living with chronic fatigue syndrome / CFS / ME 

I have me/cfs and I understand exactly everything you said. What clarified things for me was when I went on holiday to a place that I wanted to convince my husband I wanted to live in, so I was desperately trying to prove that being there makes me feel better and energised lol and I just hit a wall and could. Not. Force myself through it. I ended up in bed unable to even make dinner for the kids. But everyone we were on holiday with was fine! That showed me that no matter my mindset or how much I want to push on, I physically can't and this illness is real. We are not lazy, or depressed. We simply cannot produce the energy that other people can x

Dear, sweet darling McKenna, how brave of you to discuss something so personal. You should never feel guilty for feeling the way you do if you can't do something, you are not a burden to anyone, you are loved and admired. My heart was breaking when you were crying, please stop being so hard on yourself, you have CFS and you are doing everything to keep healthy. Stay strong my love, you have the most marvellous support of your family and all the subscribers of this channel. You are amazing. xxxx

McKenna you poor girl . I want to give you a hug . You are dealing with your body. Never feel guilty xx

Mckenna ur amazing my daughter suffers with this everyday at school she wud ring me crying to come home soon as she was home she would sleep for 4hrs then wake up when we was going to bed she can stay in her bed all day and still feel tired its awful to see small daily things make her so tired and pale big big hugs hun ur doing great xxx

Bless you. I feel your pain. I’ve grown up with EDS and POTS part of that is chronic fatigue. I then developed fibromyalgia after the birth of my child. I’m 42 now and if I were to offer my younger self advice it would be be your own medical adviser, take charge of your own health. Basically don’t rely upon the NHS, private health is better but still very limited. Essentially no one knows better than you. My advice Start a daily exercise rehab programme this is key. Muscle strengthening and some cardiovascular, i know how hard that seems. Some days I cry I doing my daily exercises but this is my no 1 advice. 2. Diet is key also gluten free 3. Pacing 4, boundaries. 5. Breathing (breath works course). Breathing correctly pumps my energy levels. It took me 10 years for this somewhat basic information to sink in. I was waiting for a magic cure or a pill, that is not coming unfortunately. You seem to have got pacing down and have amazing family support. Your doing great under the circumstances. In terms of vitamins complex B and vitamin D is an essential. I actually take much more vitamin B than recommended, this really helps. Lastly I’m not a medical professional but in my opinion CFS rarely comes in isolation. Typically there is something else underlying. With your joint pain and the neck cracking (although I don’t know if that is something that happens all the time) it might be worth researching EDS. I have cracked my joints since age 13. Definitely mention all of this to the rheumatologist. Wishing you the best 😊

The only thing that helps my CFS is sleep....peace and quiet and rest. If people don't understand then its their problem. The people who love and care about you will understand. Xxx

Andrea such a brilliant mum. Sending love and hugs to McKenna. Thanks for sharing McKenna, you will be helping people by sharing your story xxx

Thank you for talking about this. I started off with quite ‘mild’ ME, which is not mild at all, but like you I could walk, do household chores and go for days out, but it very quickly progressed into severe ME, where I was completely bedbound, and unable to leave my room for months. In those moments, I just wished I could turn on RU-vid and hear someone young like me, chatting and talking about their experience with ME. It’s the most debilitating and upsetting thing to live with, I teared up with you, and how your mum described what it looked like to her when you were crashing was exactly as my mum described too. I am still so lonely and so angry that my late teen years had to look like this, but using a wheelchair gives me some freedom outside my bedroom walls, thankfully. No matter how much ME affects your life, you are valid and worthy; it can be really hard to see how much ME takes from your life, and effects it everyday, from the second we open our eyes. You’re doing amazing, I hope the ME specialist helps you. To everyone in the comments who also has ME, thank you for sharing a bit about your journey and making us all feel less alone xx

