Good question! These days, if I’m unwell, it generally relates to my ongoing issues with CFS.

Back in 2018, I got a dose of pneumonia that put me in hospital and then as an outpatient for 6 months. After recovering from that, I developed what disappointingly turned out to be chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). This sequence is apparently not uncommon, but I had no idea I’d still be dealing with the bloody thing in 2025!

These days, I can feel good for weeks or even months, and then slightly overdo it at the gym, for example, and I’m hit with sometimes debilitating fatigue, stomach problems, phantom smells, and neck and joint pain that can last for weeks or months. I’ve grown accustomed to this cycle, but as someone active who hates to waste time lying down, it’s endlessly frustrating.

As a former marathon runner and regular gym goer, it has meant a complete change in lifestyle for me. It impacts my ability to work, exercise, drink alcohol, go shopping and even walk. If I get a cold or flu, it seems to make me sicker than most. Anyone who has experienced this roller coaster knows how frustrating it can be.

These issues, particularly the joint pain and fatigue, have been challenging. Doctors have told me that recovery can take a long time, so I live with it, but remain optimistic that I will, eventually, be cured!