Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

This, which I’ll shorten to three capital letters, CFS, is part of the package for those with Multiple Sclerosis, like me.

The same goes for people with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, end stage renal disease and other similar conditions.

Men or women in any socio-economic group and ethnicity can get CFS.

Sadly women, more than men, get CFS – perhaps it’s because we work longer and harder than men and for less pay – that’s just a well-known fact!

I can assure you, it’s not an act to say that God has punished you, which I know from experience, is what many people still believe.

There is also abundant scientific evidence that CFS is a real physiological illness.

I for one have a problem in writing, which is why I’m so grateful for a computer and still use an electronic typewriter - not all of these are in museums!

In order to keep fit, I use weights and exercise in the mornings, as my CFS gets worse as the day progresses.

Even when 1pm approaches, I have visible problems with my balance and co-ordination.

The average family in the UK with a CFS member will lose at least one average wage, which is anything between £16,000 - £25,000 a year.

I love work. To me it justifies my existence on this earth and gives me the chance to contribute to this great country.

I believe in the Union Jack and show this at any given opportunity, which includes having this on my key ring, with the words KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON.

One of the things I will suggest to anyone with CFS is this: STAY AWAY FROM CAFFINE!

I don’t know about the full facts about drinks with coffee, which are plentiful but I can say, also from experience, there is something about caffeine that makes all of us from the above groups, go from bad to worse.

I have to admit, I do love drinking D&G’s Jamaican Ginger Beer. Fizzy drinks, along with tea, also contain the dreaded C (but not as much as coffee) so go easy on these products too.

Also learn how to say no. There will always be someone you know that will try it on. Again: say no!

Also don’t under any circumstances, work for anyone who compromises the rules on health and safety.

You have the same rights as anyone else to be here but you do have a lower immune system than the next person, so if, in anyway, the building you’re expected to work in is compromised, that should set the alarm bells in your head ringing to say, what else are they flouncing?

There are good employers out there, but there are so many dodgy employers out there too, so be careful.

Light and love
Andria

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PS, to see more copies of my work, click here.

So now it’s Health and Safety.

It’s important to read and hear why I feel Mr Cameron is wrong to cut back on this country’s health and safety legislation.

One place I worked at not only failed this regarding a work experience student under the age of 18 years, it failed in this directive for everyone working in this company.

It also failed its legal responsibility to its employees by failing to provide a pension plan and to send us for an eye test every six months - it will soon become clear to me why this is important.

The same went for another employer I once worked as an audio typist, who (and probably still does) have a contract with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

They failed to forward any of us for an eye test (I was an audio typist) but made plans to terminate my employment with them when my typing speed went down.

Three months after I left, through my own initiative, I went for an eye test, which my former employers were legally compelled to do but didn't.

The result? The hospital I attended found out I had the early stages of Multiple Sclerosis. My first attack probably happened at a previous place I worked that also failed to send me for a statutory eye test - in both jobs I was working with computors.

When my former bank, who I can't name for legal reasons, wrote to my former employers about me, they didn’t get a reply.

When they wrote to their parent company about me, they denied employing me.

I have changed from a woman who could work three days and nights straight without a rest - and I was proud of this - to a woman who can’t even handle the cold – MS suffers can’t.
I had ceased counting the years I had worked seven days a week after the third year, as I had no plans to stop this.

I have no choice but to make claims to the DWP to have some money – let's face it, London is an expensive city.

I hope Mr Cameron realises this, when making changed to the “albatross around the neck of British businesses.”

Please note, I would be saying this, regardless of the political party the Prime Minister is from or his/her beliefs.

PS, as I still want to work for a living, please don’t hesitate to view my other site, by clicking here.

Light and Peace

Andria.