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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.

The ME Pyjama Party

I'm thrilled to invite you to a special event that aims to make a significant impact in the lives of those living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
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A fun and colourful digital illustration promoting the ME Pyjama Party for ME Awareness Week and Severe ME Day. The design features a large, sleepy bear in blue-striped pyjamas and a nightcap, stretching with a yawn. Surrounding the bear are six people dressed in various animal onesies, including a dragon, panda, giraffe, bear, unicorn, and a blue starry suit. The border is decorated with vibrant watercolour balloons in pink, blue, green, and yellow. The text reads: "Join us in your PJs for ME Awareness Week & Severe ME Day - ME Pyjama Party.

ME PJ Party 2024

Together, we can shed light on the challenges faced by those living with ME/CFS and advocate for greater understanding and support
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A cheerful illustrated graphic featuring people of all abilities in colourful animal-themed pyjamas dancing together. Text reads: “Join us in your PJs on ME Awareness Week and on Severe ME Day – ME Pyjama Party. Take a picture in your PJs. Post it using #MEPJParty. Help us make a difference in 2025.

Uniting for change: The ME Pyjama Party Movement

In the realm of chronic illnesses, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) stands as a formidable challenge, affecting millions worldwide. Despite the invisible nature of the illness, its impact is profound and pervasive, leaving many individuals bedridden and isolated. However, amidst the struggle, a beacon of hope shines bright: Our ME Pyjama Party.
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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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Matthew Street Festival

The Matthew Street Festival is back for 2024 and will be held at the Famous Pier Head
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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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Black Labrador puppy wearing a red Santa hat sits in the snow next to a smiling snowman with a scarf and hat, surrounded by snowy trees and festive string lights, with the text "Merry Christmas!" in bold red font.

Struggling with Christmas and ME? You’re Not Alone 💙

Christmas used to mean laughter, lights, and being surrounded by the people I love. But since being diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, the festive season has become one of the hardest times of the year. While the world celebrates, many of us are left in the shadows—alone, in pain, and unseen. If this Christmas feels more like survival than celebration, please know this: you are not alone. I see you. I understand. And if you need someone to talk to, I’m
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Vlogmas

A Cuddly Labrador, A Sneezy Labrador, and a Very Funny Labrador – Vlogmas Days 14 & 15

Join me for Vlogmas Days 14 & 15 as I share festive moments with Alfie the cuddly Black Labrador, catch up on his advent calendar, and reveal a brilliant Christmas coffee deal! Through the highs and lows of chronic illness, I’m raising awareness of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis—one cosy, cuddly day at a time.
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Illustration of a tired woman sitting in bed, holding her head in pain, with a sad cartoon brain above her. Surrounded by symptoms such as pain, brain fog, muscle weakness, sleep problems, dizziness, and post-exertional malaise. The background features stars, a moon, and the text "Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired".

The Government Has a Plan – But Is It Too Late for Us?

Feeling "sick and tired of being sick and tired"? Discover the real symptoms of life with ME/CFS and why awareness and support matter more than ever.
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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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