The web already contains plenty of blogs about ME/CFIDS, some of which are, apparently, award winners. Most have already been in existence for years. Would mine just be white noise? Probably. Would I just be giving myself another assignment at a time when I should be reducing my responsibilities? Yes. But I decided to go through with it anyway, for a few reasons.
1. I've been obsessive about researching ME and its treatments, but the available information is scattered, confusing and, often conflicting. This is my attempt to organize and digest my own findings. Sure, I could keep a regular log, but the illusion that someone might actually read my Blog will, hopefully, keep me motivated.
2. I've been sending regular email updates to my family and friends without knowing whether, at times, it's too much information. I don't want my family and friends to feel like it's a homework assignment; like they have to read it. This way, they can check in with the blog when/if they want.
3. It will be cathartic.
4. I don't see any other ME blogs by 35 year old male attorneys from California. So I've got that demographic locked down! Kidding.
5. And finally, I'm trying to make lemonade out of a rotting pile of manure here. Most of my former hobbies, like surfing and jogging, involved levels of activity that are now impossible or, at least, unwise. So I need to replace those things with static activities, and sitting at a desk typing happens to be something I can still do. So here's to a new "adventure"!
Excellent reasons, and equally excellent blog!
ReplyDeleteAnd don't discount the idea that your blog will have an impact on people! It may take time, but one day you may be shocked to see a post go "viral" amongst the patient community. This happened to me in January, where, ironically, a post I wrote that was directed at my brother, explaining my situation one more time, took off & was shared & shared & continues to be shared. I went from an average of 50 views per post to one that's, to date, been viewed by over 1200!
Out of that one post have come more friends dealing with ME, some of whom had not ever connected with anyone like themselves. They were isolated, and in some cases, in despair & desperation. I made a difference in their lives, and continue to.
When my life has changed so drastically that 95% of my day is in bed, its really hard to justify, sometimes, on the really bad days, "sticking around." But knowing I'm making a difference has been incredibly gratifying.
There are many ME blogs, but each offers something slightly different. Your blog is a gift to the community of fellow PWME's. Thank you for writing it, and organizing things the way you do.
Take care,
Ash