I've been struggling with how to describe myself of late. Now that I'm back circulating on the ether and in the real world there are lots of questions and comments which I or others make which make me think twice, and it isn't 'brain fog' making me wonder.
The one that is really bugging and which came up most recently when starting this blog and relaunching myself into the Twittersphere is when describing myself in relation to ME.
The phrase I'm currently using is 'ME Sufferer' but I hate the negativity of it. There is enough negative chat on the airwaves and in the press about those of us with ME.
I could go for the bold yet simple 'I have ME'. Hard to miss the point.
I could go with 'I'm recovering from ME' but am I, or have I just learned to manage it sufficiently well to get a slice of my life back? I fear it is also likely to raise expectations, perhaps to unrealistic levels.
I've seen all sorts of other phrases; 'ME fighter', 'ME survivor', 'ME battler', but none of them feel quite right either. Fighting and battling sound like they'd take too much energy.
I think I've talked myself into the simple 'I have ME'. It feels a bit Alcoholics Anonymous but maybe that is no bad thing; stand up and say it loud, if not proud. Slightly ironic that I'm not able to drink alcohol with the ME.
So the next question is where do you put it on your profile? First, then it defines everything else. Last and it seems to dim the importance and impact on your life.
Who knows, and as with all things ME, it seems to be a case of trial and error and see what works for you.
Comments and thoughts welcome.
Ruth
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