worn under clothes or on their own. <a href="https://amzn.to/47abcR3" target="_blank">Similar style for men</a>.<br /></p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/46nzoy9" target="_blank"><b>Women's Light Compression Tights</b></a> - Provides compression from the waist down to ankles. And a <a href="https://amzn.to/46m1Qk2" target="_blank">similar style for men</a>.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47jJYr9" target="_blank"><b>Moderate Compression Tights for Women</b></a> - These provide moderate compression (20-30 mmHg). <a href="https://amzn.to/3G5eSYp" target="_blank">Similar style in unisex sizing</a>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRfyGA0ICV1xVcpV4WjsVDvgjlbuez9jxghU150SqQeJ-GqNYzCzF1XRa4K6dgiN-DY3V5zbwIDLF7Hc10za1hzsSqKgkMLOhvtq4TYjief1hskk5jsDymxT0AbXAs9ohwLCD1Qx3ETvg2xwpXug8oQbBXfmujMvIjVKIJjwFuGNoo1EUv24C/s679/Compression%20socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="679" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRfyGA0ICV1xVcpV4WjsVDvgjlbuez9jxghU150SqQeJ-GqNYzCzF1XRa4K6dgiN-DY3V5zbwIDLF7Hc10za1hzsSqKgkMLOhvtq4TYjief1hskk5jsDymxT0AbXAs9ohwLCD1Qx3ETvg2xwpXug8oQbBXfmujMvIjVKIJjwFuGNoo1EUv24C/s320/Compression%20socks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Moderate Compression Socks<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Stay Hydrated!</b> </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Hydration is <i>so</i> important, for treating Orthostatic Introlerance (OI), which is partly due to an inability to hold onto fluids, and for general health and well-being. There are all kinds of great water bottles and other designs available now to keep your drinks cold (or hot in winter). I carry my water bottle everywhere with me, and my son fills his with electrolyte solution (made with <a href="https://amzn.to/3QKduPZ" target="_blank">GU Brew tablets</a>).</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3STxdiy" target="_blank"><b>Plastic Water Bottle with Chug Lid and Carry Handle</b></a> - I prefer bottles without straws because I find them difficult to clean. This BPA-free bottle comes in three different sizes (go for the 32 or 40 oz!) with an easy-drink lid, and it's dishwasher safe.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/49zgbfE" target="_blank">Leak-Proof Bottle with Spout Lid</a></b>- This one comes in 22 and 32 oz sizes, is dishwasher safe, and has a spout lid. Comes in lots of colors. <br /></p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/49EHUvw" target="_blank"><b>Insulated Stay-Cool (or Hot) Bottle</b></a> - With double-walled insulation, this bottle keeps your drink cold (or hot) for hours and comes in larger sizes, plus three different lid styles.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47WsjWH" target="_blank"><b>Neoprene Insulated Carry Holder for Water Bottle</b></a> - I want this! Comes with a carry strap so it's easy to bring your water bottle wherever you go, and the Neoprene holder keeps it cold (and stops it from sweating).</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NqVoKuEWb3qXFfBnaldNflxy738O-_MOWiXHxJb6lhy2UZCW_wR8o24uMwPcWimWCtp63jGCDE3YtBAGf7ShuuRKpF7-HW6WAmFQrrU1n4UO0LCnrZQcM4scnIBlIArUiaCDH61zHT0XZmQIRnVazZ0-TWDZhkoCi8PmkMxs51U8qPbRXAPO/s1371/Insulated%20bottle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="1371" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NqVoKuEWb3qXFfBnaldNflxy738O-_MOWiXHxJb6lhy2UZCW_wR8o24uMwPcWimWCtp63jGCDE3YtBAGf7ShuuRKpF7-HW6WAmFQrrU1n4UO0LCnrZQcM4scnIBlIArUiaCDH61zHT0XZmQIRnVazZ0-TWDZhkoCi8PmkMxs51U8qPbRXAPO/s320/Insulated%20bottle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Insulated Bottle<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Work or Play</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Whether you're trying to work from home or just enjoy some fun, these items can help to support you and make it easier to both work and play.</p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Lap Desk</b> </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">I'm always looking for a good lapdesk that allows me to use my laptop and/or write while in my recliner, on the couch, or in bed.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3SFJbfQ" target="_blank">Lightweight Cushioned Lap Desk</a></b> - this simple, inexpensive lap desk has a cushioned bottom for comfort, with space for air flow to keep your laptop from overheating, and a ridge to keep it from sliding. I added this to my wish list!