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Hi, I’m Alisha Whittam, and I live with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, a chronic illness that has profoundly shaped my journey. Here, I want to share a little more about who I am beyond the challenges I face every day.

A Disney-style cartoon illustration of a dark-haired woman with blue eyes sitting on a bed, writing in a notebook. She is surrounded by a laptop, scattered notes, and a microphone. Two black Labradors, one with a red collar, sit beside her, while a camera records the scene.
Digital illustration featuring a woman sitting alone on the floor with her knees drawn up, wearing a muted blue sweater and brown trousers. The image conveys sadness and isolation. Above her, the blog title reads: “The Invisible Struggle: Loneliness and Chronic Illness – Insights From A Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Sufferer.

The Invisible Struggle: Loneliness and Chronic Illness – Insights from a Myalgic Encephalomyelitis sufferer.

Living with a chronic health condition like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) can be an isolating experience, often leaving individuals feeling unseen and unheard. The invisible nature of ME compounds the already challenging journey, leading to profound feelings of loneliness and isolation
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A woman in a wheelchair faces the Eiffel Tower, celebrating International Wheelchair Day on 1st March 2024.

What is International Wheelchair Day and Why It Matters

International Wheelchair Day, celebrated every 1st March, is a powerful reminder of the freedom, independence, and inclusion that wheelchairs bring to millions of people around the world. In this post, we explore why this day matters, the challenges wheelchair users still face, and how we can all play a part in building a more accessible and inclusive world.
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Pink graphic showing various names for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, including ME, ME/CFS, SEID, and Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus Syndrome, with an illustration of a skeleton and the phrase "affects the whole of me.

Understanding Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A Deep Dive Into Life With a Complex Chronic Illness

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) is a life-changing chronic illness that affects millions worldwide. In this post, I share my own experience of living with severe ME, explain the symptoms and challenges, and offer support to anyone facing this condition. You are not alone.
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Matthew Street Festival

The Matthew Street Festival is back for 2024 and will be held at the Famous Pier Head
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Graphic with bold title “IMPORTANT – I Need Your Help!” asking people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) in Liverpool, Southport, Wirral, and Chester to share their experiences. Includes an email address for contact and illustrations of a megaphone and a woman in a wheelchair holding a flag.

Calling All ME/CFS Sufferers in Liverpool & Surrounding Areas: Your Voice Is Needed!

Are you living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) in Liverpool, Southport, Wirral, or Chester? I’m collecting personal stories to highlight the gaps in care across Merseyside and push for better support. This is a confidential, community-led project — your voice could help drive real change.
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Pink figure sitting with arms wrapped around knees next to the words “You are not alone in this” on a purple background — offering comfort and solidarity for those living with chronic illness or mental health struggles.

It’s Not Just Tiredness – Living with Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

t’s not just tiredness. It’s the kind of exhaustion that steals your ability to move, speak, or even think clearly. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis has taken so much from me — but I’m still here, sharing my truth in the hope that someone else feels a little less alone. This is what life with Severe ME really looks like
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Three illustrated people protest against false medical claims, with text reading "Ear Seeds Do Not Cure Myalgic Encephalomyelitis" and symbols of rejection like ‘NO’ signs, stop hands, and protest icons.

The Truth About Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Ear Seeds: Why Dragons’ Den Got It So Wrong

A recent Dragons’ Den episode pitched ear seeds as a cure for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis—an illness I live with every day. Here’s why that claim is not only wrong, but dangerous. Let’s raise awareness, push for better education, and demand accurate health information in the media.
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Close-up of a black Labrador dog wearing an red collar, with text overlay that reads “New YouTube Channel with Alfie the Black Lab” on a white background with coral geometric designs.

Meet Alfie: The Black Labrador Who’s Stealing Hearts on YouTube

Meet Alfie the Black Labrador from Liverpool, the heartwarming canine companion of Alisha, who lives with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Follow their new YouTube channel for adorable videos, inspiring stories, and the unbreakable bond between a dog and his chronically ill owner.
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A sad Santa illustration on a dark, unfinished floor, framed by festive Christmas trees and the words "Merry Christmas, Happy New Year" with the quote "Peace on earth will come to stay when we live Christmas every day."

When Christmas Isn’t Holly or Jolly: Life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis at Christmas

The worst Christmas of my life. I share my story in the hope that you manage this sort of situation better than I did. Not a Holly Jolly Christmas in my house this year.
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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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