Disability Advocate & ME Campaigner

Alisha Whittam

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LIFE WITH MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS

Hi, I’m Alisha.

Welcome to my world, where I share my journey of living with Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Since 2012, ME has left me completely bedridden, turning my life upside down. I went from being a full-time working wife and mum to relying on my husband and daughter for care. While this illness has taken so much from me, I focus on what brings me joy, resilience, and connection.

A huge part of my daily life revolves around my two Black Labradors, Alfie and Archie, who bring comfort and companionship, making a world of difference to my mental health.

Through this site, I hope to raise awareness of ME/CFS, provide support for others facing chronic illness, and share my experiences with accessibility, disability rights, and the small joys that keep me going.

🔹 Explore my journey, discover resources, and connect with a community that understands.

Severe Myalgic ENCEPHALOMYELITIS

Living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis as well as Endometriosis, has provided me with not only a firsthand understanding of life with these severe conditions but also a burning desire to bring about change and offer support for those afflicted as well as their families.

My life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis specifically is filled with challenges those everyday challenges have been the catalyst for my commitment to raise awareness among the public and within the ME community.

It is important to bridge the gap of understanding and empathy between those affected and the general public

LIFE WITH MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS IS INCREDIBLY LONELY

Our friends and family may be eager to help, but they might not know how. We could help by suggesting ways for other Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) sufferers to share their needs with their loved ones.

Living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is an isolating experience that few truly understand.

The world moves on while we are left behind—trapped in our own bodies, missing out on the simplest moments that others take for granted. The silence can be deafening, the loneliness overwhelming.

But you are not alone.

Here, we recognise the struggles, the grief, and the resilience it takes to keep going. This is a space where your voice matters, your pain is understood, and your existence is valued. Because even in the darkest moments, connection can bring light.

my life with ME

This journey taught me the power of resilience and I hope that by sharing my experiences good and bad I can raise awareness and offer support to those facing similar challenges.

In my studio ( my bed ); I’ve discovered new ways to express myself creatively and I am so proud of the new skills that I have been able to learn along the way including, website design, graphic design, crafting, videography and photography.

To make a difference, I am educating myself to utilise social media and digital platforms as a way to empower my voice for education, raising awareness and building a community of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis sufferers locally as well as around the world.

Advocacy

To conclude my advocacy for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is so much more than a personal mission—it is a call to action for society at large. 

Through education, empathy, and empowerment, I am dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by ME, advocating for a future where this condition is met with the seriousness and support it deserves. 

I share my journey as a testament to the power of resilience and the impact one voice can have in echoing the struggles and hopes of many, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

You can find my contact information on the contact page. Click below.

Contact Alisha

If you know someone with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), take the time to talk to them and express your willingness to support and be there for them. I’ve made the mistake of not accepting help because I didn’t want to inconvenience others, and now I feel incredibly lonely.

Please learn from my experience and don’t hesitate to say yes if you need help.

You can visit The ME Association here – The ME Association

Action for ME here – Action for ME

ME Action here – ME Action

Living with Chronic Illness is hard. I share my life with no filter, with me what you see is what you get.

A digital graphic with bold, capitalised text reading "ME DOES NOT DEFINE ME" in soft pink against a muted grey background.

MY story

Life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is hard, before I was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis symptoms I worked full time as well as also being a Wife & Mother. 

My life is really tough but that is why I have to share my story with the world. Living every day with this debilitating illness makes me even more determined to raise awareness of how life-changing life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis symptoms is. People and medical professionals need to see the real side of life with a chronic illness so that we can begin to change whatever prehistoric preconceived ideas that exist in today’s society.

A Disney-inspired cartoon-style illustration of a woman with long dark brown hair and bright blue eyes lying on a bed, smiling warmly at two black Labradors wearing red collars. One dog has a tag labeled "Alfie," and both appear happy and content

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Recent blogs

This journey taught me the power of resilience and I hope that by sharing my experiences good and bad I can raise awareness and offer support to those facing similar challenges.

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The Day I Had to Get My Rings Cut Off – A Difficult Goodbye

These aren’t just any rings—they hold so much sentimental value. My engagement ring for obvious reasons but my wedding ring was my Nan’s wedding ring, a cherished gift she gave us on the day we got engaged. I had never
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ME Matters: A Tragic Loss & the Urgent Need for Change

💔 Maeve Boothby-O’Neill’s tragic passing at just 27 highlights the urgent need for change in the care of ME patients. Despite multiple hospital admissions, Maeve was failed by a system that lacked the specialised care she desperately needed. Her story
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Travelling Abroad with a Wheelchair: A Comprehensive Guide for Smooth and Safe Journeys

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Latest Videos

Subscribe to My Channel

A Chaotic Christmas

We got a Puppy

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Surprise Bedroom Makeover

A YouTube thumbnail featuring a rechargeable lint remover with a sleek white design, LED display, and multiple speed settings. The text highlights the 3-speed adjustment, Type-C charging, and 2500mAh battery, showcasing its key features.