</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/47j4EQe" target="_blank">Lap Desk with Mouse Pad</a></b> - This slightly larger lap desk has those same features, plus a mousepad and a holder for your phone.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/411cQCt" target="_blank"><b>Lap Desk with Adjustable Legs</b></a> - I don't usually like lap desks with legs because they're usually too high for me, but this one has adjustable legs and a bunch of other useful features.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprbEp9pow_ZVGaJtmcPnnxNBBy2Pa0X6ypISQk6szcRg9ZwCXtanRDzGmzyjhQpJGL0u1yTOW98lWR3tch70XqhdVWBxIm3suAFjd28dUk7vkC2vNDhnZkgKdTeDJdXSgoJguYApwDECekoykvp8PbYOV-dam8bplqLrEud_mbrHzAI5jCoFV/s1500/Lap-Desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1500" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprbEp9pow_ZVGaJtmcPnnxNBBy2Pa0X6ypISQk6szcRg9ZwCXtanRDzGmzyjhQpJGL0u1yTOW98lWR3tch70XqhdVWBxIm3suAFjd28dUk7vkC2vNDhnZkgKdTeDJdXSgoJguYApwDECekoykvp8PbYOV-dam8bplqLrEud_mbrHzAI5jCoFV/s320/Lap-Desk.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lightweight Cushioned Lap Desk<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Holder/Stand for Tablet or Book</b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Whether you're trying to expend as little energy as possible or have pain issues in neck, arms, or shoulders, some sort of holder or stand can help to support a tablet or book<b>.</b></p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3QKgprQ" target="_blank">Flippy Soft Multi-Angle Pillow Stand</a> </b>- Ok, sure I love the name, but this one also seems to be very practical for anyone bedridden or couchbound, with different viewing angles on each side and a soft surface. When my mom said a large hardcover book she was reading was too heavy for her injured shoulder, I got her something similar to this. </p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/46grjLC" target="_blank"><b>Standing Tablet/Book Stand</b></a> - This stand allows you to read or use a tablet hands-free and without anything on top of you. It stands on the ground but is very adjustable, whether you're in bed, on the couch, or in a recliner. I gave this to my step-mom for Christmas last year when she said she couldn't read anymore because of her chronic neck pain. This allows her to put the book or tablet right at eye level, no matter where she's sitting. She was thrilled! </p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeS17y6Yp_XFK_5n51_ydxQg-7H_H13afuWLkmqu7g2rNcDGBtaonLvv7BT-ulZxImPLAuwN4np80dNP7m_hf0A1WsJtQcTcsHQrkuqX_EjBJPTmVBMqTAOjg6Y-ULIgL1x7ECVw_UNdeRD-Y9oHRoN2TsiwnO6AwVGMaUJWZaiO5OzQIIJ2fR/s1500/Flippy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1500" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeS17y6Yp_XFK_5n51_ydxQg-7H_H13afuWLkmqu7g2rNcDGBtaonLvv7BT-ulZxImPLAuwN4np80dNP7m_hf0A1WsJtQcTcsHQrkuqX_EjBJPTmVBMqTAOjg6Y-ULIgL1x7ECVw_UNdeRD-Y9oHRoN2TsiwnO6AwVGMaUJWZaiO5OzQIIJ2fR/s320/Flippy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Flippy</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Blue Light Blockers</b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">As I explain in my post on <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/03/correcting-sleep-dysfunction-in-mecfs.html" target="_blank">Correcting Sleep Dysfunction</a>, sleep experts all advise avoiding screens in the two hours before you go to sleep at night. Blue light suppresses melatonin, telling your body it's wake-up time! But what if you enjoy watching a show or movie before bed? If you're using a laptop, tablet, or phone, you can turn the blue light off at night (look for Night Shift on Apple devices in the Display and Brightness option under Settings). My iPad is set to turn off blue light at 9 pm every night, for times when I'm using it as an e-reader. There are also several gadgets that can block blue light. </p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3sFiddy" target="_blank"><b>Blue Light Blocking Glasses</b> </a>- These have clear-looking lenses and come in sets of two to four pairs, in a wide variety of sizes, for both men and women. Perfect for watching TV.