A LYDBROOK man who suffers chronic fatigue is writing a book about his experience to raise awareness and help others living with the condition.
For the last 10 years, Stuart Allison has battled with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) which, at one point, left him housebound. His book ME and me. Chronic Fatigue: My Recovery After 10 Years is both a memoir and a guide for sufferers and their carers.
"I have tried to explain the effects of the condition on me and my family, friends, work colleagues and others who know me," said Stuart. "There are short sections from my wife and daughter as well. My intention is to educate those who don't understand the condition, help carers, and give sufferers some hope, as I have now fully-recovered after having the condition for ten years.
"(In the beginning) my GP was sympathetic and understanding, but offered no real help. I was forced to reduce my work hours and couldn't take part in activities such as badminton and my walking was severely reduced."
Stuart has written the book under the name Stuart Aken and intends to donate half of the profits made from sales to Action For ME, which empowers sufferers to fulfil their potential and secure the care and support they need, while working towards a greater understanding of the illness and ultimately a cure.
Stuart added: "I'm currently in the last stages of designing a suitable cover. Once it is ready, copies will be available through all retailers and I intend to publish a digital version on Kindle. All details will be on my website at http://www.stuart-aken.net"">www.stuart-aken.net"
A key feature of ME is the body's inability to recover after expending even small amounts of energy such as showering and dressing.
Stuart added: "There were a number of occasions, especially during the early years, when I was effectively housebound for days on end.
"Although my wife and daughter were constantly supportive, some members of my family had no clue about the reality of the condition and seemed to think I could continue to lead a more or less normal life.
"There were also other GPs in the joint practice who were clearly sceptical about the condition."