Educator • Advocate
Get ready for an eye-opening conversation during ME/CFS Awareness Week as Anne Wilson, CEO of Emerge Australia, welcomes Camille Williams, an expert in the field of telehealth nursing and a passionate advocate for individuals living with ME/CFS.
In this insightful podcast episode, Anne and Camille delve into the often misunderstood concept of post-exertional malaise (PEM), a key symptom of ME/CFS and long COVID. Camille, with her unique personal and professional perspective, sheds light on the challenges and misconceptions surrounding PEM, emphasising its distinct nature and differences from fatigue.
PEM is not only triggered by physical and cognitive exertion – everything is causing the battery to be drained. Its manifestation may be immediate or delayed, and it can be unpredictable and difficult to find patterns that are specific to your body. It can take quite a bit of time to figure out the right strategy for you.
Through their discussion, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how PEM can manifest unpredictably, impacting not only physical and cognitive functions but also daily life. The episode explores the societal challenges faced by those with ME/CFS and long COVID, including the struggle for recognition and harmful cultural norms around pushing through illness.
We witness grief and shame frequently in our telehealth calls when people are not able to keep pushing through. We need to do better as a society – it should not be a cultural norm to keep going and to push through – this is extremely problematic for people living with conditions like ME/CFS and long COVID.
Join us as we navigate the complexities of living with these invisible disabilities and discover practical strategies for managing PEM. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone affected by ME/CFS, long COVID, or associated chronic illness, offering valuable insights and a reminder that you are not alone in your journey.
We are grateful for Emerge Australia’s Ambassador Bloom sharing her rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine to open and close our podcasts.
*While recording this podcast episode, we encountered some online connection problems. We apologise for these audio disruptions and appreciate your patience as we strive for a better listening experience.
