In this podcast, Anne Wilson talks with Dr Steven Sommer and his partner Tori. Steven and Tori live in Geelong Victoria. Steven graduated from medical school in 1984 and became a GP in 1991. He began teaching stress management in the early 90s while practicing and lecturing at Monash University’s Department of General Practice.
Recognising the need amongst his patients and medical students, he began teaching them meditation techniques to manage their stress. Soon he found himself presenting widely and he was appointed president of the Whole Health Institute of Australasia. A major health crisis in 1996 led to him relinquishing all his roles until 2007 when he returned to general practice and teaching at Deakin University Medical School. Further health crises in 2011, left him unable to continue as a practitioner. Since, Steven has been sharing his ideas and insights through writing, and now in this podcast, collaborating uplifting story – from doctor to patient to doctor again – while living with ME/CFS.
I have severe MECFS since 94 I’m now a senior and about 80 percent bedridden I’m happy to hear that more research is being done. Yes it is a isolating disease I only go to Dr visits which is very hard to do. I did have what I refer to as a semi healing went from bedbound to could function drive shop church house work but in my own way and time with some bad days. That all stopped in 2012 after taking cipro getting flouroquine toxicity. I think I need a carer but don’t qualify here in US because I can dress myself. Thank you Dr sommor and tori for all you do to bring light to MECFS. It’s so tiring when a Dr ask what is that makes my head spin how do you answer that in 30 seconds well I recently was hospitolized while there the nurses and even a Dr called it autoimmune disease I since have found when someone ask what’s wrong with you I say I have a autoimmune disease they are like oh OK. Because they are now thinking it may be just that. Steve I understand the hurt so well from family way back when I first got it especially my husband of 17 years left divorced and alot of other family members just were not there for me.. I’m hoping for a better level of health again.
Oh my goodness i’m so sorry to hear this. It’s a horrible complaint. There’s no words for it. You learn to live with it as best as you can. As a doctor. I think you should write a book to give to medical staff because there’s not many doctors or professionals that believe you when you say you ve got fibre, and ME Thank you for telling us your story. Good luck in everything you do sending love and hugs