Help Ellie Heal
Donation protected
Thank you for taking a moment to read my appeal.
I'm very grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness for anyone suffering with a chronic illness regardless of possible donations. The NHS are a wonderful institution, but funding is limited to those suffering a chronic condition and it is often left up to the individual to look for alternative healing methods.
I'm Ellie.
I am 24 years old and have been incapacitated with Post Viral Fatigue/M.E/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) since September 2019. Prior to this I was a very active, physically fit person who led a very full (if often hectic) life. I was studying for a BA (Hons) Acting degree at Falmouth University, plus attending workshops/dance classes/going to the gym/performing in shows and holding down two part time jobs.
After a few months of feeling increasingly tired in May 2019 (which I put down to finals at Uni/Graduation), I succumbed to a 'superbug' infection called Klebsiella Pneumoniae. The doctors were both shocked and confused as to why I had caught it and I was prescribed 3 courses of antibiotics over a 3-week period to get rid of it.
The moment I felt better I bounced straight back to performing most evenings and working my part time jobs during the day. Within 2 weeks I was literally felled by severe flu like symptoms and had to stop everything. This hasn't left me.
My symptoms are extreme fatigue, headaches, sinusitis, earaches, sore eyes, brain fog/cognitive function, flu-like symptoms, dizziness, muscular aches and pains, numbness, heightened sensitivity to light and noise, vertigo, low mood & acute anxiety. This is daily to a greater or lesser extent, sometimes resulting in a ‘crash’ where I am literally bed bound for days.
I have been to the doctor many times with these symptoms but despite numerous blood tests nothing has been flagged up aside from low blood pressure and I'm just told to go home and rest.
I left my home in Cornwall to go and recuperate with my family back in Kent because I simply couldn't look after myself.
During the past 6 months I have researched CFS extensively searching for a 'cure'. The NHS have very little in place to help people in my position and what there is has a very long waiting list.
So, I have read books, I have listened to podcasts, I have contacted numerous people in similar situations through social media platforms and I now realise there is no 'cure' but rather a system of many 'ingredients' which when combined make an enormous difference to recovery. I have developed a routine all by myself which helps me get through each day without a 'crash' - this is very basic as it is all I can manage but includes meditation and journaling, avoiding over –stimulation and stressful situations, eating a healthy diet (avoiding red meat/dairy/gluten/caffeine/alcohol/refined sugar) and trying to get some fresh air daily.
However, continuing to do this all on my own is not enough, and I have realised I need some structured, specialist treatment if I am to improve. I am currently receiving CBT sessions on the NHS but this is limited to 6 x 30 minute phone consultations twice monthly (I have 3 sessions left).
Through my own research I have discovered an award winning clinic in London which specialises in M.E/CFS. The Optimum Health Clinic (OHC) is a registered charity and treats clients in person, or over Skype/Facetime.
There are many free podcasts and video clips available from the founder Alex Howard (Alex Howard TV) and his words and testimonials have already made a huge impact on my recovery and given me hope and encouragement where I previously had none.
Their treatment includes one to one sessions which cover nutrition/psychology/building a routine/coping with crashes and flare ups, and provides specialist weekly support.
The OHC offers 3 programmes -
A Nutrition programme - £260 for initial consultation then £150 per further hour (x 2 follow up sessions = £300)
Individual Psychology programme - £725 discounted to £545 for a limited period.
Further one to one sessions £125 (x 6 = £750)
90 day programme £625
Additionally, alternative therapies such as acupuncture and reiki are well documented to improve energy and alleviate stress and anxiety.
Acupuncture treatments are usually between £35 - £50 a session and providing I am able to return to Cornwall I have treatment lined up with Jill Mcgovan (who has much experience treating M.E/CFS patients) at Green Oasis Acupuncture, Falmouth . I would need approximately 10 sessions and would like to explore chinese medicine with her.
10 × 35 = £350
TOTAL Treatment £2830
ANY donations towards the above treatment would be INCREDIBLE.
I am confident I would benefit hugely from these treatments and would be able return to Cornwall secure in the knowledge I have a support network in place. I am positive returning to a life where I could possibly start to work one day a week initially would hugely improve my mental health and give me purpose and independence.
I must give a shout out here to Rob, my boss at The Natural Store in Falmouth for facilitating my rest, paying my sick pay and being so patient.
Without it I would have lost my home.
Thank you Rob.
However, returning to work one day a week initially means I would lose my benefit entitlement. I will not be able to pay my rent or feed myself on one days wages per week so ANY donations in this regard would be so helpful whilst I am undergoing treatment.
It is difficult to estimate how long the treatment would be for before properly returning to work, but I have estimated living costs of £1500+ and I have added a small cost for buying vitamin and mineral supplements.
The TOTAL for my appeal is
£4500
I humbly ask you to consider donating ANY amount without feeling pressurised to do so.
Your prayers and thoughts are gratefully received with love too. I would be SO thankful. ANY money kindly gifted will be spent solely on my recovery and treatments such as those listed above.
There is no specific time line or deadline as such, but I feel I have gone as far as I can in my recovery without specialist support, so the sooner I can start on my OHC journey the better. I will post updates regularly.
Please know that asking for help has taken a lot of thought and a great deal of courage. I am fiercely independent and becoming dependent again on my family and accepting my condition has been terribly challenging.
I want to take this opportunity to thank those truly beautiful people who have been there in my darkest hours and who have consistently shown such love, patience and understanding. I know how challenging it can be to be around someone who is sick and I just want you to know your kindness and humour is so appreciated.
You know who you are and I love you so much. I will always be indebted to you and I will always have your back. ❤
Finally, to my loving family, especially my mum, without whom I would have sunk. You saved me and I love you all so very much.