The best rechargeable lint remover (and why you need one)

A playful YouTube thumbnail featuring a stylized illustration of a woman and her black Labrador sitting on a bed, with a basket of apples. The text reads "My Dog Loves Apples", surrounded by floating apples and a cute cartoon apple character.

My Dog loves apples - The uncut version

making a difference

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An illustrated poster promoting the ME Pyjama Party, featuring diverse characters in fun animal onesies and pyjamas. The text encourages people to wear PJs for ME Awareness Week and Severe ME Day, sharing photos on social media using #MEPJPARTY

The ME Pyjama Party

Get comfy for a cause! The ME Pyjama Party is a powerful yet simple way to raise awareness for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). During ME Awareness Week and Severe ME Day, we’re inviting you to wear your pyjamas in solidarity with those who are bed-bound due to this debilitating illness. How to Join: ✔ Take a picture in your PJs ✔ Post it on social media using #MEPJPARTY ✔ Tag friends & spread the message!

An illustrated image of a diverse group of family members and caregivers sitting together, representing the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Carer Community. The text above them highlights the supportive network for those caring for ME sufferers.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Carer Community

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A digital illustration of Alisha Whittam lying on a bed, smiling alongside her two black Labradors, Alfie and Archie. One dog is sitting happily while the other is sleeping. The image features the Alisha Whittam YouTube branding in the corner

My Youtube Channel

Welcome to my world! 💙 Join me, Alfie & Archie, as we navigate life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, share our favourite moments, and spread positivity. Subscribe for real-life stories, disability awareness, and lots of dog love! 🐶✨ #AlishaWhittam #LifeWithME #BlackLabs

@alishawhittam

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A woman with fair skin and dark hair pulled back, standing in a bathroom. Her face is visibly swollen, particularly her lips and cheeks, with redness on her skin. She has a concerned expression, and the text overlay reads, 'But they just kept getting bigger.
Black Labrador puppy looks inquisitively
A woman with light skin, dark hair pulled back, and a tired expression makes a slightly lopsided face, showing exhaustion. She is wearing a dark-colored top with a festive pattern. The background features a light-colored shower curtain with subtle animal illustrations. Overlaid text reads: 'Tonight I pushed myself by making a phone call.
Two black Labrador dogs wearing matching Christmas-themed pyjamas featuring festive golden retrievers and Santa hats, playfully moving around a cozy indoor setting
Two black Labradors sitting attentively on a bed, staring at a McDonald's meal with longing eyes. The image includes the text "We call this the Labrador TAX" along with a piggy bank graphic labeled "TAX.
A black and white close-up of a young black Labrador puppy named Archie, resting on a soft blanket while gently chewing a toy. The image features soft lighting and a cosy atmosphere. The text "Baby Archie" is elegantly written in a pastel purple cursive font in the top right corner.

What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

According to the NHS Website, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptom is extreme tiredness

For more information please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-cfs/

People with ME/CFS have fatigue that is very different from just being tired. The fatigue of ME/CFS:

  • Can be severe.
  • Is not a result of unusually difficult activity.
  • Is not relieved by sleep or rest.
  • Was not a problem before becoming ill (not life-long)

Worsening of ME/CFS symptoms after physical or mental activity that would not have caused a problem before illness. This is known as post-exertional malaise (PEM).

Sleep problems.

Many but not all people with ME/CFS have other symptoms.

Pain is very common in people with ME/CFS. The type of pain, where it occurs, and how bad it is varies a lot. The pain people with ME/CFS feel is not caused by an injury. The most common types of pain in ME/CFS are:

  • Muscle pain and aches
  • Joint pain without swelling or redness
  • Headaches, either new or worsening

Some people with ME/CFS may also have:

  • Tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
  • A sore throat that happens often
  • Digestive issues, like irritable bowel syndrome
  • Chills and night sweats
  • Allergies and sensitivities to foods, odors, chemicals, light, or noise
  • Muscle weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Irregular heartbeat
Information is taken from The CDC Website https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/symptoms-diagnosis/symptoms

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis does not have a cure.

Find a Dr or Consultant who listens to you is the first step

It is a manageable condition and depending on the severity of your symptoms the more difficult this can become.

I advise learning to listen to your body and what it is telling you. If you feel tired rest and if you feel pain find a solution to reduce that pain, this could be through pain medication prescribed by your Dr.

I am not saying that finding a Dr who listens or listening to your body is going to be easy as this illness is incredibly complex for some and manageable for others.

Having a Dr who listens to you or reads about the latest drug that sufferers are recommending can take a lot of unnecessary stress and anxiety from the sufferer.

It would be best for me to point you to the above question What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis? 

Most pages list the illness as ME/CFS or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or sometimes even Systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID).

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