Story
For over three years, my health has been in swift decline. In spring of 2021, I became almost entirely bedridden. Even chewing was exhausting, and I could no longer hold myself upright. I was finally diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I have begun a program to decrease toxins in my body, which should help symptoms. I have already seen improvement, but it is slow. At the time of my diagnosis, I was our family's sole income provider. I've had to cut my hours down drastically as I can work at most three hours a day. The food and supplements I need are expensive. It's a vicious cycle. I can't work more until I get better. I can't get better unless I eat strictly and take supplements. I can't eat strictly and take supplements unless I make more money by working more. We are transitioning to Paul becoming the full-time provider, but he is limited by his work-related back injury two years ago. We could use meals as I'm too weak to prepare meals and Paul needs to focus on work. We could also use grocery giftcards (with Instacart, we can have Natural Grocers delivered and get some of the healthy fats I'm supposed to take each day). Help with cleaning would also be welcome. But just letting us know we're not alone is huge. I have a hard time asking for help, but I've come to realize that I will not get better unless we have assistance. Thanks for loving us. For more information on ME/CFS, check out these videos and articles: From the Bateman Horne Center in Utah: https://batemanhornecenter.org/education/me-cfs/ https://youtu.be/vQWVZdGm508 From the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/about/index.html One person's experience in a Ted Talk (warning: the severity of some people's ME/CFS can be frightening; I was a bit hauted for a day or two after watching): https://youtu.be/Fb3yp4uJhq0
Special Notes
To help with meals, you can use the care calendar here (GiveInKind account required) or go to https://takethemameal.com/. Use ME/CFS for the password. I've set it so your phone number and email won't be visible to anyone else. Family allergy to peanuts and most tree nuts. Almond and coconut are okay as well as "Made in a facility that also processes peanuts/tree nuts." Annie's specialized diet: Best to eat are organic vegetables, organic fruit, and organic meat (no pork, no seafood). Grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free (butter is okay), sugar-free (honey, maple syrup, stevia, and monk fruit are okay), soy-free, legume-free, potato-free, pork-free. Eggs are okay in most recipes, but egg dishes such as quiche or omelets don't work. Avoid fermented foods. Limit nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant). A few ideas: Daiya frozen pizza; tacos with grain-free tortillas and no cheese or sour cream; creamless soups; meat and veggies; stir fry with riced cauliflower (no soy sauce), smoothies, salads with meats, etc. Snacks are also welcome as well as lunch supplies such as uncured poultry or beef, organic greens, and grain-free tortillas. We can also use some staples such as organic, cold-pressed coconut oil and olive oil and grass-fed butter (I'm supposed to have two tablespoons of each every day).
KIND WORDS & COMMENTS