Hello everyone (and a hello to new members),

 I have been absent from the boards for quite some time. I have, however, been following everyone's posts and Dr. B's blogs. The recent activity concerning the blogs has prompted me to write in about my progress. The reason for my absence - I am SO much better. For those who may not know my history, I became ill with what I can clearly see now as the CFS/ME end of the candida spectrum in 2011 following the birth of my fourth child. Although my bladder was somewhat affected this time around (I had had bladder symptoms - but only bladder symptoms, several years ago) I had a multitude of terrible and diverse symptoms, too numerous to list here. To summarise, I felt as if I had the worst hangover, coupled with the worst flu (multiplied x1000). I never had pain, but I had everything else. I could not move, I could barely hold a conversation, etc.. Given that I had had bladder symptoms before, I knew what I had - just a lot worse than previously. My husband and mother (normal, reasonable people) thought I was dying at one point. I got steadily worse. I wished for 'flares' (and that's saying something as I have read about how bad flares can be!) just to get some relief from the onslaught of on-going symptoms.  There was no respite - ever. I knew that I wouldn't get better. I came out to see Dr. B as I knew that this is what I had, and I had nothing to lose. It was an easy decision. Two years on - I am back at work full time, I have just moved house, I am up and about, fully functional. I participate fully in all aspects of my life. This is entirely due to Dr. B's knowledge and treatment. I knew, without any shadow of a doubt that I would never get better. She told me that I would and she was right. I am not 100% better - far from it, but then I actually don't expect to be. I'll never feel 100% again but I don't mind. I can live with how I am. My symptoms do interfere with my life but I can function and for that I am grateful. I expect to be in Dr. B's 'treatment programme' for life - but I am back to my (new) normal and it feels ok. When I was very ill, I communicated with another UK patient, with whom I seemed to share the many diffuse, weird and strange symptoms.  She kept telling me 'Keep going', and she was right. She pulled me through and for that I am enormously grateful (as, of course I am to Dr. B). For those of you who are unsure or struggling, my advice is lower your expectations and keep going. Getting well means getting to a new normal, a 'good enough' state. It will happen.