As I leapt energetically at the front of my aerobics class, sweat poured off me. ‘Great work today, ladies!’ I beamed. It was August 2004 and my new aerobics business was going well. I’d started out four months earlier after a career change from my job in the public sector, and now I was leading nine classes per week.
‘And remember, 20 minutes of exercise a day – however you get it!’ I winked at my class. Aged 31, I was as active between the sheets with my partner as I was leading my aerobics class. But as I packed up my kit, I knew there would be none of that tonight. I had a sore throat and figuring I had a bug, I decided on a few early nights.
Instead, weeks passed and I only felt worse. I was permanently exhausted and my muscles burned. I could barely get out of bed, let alone run an aerobics class, and I gradually taught fewer and fewer classes.
The GP couldn’t work out what was wrong. After two years of tests – and constant exhaustion and pain, I was diagnosed in summer 2006 with myalgic encephalomyelitis, known as ME, and fibromyalgia – a chronic condition that causes full body pain.
Struggling with the reality of my disabilities, my relationship broke down and I needed a carer.
Life was tough – and incredibly lonely. Just after my diagnosis, aged 34, a new carer arrived. ‘Let’s get you sorted, eh?’ she smiled, pulling on her rubber gloves to give me a wash. She was kind and professional but the minute she left, I burst into tears.
This story is from the February 06, 2023 edition of WOMAN'S OWN.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 06, 2023 edition of WOMAN'S OWN.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SCAMMED OUT OF THOUSANDS
When Susan realised her mum had fallen prey to cold-call fraudsters, she was too late to stop it
'I CHOSE MONEY OVER LOVE'
BS Alison Hammond on her career, love life and why she thinks she’s Beyoncé…
'I WAS IN TEARS'
Are things getting too much for Richard and Judy?
GONE IN A HEARTBEAT
Catherine Heffernan, 40, was resting after her night shift when a knock at the door changed her life forever
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on the lottery, Gen Z and clumsy husbands
HOUSE OF HORRORS REVISITED
Three decades on, we take a look back at the heinous crimes of Fred and Rose West
MAGICAL MADEIRA
This North Atlantic island is the ultimate yearround destination for sunshine and flowers
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Jazz up family favourites with some store-cupboard magic
BODY TRANSFORMATION
Woman's Own looks at how the star has gone from being 'allergic to exercise' to showing off her abs on holiday...
HOW MUCH CLUTTER ARE YOU HOARDING?
Hoping for a bit of a reset Carol Driver, 47, decided to declutter, but it was harder than she thought