To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing in response to the article ‘Not enough hours in a day' (August 26). I do not want to take away anything from this young lady's admirable contributions and achievements, or make any assumptions about her experience of having Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME), but I am concerned that this article presents a very limited view of what it is like to have CFS/ME and how it may be effectively managed.

As someone who was a teenager with CFS/ME, my experience was vastly different to what the article describes. When I 'ignored my fatigue' and pushed through, which I often did because I was stubborn and strong-willed, I always crashed and became severely unwell to the point of being completely bedridden. Participating in debating or sport events always meant days off school afterwards. And that was at my best. My worst was weeks and months at a time off school, largely confined to bed.

I loved school and sport, my family was very active in our local community, and I was passionate about things that I felt were important. It was devastating to not be physically able to do those things. Some teachers and friends didn't believe I was ‘really sick' because when they saw me I looked well and at times I could perform very highly. I didn't know how to explain what I struggled to understand myself, it was often lonely and disheartening.

I absolutely agree with the idea that being committed to things that are important to you is of great value, but this by no means is all it takes to overcome the multiple, complex and often profoundly disabling symptoms of this condition. I am concerned that people will read this article and tell young people they know with CFS/ME to just 'think positive, be committed and ignore the tiredness”, which could be hugely physically and psychologically damaging.

For the many people with severe CFS/ME, ignoring fatigue and other symptoms can quite simply be a physical impossibility. The management of CFS/ME is multifaceted and needs to be specifically tailored to each individual's specific needs. Reclaiming old activities may be possible for some sufferers at certain stages of the condition but for many it takes time and careful management before they can step back into former activities without relapsing.

My message to all teenagers with CFS/ME is: please do not compare yourself to this young lady or anyone else. Believe in yourself, you have your own journey to travel.

To teachers, coaches, schools, and anyone who may be involved in supporting a young person with CFS/ME: please be aware that Michaela Fleming's experience, as described in the article, does not represent what CFS/ME is like for the majority of sufferers. If you know a young person with CFS/ME let them know that they are believed and supported. And to understand more about this complex condition please contact your local CFS/ME support group in your area.

Sincerely,

Megan Rowley, Former Tauranga Resident