‘There is always light at the end of the tunnel’
Karen Quinn was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), 36 years ago and has shared her story for ME/CFS Awareness Month
Karen Quinn, who received a life-changing diagnosis over three decades ago, has said, “There is always light at the end of the tunnel.”
The 57-year-old, who is originally from London, relocated to Donegal and has two children, Liam and Katie.
In 1991, Karen became unwell and was subsequently diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).
CFS/ME is characterised by extreme exhaustion, neurological fatigue, cognitive impairment, pain and sensitivity. It is a long-term complex contested illness, meaning that it is not universally recognised by medical professionals, despite the impact on the individual's life and wellbeing.
“I was bedbound, I couldn’t walk or use my hands properly,” Karen tells Donegal Live. “It affects people in so many different ways.”
Karen was bedbound for 10 years and had to use a wheelchair full-time for many years after. She still occasionally relies on the support for long or strenuous journeys.
“When I was bedbound, I thought that my life had ended. In some way it was; I had to grieve for my old life, I was a nurse and I was married.
“I want to get it out there, there is hope, I went on to have two beautiful children and have had somewhat of a recovery. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Although the condition affects Karen daily, she shows that one can still live a fulfilled life. Karen highlighted the importance of support, understanding and awareness around the condition.
She obtained a degree in counselling from Ulster University in Derry and is in the process of establishing support groups for ME/CFS aimed at creating a shared space for support and practical advice in Letterkenny.
“We are very much on our own; there is no support for CFS. I thought, let's get people together and provide a space for that support and understanding. There’s nothing like speaking to somebody who has the same condition.”
If you are interested in joining the group, you may contact Donegal ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support via Facebook.