‘Cronic Fatique has robbed me of my life’
Woman, 49, tells of her struggle with the illness and what led to the decision to start a foundation.
Retha Viviers, 49 founded the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Cronic Fatigue Syndrome Foundation South Africa (ME CFS Foundation) after she herself got diagnosed with this crippling illness now strives to make others aware.
Viviers tells of her struggle with the illness and what led to the decision to start the foundation.
“M.E./CFS has robbed me of my life on so many levels. I studied extensively at University, had a good career and was always hard working. I started making provision for retirement, took out policies for the children to study and even started a new business with my husband. I managed to still work on and off until 2009.”
But by that time Viviers’ health deteriorated so much that she was unable to work.
She explains the illness as a complex one, where one part of it is that the body does not produce nearly enough energy on a cellular level.
The illness is like a faulty cell phone battery which has to be charged several times during the day and while it is being charged, the phone can’t be used at all.
“This comparison gives one a good idea of how it is living with M.E/CFS. “
Her extreme exhaustion causes her to have to sleep every two to three hours during the day, leaving no time for other activities.
M.E./CFS also affects the brain, nervous system, immune system, stamina, and you experience extreme weakness and always feel unwell. The illness also had a devastating effect on her families finances en causes huge stress in regards with even their daughter’s future. Viviers mentions that patients never look as sick as they are, hence it being called an invisible illness.
Viviers says, “I have founded this Foundation as I have a passion to help others in the same boat. It has become my life goal to help others get the support they deserve for this very debilitating illness. I started a support group on Facebook a few years ago and was humbled by the dire need of so many patients.
“Thanks to the internet I am able to work in between my recharge sessions and together with my partners will be able to run the Foundation. My oldest daughter has joined the Foundation and is doing invaluable work.”
For any assistance, information or donations, please call Retha on 082 444 7247.
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