<br /></p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47kJhxI" target="_blank"><b>Blue Light Blocking Reading Glasses</b></a> - If you are of a certain age and looking for blue-light blockers for when you're using your phone, tablet, or other device up close, these combine blue light blocking with reading glasses, available in different strengths. They come in packs of five, so you can leave them in different rooms of the house, and several different styles.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/46lzVRc" target="_blank"><b>Blue Light Blocking Screen Protector for MacBook laptops</b></a> - If you'd prefer not to wear glasses, you can get a blue light blocker that covers your whole screen. This one has various sizes for different MacBooks. <a href="https://amzn.to/3QKiy6S" target="_blank">This one fits certain iPhones</a>. If you scroll down a bit on either page, you'll find other options for different types, brands, and sizes of devices.</p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Audio Book Membership</b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Many people with chronic illness struggle to read books in print but can still enjoy audiobooks. I'm a huge fan of audiobooks and listen to all kinds! If you also struggle with longer or more complex audiobooks, try middle-grade or teen/YA books on audio. This blog post, <b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2017/08/weekly-inspiration-joy-of-reading.html" target="_blank">The Joy of Reading</a></b>, is excerpted from a chapter in my book and includes some great tips for enjoying reading, with lots of recommendations! An audiobook membership makes a great gift for people who love books, whether they can manage reading in print or not. </p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3R70pSb" target="_blank">Audible</a></b> - The biggest and most well-known source for audiobooks recently is this subset of Amazon, with two different membership options.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><span class="fontSize"> <b><a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=966395&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2F" target="_blank">Libro.fm</a></b></span> - With this source for audiobooks, every purchase helps to support independent bookstores (one you select or all of them).</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Sweet Dreams</b><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Since we spend so much time in bed but are still always exhausted, we can use all the help we can get! Check out my tips in <b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2021/03/how-to-nap.html" target="_blank">How to Nap</a></b>, and also improve your sleep quality with the treatments in <b><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/03/correcting-sleep-dysfunction-in-mecfs.html" target="_blank">Correcting Sleep Dysfunction</a></b>. These all make great gifts for your favorite spoonie (or yourself).</p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Eye Mask and Ear Plugs<br /></b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">As I explain in those blog posts linked above on napping and sleeping, keeping the sleep environment--whether at home or away--cool, dark, and quiet is essential. An eye mask and ear plugs can help.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3G7V4Uj" target="_blank"><b>3D Light-Blocking Eye Mask</b></a> - This soft, spongy eye mask reduces pressure around the eyes and block all light.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3szct5g" target="_blank">Silk Eye Mask</a></b> - Silk is gentler on the skin than other materials, and as a natural fiber, it is also breathable so should help to prevent overheating.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3sIoEfX" target="_blank">Weighted Lavender Aromatherapy Sleep Mask</a></b> - Personally, I hate scented stuff, but my mom loves her weighted lavender sleep mask, and I know many people swear by aromatherapy (and lavender is a sleep aid). With this one, you can remove the inner bag filled with lavender to use it alone and/or heat it in the microwave.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3QMaO4n" target="_blank"><b>Silicone Ear Plugs</b></a> - Forget the old foam-style ear plugs; silicone ones work so much better! To block out street noise, household noise, a partner's snoring, or so you can nap in public (like on an airplane), these are a game-changer! Great stocking stuffer or Hanukkah gift.