From the work I've done and been part of, from the hundreds of recovery stories I've seen, recovery is a combo of luck, privelege, access, socioeconomic status, bountiful generous relationships, lots of cash to explore with, and grace. Not all w those will recover but it helps. https://twitter.com/VladVexler/status/1274908386065362951

And that's not to say that if one has many of those things recovery is easy. Those who have been on the journey have still been devoted and disciplined in their healing journeys, but that feels more frustrating to those of us who are just as much so without the access.

Luck and Grace may be two arms of the same tree but significant nevertheless in many stories I've seen. I've had many moments of it myself which is why I still have hope many days, if not for full recovery at least for better days.

The discipline parts that are required will vary based on assistance and acces example diet is much easier if someone is preparing it for you (research/shop/prep/cook/store), and learning to respect and listen to your body's boundaries IS massive emotional work to do.

And if you have relationship or trauma stress either that you're currently living through or causes you prolonged stress, dealing with this becomes necessary to try to free up emotional energy, not bc it's making you sick but bc it's draining in and of itself

But again the above requires access to treatment. I have literally spent thousands of £££ on therapy and workshops and training, one on one support and guidance. It's hard work and requires a lot of emotional vulnerability and discipline, but it is also a privilege to do that.

On the physical side they're going to look at ongoing or recurring infections /virus/parasite/bacteria, all outside the scope of general medicine, so much more $$$. Some labs claim to be able to track mitochondria improvement, more $$$ and more ??? Needed.

With diet you'll eliminate anything causing your body stress to digest or eliminate, in many cases starting with sugar, dairy, wheat/gluten, processed foods. Meat is up for debate, some think it's essential some think it's harmful. Consensus is more fresh foods (privelege)

Bonus work includes somatic practices, massage therapy or sometimes acupuncture, osteo-therapy, hydro-therapy, or any number of psuedo-questionable body treatments. More ££ $$ access and privelege.

I'm sharing all this to say, yes it may be out of reach but you also don't have to throw the baby out with the bath water. You need to set your own boundaries with what kind of money you can spend and what kind of energy/sacrifice to make to find improvement.

And it's very clear many of the obstacles most pwME have to starting with some of these just don't exist with some of the most priveleged who have the ability too. I think we can still learn from what works for the richest, even if half that equation is just that they're rich.

Where I'm at now 10 years trying: relationship desert (I've got my bae but -family- is ), out of patience, done throwing around money, and done taking advice from others who really don't know better than me. Trying to get stability and find a place to grow some relationships.

I have not improved in my ME/CFS. I had a good year 2015/2016 but don't know why. Crashed worse Jan 2017 after swim on holiday. My inner world has evolved A LOT, healed a lot of trauma, but I'm done experimenting with expensive tests and treatments for now. A break!