Hi guys - just a quick one. I'm helping somebody fund-raise for a charity looking to establish in depth research into M.E. For anyone that doesn't know, M.E. is a chronic neurological condition that leaves the sufferer with no energy, joint and muscle pain which for the most part is completely unexplainable and a compromised immune system, as well as a host of other unpleasant symptoms. I can vouch for the ultimate... well, there is no other word, "crappiness" (which is not a word, but I won't tell if you won't) of this condition, as I suffer from fibromyalgia, which is essentially M.E. but with more focus on the pain.

As far as medical research has reckoned so far, they are almost essentially the same, so treatments are similar. For most people, they don't work - I've been lucky to have improvements but most aren't. Finding relief for the most part requires a complete lifestyle change, diet, exercise, pretty much everything. Most people can't work. It really, really... there's no words really, so instead I shall just say "flarg".

But yes. Waffling aside, funds are being raised to actually start researching properly and hopefully turn some lives around. If anyone wants to donate, here's a link "Why thank you, I'm a link", however, if not, it's always good to raise awareness.

Love to all xxxx

~ le bump ~


(*holds Pretty Pony Piggyback up to his ear, gives it a shake*)

Talking of piggy banks... here's possibly the creepiest one in existence. I have one.

Here in New Zealand we have ANZIMES (Associated New Zealand ME Society) which has helped many sufferers of this horrible (and often misunderstood) condition since 1980. It also supports medical research.
In the 80's this condition was very prevalent in a small New Zealand town called Tapanui, and it is often referred to as Tapanui Flu. There were those who denied its very existance at the start - and people were told by medical people to 'snap out of it'.
I personally have known two people diagnosed with this condition. One appears to have has recovered completely - the other one has not.

On May 10th a CHARITABLE TRUST was launched here in NZ after a couple of years negotiation which will provide no-cost services to all sufferers here. "The economic cost to each family with a sufferer has been estimated to be in the region of NZ$30-40,000 per year."

Thanks for your post Gemma. The more people who know about and understand these conditions the better it is for everyone and you are in a position to make it clear to others that you are essentially normal everyday people who are unfortunately plagued by a life-changing condition.
Hugs x

I also have ME, also known as fibromyalgia, and I thank you, Gemma, for posting this. As Lyn has said, it's very life-altering.... so I think I'll move to NZ, which is WAY ahead of the good old USA in recognizing what a terrible plague it really is for the people who suffer from it!

Haha, I'm considering it now too! As the UK is behind the US in their research, I'm sure you can gather just how bad it is here for treatment :P

Diagnosed with ME in 2003, I've been donating to one (of two) major UK research sites ever since. Together with the local ME/CFS Clinic, I've now got this life-zapping condition under control much of the time.

But more research into the cause and cure of is still desperately needed.

Anyone interested in the latest UK research can find it here
on the ACTION FOR ME site:
UK RESEARCH

It's just been brought to my attention that the link I have posted there is actually a video of a spider on youtube. I am absolutely baffled as to how this has even happened. I now need to try and find the link I thought I originally posted... ah!!!

I found it. I apologise profusely. Here you go.

On the other hand, if you're not completely phobic, it is quite cute, for a spider.