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nMZgtHdoGznhjzl3c8fJWyd81sZ9dqfmJi_rLTeJJpR6oHNUlOZUtugELp8Rf2UVhs4EgPAEBmIfCEhQCLVsUp0R6fkpZh-1z1j5O2CAdwRT2XErHhlDm8ucs1kbFcPchaQBrVaO3mBvuHZ_qxvv4AmnKSwbRN6BRcSWhxvYSphh3pjemCIj/s1500/3D%20eye%20maskjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1445" data-original-width="1500" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nMZgtHdoGznhjzl3c8fJWyd81sZ9dqfmJi_rLTeJJpR6oHNUlOZUtugELp8Rf2UVhs4EgPAEBmIfCEhQCLVsUp0R6fkpZh-1z1j5O2CAdwRT2XErHhlDm8ucs1kbFcPchaQBrVaO3mBvuHZ_qxvv4AmnKSwbRN6BRcSWhxvYSphh3pjemCIj/s320/3D%20eye%20maskjpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>3D Eye Mask<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Soft, Warm Socks</b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">As I explain in my <b>How to Nap</b> <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2021/03/how-to-nap.html" target="_blank">post</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sQ2dfzuGFw" target="_blank">video</a>, studies show that warm socks help you fall asleep more quickly--it's science! I wear these to bed at night and pull them over my regular socks at naptime. They are lightweight but warm and super-soft:<br /></p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/49MiVGz" target="_blank"><b>Women's Fuzzy Socks</b> </a>- These come in sets of 5-6 pairs, in a wide variety of colors. Scroll down for similar socks in different designs.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3SOEsZ7" target="_blank">Men's Fuzzy Socks</a></b> - Different designs are available, and these come with non-slip grips on the bottoms for wearing outside of bed.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0c2Ustdg47wAixyCF0ElgMvJRqDY3M2KjKOb9fkbyYQdrhVB36YQ9I70yhpJvRwCI5tTZwk4w70GPHXex89aUHGVunzzV60hi-hsQg_N6Ksy00cXUhJANUOIqO9VK84tFqmxZhfJj5DNNHrQjR6xQIKBqH_xeD6tPbXO6qOEnlUW7psbZJpKi/s713/Woobies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="679" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0c2Ustdg47wAixyCF0ElgMvJRqDY3M2KjKOb9fkbyYQdrhVB36YQ9I70yhpJvRwCI5tTZwk4w70GPHXex89aUHGVunzzV60hi-hsQg_N6Ksy00cXUhJANUOIqO9VK84tFqmxZhfJj5DNNHrQjR6xQIKBqH_xeD6tPbXO6qOEnlUW7psbZJpKi/s320/Woobies.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Women's Fuzzy Socks<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b>Room-Darkening Curtains</b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">While an eye mask can help, nothing beats a <i>really </i>dark room when you need good quality sleep. Light tells your body to stop making melatonin, so block out as much light as possible with room-darkening curtains. My son and I both have these in our bedrooms, and my husband calls our bedroom "the cave." I love it.</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3unOaaW" target="_blank">Light-Blocking, Energy Smart Curtain Panel</a>s</b> - These will not only darken your room effectively but also help to block noise <i>and</i> lower energy bills! We have them in our bedrooms but also in the family room, where the afternoon sun heats things up in the warmer months. They come in 15 different colors and 34 different width and length options and are easy to install on any curtain rod. And there's currently a 10% off coupon, too!</p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFW0BNdYjA1lp2ZhQ6kW0Kvw6Hw2UChqrC3wo8GelVcONTkzTiH046p0UU0U_C10rQcIFhR__X_SrQtOhp8tFy-nxUhVD0I0rA6UsRRRKzeHFsDCujplGWJ8VksZ4gEautORjdHvXUFAicXBi9-bYd8HM8bM_utnJhLPiEfcgQ9rPkXI2XnFu/s1024/curtains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="1024" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFW0BNdYjA1lp2ZhQ6kW0Kvw6Hw2UChqrC3wo8GelVcONTkzTiH046p0UU0U_C10rQcIFhR__X_SrQtOhp8tFy-nxUhVD0I0rA6UsRRRKzeHFsDCujplGWJ8VksZ4gEautORjdHvXUFAicXBi9-bYd8HM8bM_utnJhLPiEfcgQ9rPkXI2XnFu/s320/curtains.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Light-Blocking Curtains<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><p style="text-align: center;">Lots of great gift ideas here for friends, family, or yourself!</p><p style="text-align: center;">What are YOUR favorite gifts to give/receive?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Let me know in the comments below.</p><div style="text-align: center;">You can also connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div><p style="text-align: center;"></p>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-61182215087605421072023-11-16T12:24:00.004-05:002023-11-16T16:52:01.524-05:00Clinical Trial for 2 Treatments for ME/CFS & Long-COVID<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIG8LGdCHVHGoWzwjJFKM_gcg2eJATf-Zc8f_6-9Gh9LgIMlmD-lWlcgxgVcRIIm2z5cW6DmJKE44WtO22K4LNCcdJJDCfzf7Rchf9QKHjaeWvhFUzveUONyaht_P99KuJ710i6NI-JsOk4oPegIAUnoE8vgn63YRzl7KTbIQWFUVWyRADgyH/s450/Research%20Update.