Recognise ME: Memoir documenting the raw journey through medical gaslighting as a chronic illness patient

by Anneke Vliegen

MEDICAL GASLIGHTING MEMOIR by author Anneke Vliegen, diagnosed with a combination of chronic, rare, barely visible and fluctuating diseases.

Anneke describes her journey to happiness, after a misdiagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) brought her condescendence, humiliation and neglect. For twenty years, this medical gaslighting continued until she was close to death. The discovery of adrenal insufficiency, lupus and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) led to improved care and respect.

The medical world had heard Anneke’s hooves, and assumed she needed to be treated like a horse. It turned out she was a zebra - one of the exceptions to the rules. There are all sorts of hooved species which get missed or mistreated. Shame and guilt stop many from sharing their experience. By telling her story Anneke hopes to raise awareness. It offers recognition, insight and hope. Prevention and a more effective therapeutic process are the aim.

Readers are

"I've never started to read a book that I could identify with as much as this!" - Shelley Knight - ME, fibromyalgia and MCAS patient

"I would recommend this book to anyone living with or those who know someone living with a chronic condition" - Lizzy Kee - Occupational Therapist and EDS patient

"It was so compelling and I learnt such a lot. I was right there with Anneke's family at every step. The writing is great; clear, lively and engaging" - Tracey Martin - Carer and Quaker advocacy representative

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2024

Reviews

[Courtney Perrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story!

This book was an amazing source for anyone with chronic illness or autoimmune diseases. I could not put it down all night long. Anneke is such a huge inspiration. Totally worth the read. I promise.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This synopsis alone is powerful and moving. Anneke’s story shines a light on something so many people with chronic and rare conditions experience but often struggle to put into words being dismissed, misdiagnosed, or not taken seriously by the medical system. What stands out to me is the resilience and hope woven into her journey, even after years of neglect. The zebra metaphor is such a striking way to illustrate how easily rare conditions can be overlooked. This feels like an important and necessary read, not only for patients who may see themselves reflected in her experience, but also for medical professionals and caregivers who want to better understand. Uplifting, honest, and full of awareness I’d definitely recommend it.

[Peter Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

An impressive intimate view on rare chronic illness and the relentless pain caused not only by the failing body but also from the stupidity of the processes that should help you fight it. Reading the struggle for optimism in this beautiful narratives leaves you wondering how they managed to get here.

[Diana]

An important read to bring awareness to the challenges and strategies of navigating life with chronic illness and rare / invisible conditions.

[Catherine Naughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read for anyone who likes a lively memoir where you also learn a lot. It's lively and humorous while, at the same time giving you on insight into what it's like to live with an undiagnosed illness. Highly recommended.