Living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis | Advocacy, Blog & Support

Alisha Whittam

Subscribers
0
Followers
0
Followers
0

Life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Welcome to AlishaWhittam.com – Living 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.

A bride adjusting her hair while wearing a strapless wedding gown, with a young girl in the background watching intently. The girl wears a tiara, adding to the elegant atmosphere of the moment

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.

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.

Robotic wheelchairs represent hope and possibility for those of us living with mobility challenges. But for these devices to truly revolutionize accessibility, we need to address the affordability gap.
Liverpool, a city synonymous with music, culture, and history, is home to one of the most iconic events that celebrates its rich musical heritage – the Mathew Street Festival. This annual (fingers crossed )event, deeply rooted in the city’s identity,
Don't let cable chaos take over your space! Discover the ultimate guide to cable management and transform your home or workplace into a clutter-free oasis. Learn how to organise, protect, and optimise your cables with a comprehensive cable management kit.
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
It is with a heavy heart that I write this blog post today, reflecting on the tragic and untimely death of Maeve Boothby-O’Neill, a young woman from the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) community. Maeve’s life was cut short at just 27
As a wheelchair user, I understand the anxiety that comes with entrusting your mobility device to an airline, knowing that if something goes wrong, your entire trip could be jeopardised.

making a difference

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

Caring for someone with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) can be challenging, but you are not alone. 💙 Join the ME Carer Community—a safe space for support, advice, and connection. Let's uplift one another. 🤝 #MECarers #ChronicIllnessSupport #YouAreNotAlone

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

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

Subscribe to our Mailing List

Sign up and get all the latest news about my life and what’s happening around the world for disabled people 

Scroll to Top
Text reads - You are not alone in this Next to text is a drawing of a person with their knees held up to their chest

Be the first to know when I post