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="450" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIG8LGdCHVHGoWzwjJFKM_gcg2eJATf-Zc8f_6-9Gh9LgIMlmD-lWlcgxgVcRIIm2z5cW6DmJKE44WtO22K4LNCcdJJDCfzf7Rchf9QKHjaeWvhFUzveUONyaht_P99KuJ710i6NI-JsOk4oPegIAUnoE8vgn63YRzl7KTbIQWFUVWyRADgyH/s320/Research%20Update.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />This is such exciting news for the ME/CFS and Long-COVID communities! Open Medicine Foundation (OMF) is sponsoring a scientifically valid clinical trial of two medications, low-dose naltrexone (LDN) and Mestinon, that are commonly used off-label to treat ME/CFS and long-COVID (off-label means used for purposes other than for what they were FDA-approved).<p></p><p>Dr. David Systrom, MD, is the Director of OMF's Harvard Collaborative Research Center, and an exercise specialist who has seen many ME/CFS and long-COVID patients to diagnose, study, and treat exercise intolerance. He pioneered the use of Mestinon, a cholinergic drug used as a muscle strengthener for other purposes, to treat ME/CFS and long-COVID.</p><p>Naltrexone is a very old medication (approved for use in alcohol and drug addiction) that has been used for decades in tiny doses to treat various immune disorders; it helps to normalize the immune system (acts as an immune modulator). There are many dozens of studies on its use in a wide variety of diseases ... but, as it often the case, none specifically focused on ME/CFS. However, <a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2014/08/low-dose-naltrexone-update-and-dosing.html" target="_blank">ME/CFS expert clinicians have been using LDN for decades</a>, and feedback from patients has shown that it often helps. My son and I have been taking LDN for 16 years, since 2007.</p><p>The real exciting news is that this clinical trial will include 160 people and will be a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. That's the gold standard in science and medicine and will allow the study results to be published in peer-reviewed medical journals, where it will be widely available to the entire medical community. That would be a game-changer for all patients, allowing us to show any doctor the study and ask for the treatments.</p><p>In this short video, Dr. Systrom explains (in layperson's terms) the details of the trial, why they chose these two treatments, what he's seen in patients, and what the impact of the study could be. You can <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6UsbaOeFnA" target="_blank">watch the 16-minute video on YouTube</a> or here:</p><p><br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K6UsbaOeFnA?si=pah1tWzKqZZKUh5T" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</p><p style="text-align: center;">This is the start of a new era for ME/CFS amd long-COVID!</p><p style="text-align: center;">What are your thoughts on this new clinical trial?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Have you tried either of these treatments?<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Let me know in the comments below.</p><div style="text-align: center;">You can also connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div><p style="text-align: center;"></p>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576999.post-42638589358555331662023-11-15T12:23:00.001-05:002023-11-15T12:23:05.068-05:00Chronic Illness Vlog: Crash! A Mostly Horizontal Week<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZYWkTkD3pyl9_n9P3CVedTslor53QDf4HGvYh2-3GwscwZDL5kThQN6YKFA1JZ4dRa_6kUhrIlc1-LMp7yFb0DBRPKMKBZ-LKGA4oC6vl583TNRQKZDB6gXMfp_Xpq3wXWTIEN_fzZ4GSVLab6TsFqkNEt1VCeIV-0K6qlbcpM2DptQEncn7/s1920/CI%20Vlog%2011-13-23%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZYWkTkD3pyl9_n9P3CVedTslor53QDf4HGvYh2-3GwscwZDL5kThQN6YKFA1JZ4dRa_6kUhrIlc1-LMp7yFb0DBRPKMKBZ-LKGA4oC6vl583TNRQKZDB6gXMfp_Xpq3wXWTIEN_fzZ4GSVLab6TsFqkNEt1VCeIV-0K6qlbcpM2DptQEncn7/s320/CI%20Vlog%2011-13-23%20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />My latest chronic illness vlog is now available. I record these vlogs over the course of a full week, to show an honest view of my life with chronic illnesses, including