My Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Recovery Story (4 years to 110% recovered!)

⌚TIMESTAMPS: 0:38 - The non-linear nature of my recovery 1:15 - The '3-factors' needed to crack the code 2:00 - How my CFS diagnosis came about and what the early days were like 2:47 - What symptoms I was experiencing at the time 3:28 - How chronic fatigue affected my work/life 3:42 - My experience with the medical system 4:11 - The Functional Medicine Approach and supplementation 5:02 - How I found the right medical team 5:44 - Melbourne Functional Medicine and how their approach to CFS 6:32 - What they discovered and interventions that helped 07:58 - My Nervous System 'Toolkit'/Resources 12:22 - The 3 key factors that helped me stay motivated 15:33 - My health and energy levels today

Feeling like you have a hangover while having the flu is pretty accurate while also being super frustrated with the medical system.

Thank you for your story, i also listen constantly to recovery stories and dont believe anyone who says you cant get out of this, it is possible, thank you 🙏❤

I really appreciate you jumping right in to your journey. It’s so disheartening when others talk in circles and never really say anything. Thank you

OMG Victoria. To think that I had my RRP in December 2020, right in the middle of your own crisis, spins my head. You still found time to listen, advise and be there. You are one amazing woman. I’m so pleased you are at 110%. Stay healthy and keep up being the legend you are in men’s health. I have a few people I can share this CFS journey with. Thank you for posting.❤ and welcome back! 🎉

Hi Victoria! Congrats on sharing your incredible journey. We discovered you during my husbands prostate ordeal 2 years ago, totally unaware of your own health struggles. We have told so many people about your website. But when I saw this video, I too can agree with most of what you described, as I have had that roller coaster of not knowing what started all my mystery ailments, and battling with the brain fog,fatigue, loss of motivation and confidence. I agree, without counselling, sharing stories, seeking support, and ,as hard as it feels, being kind to yourself, when at times just as you improve, you can crash and wonder if this is how it will be forever. And it is never one answer, or one person to fix it all. Music, Meditation and Nature have been a big part of the recovery too. You are an incredible person Victoria, thanks again, and keep believing.Be kind to yourself. ❤Marie n Dom

I've been hearing so many of these stories over the past 3 years from people in support groups that have had Long Covid. Chronic fatigue is still not so well understood and even accepted by much of population. I had Covid in June 2020, well before vaccines or even a lot of knowledge about what Covid could lead to. It led to chronic fatigue that took me 12 months to get over. I couldn't work at all for 6 mths then light duties for another 6 before a full return. For me I had to learn to pace myself and rest as much as I could. If I overdid it there would be a delayed price to pay. Also I went on a diet similar to an anti-ageing diet. Lots of healthy foods and cut out the crap. I think it all helped but I wasted 3 months initially because everytime I'd feel a little better I'd do too much and then I'd set myself back. I'm good now but know many, including many young people, that are still struggling. I'm glad you're well but what a long ordeal for you. All the best.

Dear Victoria, Thanks so much for generously and vulnerably sharing your CFS recovery story with us all. It is sadly a very common story however I'm sure that your insightful reflections and resources will change lives and that you will now impact a much broader audience than those with prostate cancer and the people that support them. Your story resonated with me on so many levels - as I support people in my capacity as a Pelvic Health Physio with similar chronic illness stories. It always always takes an approach that addresses the physiological / biological that includes nervous system regulation, a committed multi-disciplinary team with expertise in the area, tools (and people) that support you to stay motivated and most importantly the person themselves having a degree of autonomy, self efficacy and self-compassion. I am SO PLEASED that you now feel 110% and can return to doing what you love, we are all grateful for that. I look forward to sharing more about our professional passions. Shan

Wow Victoria what an awesome story to share - not only because of how many wonderful tools and skills you developed (your 'body code' is brilliant), but also importantly because you understand how hopeless it can feel when crushed by a chronic illness and this is a purely HOPE FULL message. It's been a real privilege to support you and we couldn't be happier at your 110% health status! Your coach, Bee

Dear Victoria, thank you for all you have done for me in my post-prostate cancer recovery; All of the time that you were advising me and providing all those wonderful videos I did not realize what you were going through and am very thankful that you have now restored your health and feel so good again! You certainly deserve a blessed life!

I don't have a diagnosis but I have a feeling that I have had CFS for a while now. I had glandular fever when I was 17, struggle with CPTSD and recently had steroid cream due to mold bringing me out in a rash. I've struggled with burn out, brain fog, sensory issues, anxiety, depression, insomnia and more symptoms for years. In regards to the fatigue. It's like a simple phone call will leave me feeling exhausted and I shut down completely. I hate talking as I find it hard and exhausting but I try. I'm being referred to a rheumatologist at some point as I had to be assertive with my GP. I'm worried I won't be taken seriously. Your video gives me hope.

This is so good thank you for sharing. I wish docs would give videos like this to people when we get diagnosed with ME/CFS!! My journey is beginning to resemble yours

Hi Victoria--I just came across your video and was so pleased to see you mention CFS Unraveled--I feel like Dan's program truly saved my life! I'm still in recovery but I've come a long long way from where I was before...cheers to you!💖💖💖

Really inspiring story, glad I stumbled across this. I am 3 years into long covid and have seen real progress but have had some setbacks. The emotional component is the hardest for me but it’s what I know to be most important. Interesting to hear your perspective on diet etc- I was so ridiculously healthy pre long covid I didn’t have any areas to improve. I even did gut microbiome testing which showed it got worse even with the perfect diet and expensive supplements and only improved after doing emotional work… crazy. Somatic experiencing has been key for me and like you, the fatigue and brain fog are my main symptoms now. Everyone’s nervous system is so different so it’s a lonely journey but recovery stories are fuel for the ride

It is so wonderful to hear that you finally feel better - truly better. And typical Victoria, you have generously shared your experience in the hope of helping others. Congratulations and hallelujah. Welcome back to full life again. Love and hugs, Fiona & Alan. xxx💖

Glad to hear that you're doing so much better. I've sort of given up on my prostate recovery, but this video has encouraged me to keep trying. After three years, I figured that there's nothing left to do.

Well done you. So happy for you that you have made a full recovery. I have known a number of people with CFS and it's so hard for them. I like your approach that you have outlined in this video, I will share it, and I hope it will help others with CFS and Long COVID. All the very best.

You are an angel. Thank you so much for creating this video. I feel bubbled up and overwhelmed with hope and possibility- I could cry. haha well let's be real, I am crying. I think the nervous system regulation is one of the most monumental takeaways here. I imagine so many of the ME/CFS stories are those of people that have been living their lives in high stress/grief/heightened emotions/intensity/etc...often times coupled with a series of physical illnesses. But it makes sense that the body one day just says enough is enough. You can't keep operating in this fight or flight system, so the body gives us no choice but to stop with all the onset of CFS symptoms. I thank you again for taking the time to spread your light and positivity and hope. I will check out some of the resources you mentioned, and am making my new focus of 2024 nervous system cool down. Sending you warmth and continued strength through your healing journey!

So very pleased you have fully recovered and remain an inspiration as you continued to enlighten us all with your videos.

Thank you so much for sharing your story -- it really helps those of us still working to get to 100% (or 110%!).