ME/CFS blog disclaimer
Before my first post, a quick disclaimer that I’ll link from every article in this series. If a few hundred words is beyond your capacity right now, skip to the TL;DR at the bottom.
First, some context: I had Long COVID and was never formally diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), but my symptom profile matched, including post-exertional malaise (PEM), brain fog, and orthostatic symptoms.
My experience wasn’t severe, and I don’t claim to represent the full range of what people with ME/CFS live through. My fatigue hit my work, my personal life, and my mental health hard, and my capacity was significantly reduced. At its worst I could still work and spend time with my family, even if at a reduced level.
My experience wasn’t severe, and I don’t claim to represent the full range of what people with ME/CFS live through. My fatigue hit my work, my personal life, and my mental health hard, and my capacity was significantly reduced. At its worst I could still work and spend time with my family, even if at a reduced level.
Second, I’m still learning and I’m not the last word on ME/CFS. What I bring to these posts is this:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology (UNSW, 2013)
- Accreditation as an Exercise Physiologist (AEP) with ESSA (Exercise and Sports Science Australia)
- A 2022 diagnosis of Long COVID, with symptoms consistent with ME/CFS, and professional treatment to manage it
If you think I’ve misrepresented any part of the ME/CFS experience, or you have questions or concerns, get in touch (details below). I’ll happily correct or update a post on good feedback.
Third, these posts are meant to be easy to read and useful, giving you or someone you know current information plus practical tools to manage ME/CFS symptoms. They mix my own experience with referenced science.
Fourth, everything here is my opinion, not medical advice. What worked for me may not work for you. Speak to a medical or allied health practitioner before starting any treatment or exercise program.
To be clear on one point: none of this is graded exercise therapy (GET). I don’t recommend GET for ME/CFS, and current guidance no longer supports it. Anything I suggest is built around pacing and staying within your energy limits, not pushing against them.
Last, ME/CFS can be a contested topic. Whatever anyone has told you, your experience is real and valid, and I want this to be a safe, inclusive place to learn and manage your condition. If you have questions, concerns, feedback, or a story to share, email me at alex.burjan@ep360.com.au. I’d love to hear from you.
With that out of the way, I hope you find these posts useful.
TL;DR
- I had Long COVID with a symptom profile matching moderate ME/CFS, and I write from my own experience
- I’m an accredited exercise physiologist who’s lived this, not an academic expert
- I want this to be a safe, inclusive place to ask questions and learn to manage ME/CFS with science-backed methods
- This is not graded exercise therapy (GET). I don’t recommend GET for ME/CFS. My approach is pacing and staying within your energy limits
- Nothing here is medical advice. See a medical or allied health practitioner before starting any treatment or exercise program
- Questions, concerns, feedback, or your own story? Email me: alex.burjan@ep360.com.au