ME/CFS and Lyme disease. Last week (and continuing this week!), I've been struggling with a "mystery crash," a sudden worsening of my symptoms, especially flu-like aches. The aches are an immune sign that tells me my immune system is over-reacting to ... something. You can hear in the vlog as I consider various possibilities throughout the week. My best guess now is that perhaps yeast overgrowth/candida has flared up again, as it did this summer. <p></p><p>You can <a href="https://youtu.be/ZY-Y0Kys2nY " target="_blank">watch the video on YouTube</a> or here:</p><p><br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZY-Y0Kys2nY?si=FO0CClHnm0V40E7M" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</p><p>As an update, I did get the stronger antifungals from my doctor and started them yesterday, but I am still achy and horizontal. Fingers crossed I feel better for our Thanksgiving trip next week to visit family. </p><p>Here are some of the topics and treatments I mentioned or referred to in the video (all of these links are also below the <a href="https://youtu.be/ZY-Y0Kys2nY " target="_blank">video on YouTube</a>).</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-october-slide-mecfs-and-infectious.html" target="_blank">ME/CFS and Infectious Triggers</a> -how to prevent and treat worsening during fall/winter.</span></li><li><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><a href="http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2017/10/throwback-thursday-immune-dysfunction.html" target="_blank">Treating Immune Dysfunction</a>
- includes information both on improving immune function and on treating underlying infections.</span></li><li><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><a href="http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2014/04/imunovir-update-and-inosine.html" target="_blank">Inosine</a> - an inexpensive supplement that helps to normalize the immune system.</span></li><li><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><a href="http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2014/12/treating-yeast-overgrowthcandida.html" target="_blank">Effective Treatments for Yeast Overgrowth/Candida</a> - a common problem in ME/CFS and long-COVID that can make you feel awful.<br /></span></li><li><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><a href="http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2010/02/orthostatic-intolerance-and-cfs.html" target="_blank">Diagnosing & Treating Orthostatic Intolerance (OI)</a> blog post</span></li><li><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYvHsbrWw34" target="_blank">OI Video</a></span></li><li><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9du2xLfI0X8" target="_blank">Chronic Illness Tracking: How I Feel, Symptoms, and Treatments</a> video<br /></span></li><li><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><a href="http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2014/04/vitamin-b12-and-mecfs.html" target="_blank">Vitamin B12</a> - what it does, why we need it, plus types and forms that work best</span></li><li><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><a href="http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2017/03/increasing-glutathione-in-mecfs-related.html" target="_blank">Increasing Glutathione in ME/CFS and Long-COVID</a></span></li><li><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><a href="https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2023/11/mecfs-treatments-tried-true-and-new-hope.html" target="_blank">Treatments: Tried and True & New Hope</a> - Dr. Davis' very interesting 10-minute video on "Can ME/CFS Be Cured?" plus another article on treatments.</span></li></ul><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"> </span><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"> <br /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: center;">How are YOU doing? How was your week?<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Let me know in the comments below.</p><div style="text-align: center;">You can also connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/livewithmecfs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"> </span></div><div style="margin-left: 40px;"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"></span></div></div>Sue Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14532098225905355332noreply@blogger.com0