Following the publication of the DHSC Delivery Plan (read our commentary here), The Independent has shared a powerful account from Tracy Meggitt – a former biomedical research associate who was diagnosed with ME/CFS in 2018.
Tracy recalls:
“I would go in on a Monday, do a few hours, and be utterly shattered by the time I got home, and then I would feel worse the next day, so that’s why I had to finish that job which I loved…”
The disease has left her housebound, drastically altering her daily life.
“At the moment, what affects me the most is the fact that, because I’m housebound, I’m not able to go out and do things with my husband. He can go out and do his activities, go to family events, and I am not able to do that. I really miss just being able to take part in my family events, I’ve missed three of my grandchildren’s christenings lately.”
When asked what she wishes more people understood about ME/CFS, Tracy was clear: ME is not depression.
“It’s not like depression at all. I have tons of enthusiasm, which is probably a hindrance because I often end up pushing myself beyond my capability because I am enthusiastic and about everything … I think ME patients try very hard to do everything possible and to please other people but if someone with ME says they can’t do something, they really can’t do it.”
Tracy’s story highlights the complexity and severity of ME, and how it profoundly reshapes lives.
Explore our articles on living with ME/CFS and the debilitating nature of the disease plus the research being done
