Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

7 Surprising Truths When Celebrities Talk About Chronic Illness That Everyday Spoonies Know Too Well

When Celebrities Talk About Chronic Illness, Don’t Forget About Everyday Spoonies When celebrities talk about chronic illness, headlines follow. Social media buzzes. Interviews go viral. For a brief moment, the world listens. But as the attention fades, what remains for the millions of people who live daily with invisible conditions? These individuals, known lovingly in the chronic illness community as “spoonies,” are often left behind in the narrative, quietly managing symptoms, navigating medical systems, and…

by chronicillness•05/04/202508/22/2025•0

10 Eye-Opening Lessons I Learned When My Mother-in-Law Said, ‘I Hope You Feel Better Soon’

What I Realized When My Mother-in-Law Said, “I Hope You Feel Better Soon” There are some phrases that float past us so often they become background noise. “Take care.” “Feel better.” “Let me know if you need anything.” But every so often, one of these phrases lands with weight. That’s what happened when my mother-in-law quietly said, “I hope you feel better soon.” It was a simple statement, but it revealed far more than sympathy.…

by chronicillness•05/04/202508/22/2025•0

Why Spoonies Need to Forgive Themselves for Not Sticking to a Routine and Embrace Flexibility Instead

Dear Spoonies, It’s Time to Forgive Yourself If You Can’t Keep a Routine For many, routines are the backbone of success. Wake up early, exercise, plan your meals, check your goals. The world praises discipline, consistency, and structure. But for spoonies—those living with chronic illnesses—the pressure to maintain a perfect routine can feel not only overwhelming but impossible. When your energy is limited, your symptoms unpredictable, and your body often working against you, sticking to…

by chronicillness•05/04/202508/22/2025•0

Knowing When to Walk Away: The Hard Truth About Breaking Up With Your Doctor

When It’s Time to ‘Break Up’ With Your Doctor In theory, your doctor should be your partner in health—someone who listens, respects, and supports your journey toward wellness. But in reality, not all doctor-patient relationships work out the way they should. Sometimes, despite years of visits and trust, the relationship no longer serves your needs. And just like any other relationship, there may come a time when you have to walk away. Breaking up with…

by chronicillness•05/04/202508/22/2025•0

The Unspoken Weight of Wearing My Disability Blue Badge on the Train

How It Feels to Wear My Disability Blue Badge on the Train When I board a train wearing my disability blue badge, I’m not just carrying a plastic card or lanyard. I’m carrying the invisible weight of judgment, assumptions, and sometimes even shame. That small symbol, intended to offer support and recognition, can feel more like a spotlight than a shield. And yet, I wear it—because I have to. Disability, especially when it’s invisible, invites…

by chronicillness•05/04/202508/22/2025•0

Shedding Light on Fibromyalgia and Neuroinflammation: A New Understanding of Chronic Pain

Introduction: The Hidden Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Neuroinflammation Fibromyalgia has long been classified as a chronic pain disorder, but new research suggests that its origins may lie in the brain and immune system rather than the muscles and joints. One emerging theory points to neuroinflammation, a condition where the brain and nervous system become inflamed, potentially leading to amplified pain signals, fatigue, and cognitive issues. Understanding the role of neuroinflammation in fibromyalgia could transform treatment…

by Dr Alex Robber•03/30/202508/22/2025•0

Dysautonomia Syndrome in People with Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Hidden Connection

Introduction Fibromyalgia is widely recognized as a chronic pain disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. However, many individuals with fibromyalgia also experience unexplained symptoms like dizziness, irregular heartbeat, temperature sensitivity, and digestive issues. These symptoms often point to a coexisting condition known as dysautonomia syndrome, a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Dysautonomia impacts the body’s ability to regulate heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and body temperature, creating a complex and often debilitating overlap…

by Dr Alex Robber•03/22/202508/22/2025•0

The Latest Research on Fibromyalgia and Autoimmune Diseases

Introduction Fibromyalgia and autoimmune diseases have long been subjects of medical debate due to their overlapping symptoms and complex causes. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues, while autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Although fibromyalgia is not classified as an autoimmune disorder, research suggests a potential connection between immune dysfunction and fibromyalgia symptoms. With ongoing studies exploring the links between these conditions, scientists are…

by Dr Alex Robber•03/12/202508/22/2025•0

Unseen Struggles: Unveiling the Hidden Symptoms of Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia

Introduction Fibromyalgia is often associated with its most well-known symptom: widespread pain. However, beneath the surface lies a multitude of hidden symptoms that can significantly impact the lives of those suffering from this chronic condition. These invisible struggles are just as debilitating as the physical pain, yet they often go unnoticed and misunderstood. This article delves into the hidden symptoms of chronic pain and fibromyalgia, shedding light on the less visible aspects of these conditions…

by Dr Alex Robber•07/11/202408/22/2025•1

Sir Tom Clarke’s Remarkable Recovery: Triumph Over ME/CFS in the Early 1990s

Introduction Sir Tom Clarke, a distinguished British politician, has had a long and influential career in public service. However, in the early 1990s, his life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Despite the debilitating nature of the condition, Clarke made a remarkable recovery and continued to serve with dedication and resilience. His journey with ME/CFS highlights his determination and commitment to overcoming adversity. Sir Tom Clarke’s Political…

by Dr Alex Robber•06/13/202408/22/2025•0