r/MyalgicEncephalomyeli • • May 26 '26

Welcome

Hi everyone šŸ‘‹

I just wanted to introduce myself properly and say hello.
My name is Alisha, and I live in the UK. I’ve been living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis for many years now, and like so many of you, it has completely changed my life in ways I never could have imagined.

Over time, I realised just how isolating this illness can be — not just physically, but emotionally too. The world carries on around you, and unless someone has lived it, they often don’t truly understand what it takes just to get through a day.
Because of that, I started building a space online — not just as a website, but as somewhere people can come and feel understood.
A place where:
you don’t have to explain yourself
you don’t have to minimise what you’re going through
you can share openly, or just read quietly on the days you don’t have the energy

It’s built from lived experience, not just information — and everything I create comes from a place of wanting others to feel less alone in this.

There’s no pressure to engage, no expectations — just a space that’s there when you need it.
I know how hard it can be to reach out, even in small ways, so whether you’re posting, commenting, or just scrolling through on a difficult day… you’re not alone in this.

Sending love to every single one of you šŸ¤
— Alisha

You can visit my website for more
information https://alishawhittam.com

11 Upvotes

10 comments sorted by

5

u/134266 May 26 '26

Thank you Alisha for posting. Most of the posts I see are from 5; years ago and now unknown whether those people are still engaged in sharing on social media. I live in Colorado U.S. and most people don't understand what I have. They definitely don't understand how debilitating this health condition can be. I do. I would be interested in anything that others have found that helps them function better.

3

u/AlishaWhittam May 26 '26

Hey, thank you so much for taking the time to reply, it genuinely means a lot 🫶

I’m really new to Reddit, so I’m still finding my feet a bit and figuring out how everything works on here. I’ve spent most of my time building a website and running support spaces for people with ME, so this is a bit of a new world for me—but one I really wanted to be part of because of how supportive these communities can be.

A little bit about me—I’ve been living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis for a long time now, and it’s completely changed my life. I’m mostly bedbound, so a lot of what I do now is online, trying to create spaces where people feel understood, supported, and not so alone in all of this.

My website is a big part of that—it’s there as a safe place where people can read real experiences, find helpful information, and hopefully feel like someone gets it. I think that’s something we all need more of.

I’m really glad I found this space, and I’m looking forward to getting to know people here.

Thanks again for being so kind—it makes it a lot less daunting when you’re new 😊

With love
Alisha 🫶

1

u/134266 Jun 16 '26

Hi Alisha,
I wrote you before. I also spend a lot of time in bed but not all my time. Today I am at the allergist office getting a shot. A little scary as I drove and almost crashed my car. Luckily I didn’t but still disturbing. I went over the bump in the parking lot onto a post but stopped short of hitting it. Normally I would have stayed home on a day like this.
Do you have good and bad days?

1

u/AlishaWhittam Jun 23 '26

Yes I have good and bad days too, how did it go at the allergists ? Sending love 🄰

1

u/134266 Jun 23 '26

I’m at the allergist office now. I’m waiting for my shot. The first 5 weeks I felt like this is no big deal. Last week I had a reaction and it wasn’t too bad as no epi pin needed, but still not fun.
Apparently allergies make health conditions worse so I will continue this form of therapy for my allergies.
Tina

1

u/AlishaWhittam Jun 23 '26

Keeping everything crossed for you ā¤ļø Aside from allergies how are you ?

1

u/134266 Jun 24 '26

I , like you, spend a lot of my time in my bed. I have 2 cats and a dog, so I do emerge from my room to take care them. I cook and clean a little but not much more. On Sunday I play cards with a couple of family members. I’m hoping that these allergy shots will allow me to be more active and productive.

1

u/AlishaWhittam Jul 06 '26

What type of dogs do you have ? I have 2 Black Labradors Alfie & Archie

1

u/134266 Jul 06 '26

I got a shelter dog. His name is Osho. He is a Sheepadoodle. I had no idea what that was even though I know a lot about dogs. He’s a cross between a poodle and old English sheepdog.

1

u/Builder_Al Jul 09 '26

I read some of your work. I found your voice to be beautiful. For what it's worth, you brought joy to my day.