Finding M.E.: An Alternative Guide to Healing M.E./CFS

by Katie Manning

"I was just like you 15 years ago- sleeping for 22 hours a day, unable to move an eyelash because of muscle pain and feeling like I was going slowly insane. I never in a million years thought I'd be able to fully recovery from M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), an illness which often goes by the name of CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)."

In her debut book, 'Finding M.E.', health mentor and writer Katie Manning reveals the unconventional story behind her full recovery from 10 years of chronic illness to a life she thought she'd never experience.

Through her honest and candid story, Katie encourages others to take a completely radical and fresh approach to healing.

This is not your average recovery story, but then again, this is not your average illness. This is a journey from diagnosis through relapse, all the way to recovery via stumbles, set-backs and a sprinkling of spirituality.

"This is me, finding M.E."

96 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2015

Reviews

[Su Hewitt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not the ME/CF S i have and know so well

ME isn't in any way a psychological disease...it takes far more time to diagnose than this book suggests. You cannot exercise or think yourself well,neither do you live anywhere near a life where you can function well enough study,work etc. I know I live that life. I suggest the author suffered from depressive illness.....very misleading. Disappointed, expect better from someone claiming to suffer from an invisible illness.

[Maren Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book could be useful if you are one of those typical overachiever type of person who pushed yourself into some sort of chronic fatigue situation. But for those who does not fit into that category and history, this book does not seem to be very helpful. In fact I'm wondering if it's of any use at all, because what the author describes does not sound like typical debilitating M.E, who in many cases hits a person out of the blue or following a virus infection. She is mostly able to work (and work alot!) while also claiming to have M.E. This is not the case for most people suffering from this disease. Her message is to be true to yourself and take care of yourself. She found her way out of fatigue through some sort of self discovery, self-care route and also talks alot about spiritual health. She talks about negative thoughtpatterns, anxiety for symptoms and how the illness becomes your identify. All of these things are important and valuable, but for alot of patients without the typical history of stress, lack of self care, overachieving and limitless peoplepleasing, spiritual healing is probably not the way out. And to suggest that lack of being true to oneself and self love is the cause of fatigue for all patients suffering from the disease is incredibly stigmatizing and simply not true. But the book is an easy read, its very gently and sympathetically written and could provide hope and insight for those who recognize her story.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short and easy to read

Good short story, excellent advice through I'll health or normal daay to day living. Read this book in one sitting and throughly enjoyed it . Will definitely be taking some of the advice and reading the orginal resource books. love love love.

[Sophia Ciocca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Katie's voice was both inspirational and comforting as I navigate my own journey with CFS/ME. The title is a little misleading -- rather than an "Alternative Guide to Healing", it's a retelling of her own story, which makes it more a memoir than a self-help book. Nonetheless, I enjoyed hearing about her own struggle and her words of wisdom. Her website contains treasure troves of empathetic and helpful articles. I'm deeply thankful to her for writing!

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. I've highlighted a lot in it so I can go back over the points that resonated with me. Hoping I can heal from this illness someday. :]