Rebecca's Battle with Severe Chronic Fatigue

Rebecca growing up was an adventurous, go getter with a zest for life. She was a dancer, an explorer, a thrill seeker and made the most of all opportunities that came her way. She lived abroad in Argentina becoming fluent in Spanish and came back to New Zealand to complete a degree in psychology.

She then caught COVID 19 in February 2022 while living in Dunedin and struggled to bounce back. She noticed at first difficulty getting through the work day, having struggles concentrating, 'brain-fog', fatigue and frequent migraines. These symptoms remain.

Gradually Rebecca's health deteriorated, so that a trip to the supermarket would use all her energy for the day. She had to move out of her flat, resign from her job & return to her parents home in Christchurch.

Her condition worsening to the point where she is now fully dependent. She requires assistance with all cares including eating & drinking via a straw and and is unable to even text/call or hold her phone. Rebecca has been unable to get out of bed since early December. She lives in full darkness with reduced noise, using earplugs during the day and is unable to have any conversation.

Anne(Rebecca's mum) has had to become Rebecca's primary caregiver, necessitating an extended leave of absence from her job.

The condition Rebecca has is called ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Unfortunately for us all Rebecca is at the "very severe" graded level.

https://www.dialogues-mecfs.co.uk/films/severeme/