I'm very grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness for anyone suffering with a chronic illness regardless of possible donations. The NHS are a wonderful institution, but funding is limited to those suffering a chronic condition and it is often left up to the individual to look for alternative healing methods.
I'm Ellie.
I am 24 years old and have been incapacitated with Post Viral Fatigue/M.E/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) since September 2019. Prior to this I was a very active, physically fit person who led a very full (if often hectic) life. I was studying for a BA (Hons) Acting degree at Falmouth University, plus attending workshops/dance classes/going to the gym/performing in shows and holding down two part time jobs.
After a few months of feeling increasingly tired in May 2019 (which I put down to finals at Uni/Graduation), I succumbed to a 'superbug' infection called Klebsiella Pneumoniae. The doctors were both shocked and confused as to why I had caught it and I was prescribed 3 courses of antibiotics over a 3-week period to get rid of it.
The moment I felt better I bounced straight back to performing most evenings and working my part time jobs during the day. Within 2 weeks I was literally felled by severe flu like symptoms and had to stop everything. This hasn't left me.
My symptoms are extreme fatigue, headaches, sinusitis, earaches, sore eyes, brain fog/cognitive function, flu-like symptoms, dizziness, muscular aches and pains, numbness, heightened sensitivity to light and noise, vertigo, low mood & acute anxiety. This is daily to a greater or lesser extent, sometimes resulting in a ‘crash’ where I am literally bed bound for days.
I have been to the doctor many times with these symptoms but despite numerous blood tests nothing has been flagged up aside from low blood pressure and I'm just told to go home and rest.
I left my home in Cornwall to go and recuperate with my family back in Kent because I simply couldn't look after myself.
During the past 6 months I have researched CFS extensively searching for a 'cure'. The NHS have very little in place to help people in my position and what there is has a very long waiting list.
So, I have read books, I have listened to podcasts, I have contacted numerous people in similar situations through social media platforms and I now realise there is no 'cure' but rather a system of many 'ingredients' which when combined make an enormous difference to recovery. I have developed a routine all by myself which helps me get through each day without a 'crash' - this is very basic as it is all I can manage but includes meditation and journaling, avoiding over –stimulation and stressful situations, eating a healthy diet (avoiding red meat/dairy/gluten/caffeine/alcohol/refined sugar) and trying to get some fresh air daily.
However, continuing to do this all on my own is not enough, and I have realised I need some structured, specialist treatment if I am to improve. I am currently receiving CBT sessions on the NHS but this is limited to 6 x 30 minute phone consultations twice monthly (I have 3 sessions left).
Through my own research I have discovered an award winning clinic in London which specialises in M.E/CFS. The Optimum Health Clinic (OHC) is a registered charity and treats clients in person, or over Skype/Facetime.
There are many free podcasts and video clips available from the founder Alex Howard (Alex Howard TV) and his words and testimonials have already made a huge impact on my recovery and given me hope and encouragement where I previously had none.
Their treatment includes one to one sessions which cover nutrition/psychology/building a routine/coping with crashes and flare ups, and provides specialist weekly support.
The OHC offers 3 programmes -
A Nutrition programme - £260 for initial consultation then £150 per further hour (x 2 follow up sessions = £300)
Individual Psychology programme - £725 discounted to £545 for a limited period.
Further one to one sessions £125 (x 6 = £750)
90 day programme £625
Additionally, alternative therapies such as acupuncture and reiki are well documented to improve energy and alleviate stress and anxiety.
Acupuncture treatments are usually between £35 - £50 a session and providing I am able to return to Cornwall I have treatment lined up with Jill Mcgovan (who has much experience treating M.E/CFS patients) at Green Oasis Acupuncture, Falmouth . I would need approximately 10 sessions and would like to explore chinese medicine with her.
10 × 35 = £350
TOTAL Treatment £2830
ANY donations towards the above treatment would be INCREDIBLE.
I am confident I would benefit hugely from these treatments and would be able return to Cornwall secure in the knowledge I have a support network in place. I am positive returning to a life where I could possibly start to work one day a week initially would hugely improve my mental health and give me purpose and independence.
I must give a shout out here to Rob, my boss at The Natural Store in Falmouth for facilitating my rest, paying my sick pay and being so patient.
Without it I would have lost my home.
Thank you Rob.
However, returning to work one day a week initially means I would lose my benefit entitlement. I will not be able to pay my rent or feed myself on one days wages per week so ANY donations in this regard would be so helpful whilst I am undergoing treatment.
It is difficult to estimate how long the treatment would be for before properly returning to work, but I have estimated living costs of £1500+ and I have added a small cost for buying vitamin and mineral supplements.
The TOTAL for my appeal is
£4500
I humbly ask you to consider donating ANY amount without feeling pressurised to do so.
Your prayers and thoughts are gratefully received with love too. I would be SO thankful. ANY money kindly gifted will be spent solely on my recovery and treatments such as those listed above.
There is no specific time line or deadline as such, but I feel I have gone as far as I can in my recovery without specialist support, so the sooner I can start on my OHC journey the better. I will post updates regularly.
Please know that asking for help has taken a lot of thought and a great deal of courage. I am fiercely independent and becoming dependent again on my family and accepting my condition has been terribly challenging.
I want to take this opportunity to thank those truly beautiful people who have been there in my darkest hours and who have consistently shown such love, patience and understanding. I know how challenging it can be to be around someone who is sick and I just want you to know your kindness and humour is so appreciated.
You know who you are and I love you so much. I will always be indebted to you and I will always have your back. ❤
Finally, to my loving family, especially my mum, without whom I would have sunk. You saved me and I love you all so very much.
Organizer
Eleanor Hawkes
Organizer