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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.
Illustrated image of a smiling green bookworm wearing glasses and a graduation cap, sitting on colourful books. Text reads: “Book Recommendations for People with ME/CFS, Endometriosis, Chronic Illnesses & More.”

Book Recommendations for People with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS)

Looking for books that support, empower, and inform life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS)? Discover my top recommendations — from medical guides and personal memoirs to mental health must-reads. These titles helped me advocate for myself, understand my symptoms, and feel less alone. A must-read list for anyone navigating chronic illness.
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Alisha rests her head with eyes closed next to a display of Kitsch haircare and beauty products, including claw clips, satin scrunchies, and packaging. Overlay text reads “/kit-sch/ Haul” in playful fonts.

KITSCH Unboxing | Self-Care, Sleep & Haircare Tips for Chronic Illness

Join me as I unbox a gorgeous PR package from Kitsch, featuring haircare and self-care essentials perfect for life with chronic illness. From satin pillowcases to the holy grail claw clip for thick hair, I share honest thoughts on how each item supports my daily routine living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. This heartfelt video blends unboxing, ASMR, and a behind-the-scenes look at my life as a disabled content creator.
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Illustration of a woman sitting cross-legged on a cushion, holding a warm cup of tea with a relaxed expression, accompanied by the text: “Could a Cuppa Tea help with your pain symptoms?”

Could Tea Help Your Pain Symptoms?

Could something as simple as a cup of tea offer relief from chronic pain? In this post, we explore the research-backed benefits of peppermint and other herbal teas in managing symptoms of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Endometriosis, IBS, and more. Discover which teas help, how they work, and the traditional wisdom behind these natural remedies — plus a few personal stories and favourites along the way.
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Illustration showing mitochondria with expressions and a woman in bed with a low battery icon, representing energy depletion in ME/CFS. Designed for a blog post about Dr Paul Hwang’s research on mitochondrial dysfunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

Dr Paul Hwang and ME/CFS: A Glimmer of Hope in the Research World

Dr Paul Hwang's latest ME/CFS research offers new hope for those living with chronic fatigue. Discover how his unexpected findings on mitochondria and the WASF3 protein could reshape our understanding of energy production in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis—and why this matters for millions still waiting to be heard.
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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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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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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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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 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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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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