Hi sweetheart I’m a 55 year old lady suffering with ME/CFS and I had it all the husband kids big house our health for years and five years ago I got ill and haven’t ever got better I have also been diagnosed with ME/CFS so understand everything you are saying . My life now has been turned upside down I’m now single due to illness and now live alone in a small bungalow but I am getting used to living my new life it’s hard as you well know but I have found acceptance is the key for me and learning to live within my energy limitations. Your very young and I was told there is more chance of recovery for younger sufferers never give up hope . ♡

Same as others im now sat bawling my eyes out.. i know exactly how you feel and im so glad you did this video because i have rheumatoid arthritis and thought my symptoms must be down to that but my muscles hurt and i cant do a lot of things without having to rest and often.. i sleep anywhere bewteen 7hr to 24hrs and im never rested and so many other symptoms which some are a cross over with the RA but its now making sense.. look up barbara o'neil shes an Aussie lady.. your mom will know of her and she does tons of videos on natural health n healing n stuff like that so there could be something among her teachings about cfs, im going to have a search myself. Aparently though every illness is down to your gut health.. i know i feel a bit better after an internal parasite cleanse of wormwood and black walnut.. sounds gross but look it up lol. Iv never seen anything nasty by doing it but we should do it twice a year. They say no illness can survive in an alkaline body which from research is true but i have such a sweet tooth id find it impossible lol. Have you tried juicing?.. again thats supposed to be good for illnesses. Anyway il leave that with you to research n see what you think. Loads of hugs 🥰🥰

Thank you for sharing this. I have Multiple Sclerosis which one of the symptoms is chronic fatigue along with a whole array of weird and wonderful symptoms. I think you are so strong. I have to rest in between every single job, if I can actually even do the job. I used to beat myself up because I would make small lists of jobs that needed doing but on a bad day could not even complete one job on the list of only three things and I was watching these cleaning channels on RU-vid and they was doing whole house cleans. I’m sat there thinking why can’t I do that. I’m a single mum too to a two girls 25 and 16 and I feel I let them down every day. Most day walking up the stairs makes me feel like I done a marathon. Have you tried Ginseng vitamins? They can help a little, not much but every little helps right. 😊 Don’t be hard on yourself, you are an amazing strong person and have such a beautiful soul. We love you and are here for you. ❤️

Oh sweetheart my heart breaks for you. The fact that you can still put out something for us to watch and be amused, and you seem so calm on the surface, when clearly you’re paddling like crazy under the surface to keep yourself afloat. Can everyone please support by letting the ads run? It is the least we can do because you both make our day when we watch you. That is honestly the truth. ❤

I’m suffering with CFS as well. I was “diagnosed” in my early twenties. Went in and out of hospitals first because I was weaker than my grandma. I couldn’t even hold a pen. I’ve lost a lot of my strength in my muscles. I can’t carry a suitcase or a laundry bag. Waking up feeling like I haven’t slept in 3 months. Sensitive for light. I’m now 43 and it didn’t get any better. Sometimes I’m really good handling it and other days I’m super sad. I used to be very sportive. But now I can’t do anything. I tried cutting down in sugar and stuff. But nothing worked. It’s difficult to explain to others because they don’t see anything wrong with you. But they don’t know how you feel inside. I have never heard anyone else who had this condition so thank you so much for opening up. We can’t do anything about this but knowing that there is someone else who is suffering with the same thing makes all the difference ❤❤❤.

I'm 24 and have just been diagnosed with ME/Cfs. I can relate so much to just waiting and waiting to get that label. I think being younger aswell people have a hard time understanding that there could be something wrong. I'm the same as you, I feel so useless and like I'm a burden to the people arround me. It's so hard to cope with day to day life. I'm in pain and struggling every day and I'm still having to work full time because I can't afford not to. Some days I can't even walk properly. I also don't have a cause for my me/cfs and it just feels so unfair that even though there's 'nothing wrong' my body just doesn't work properly. I start seeing my specialist today and I'm really hoping they can help me find ways to cope because at the moment it feels like I'm drowning

I’m tearing up with you McKenna. I have fibromyalgia, and like yourself, I get good days and bad days and that crash feeling is horrendous. Sending you gentle comforting hugs and thank you for sharing your journey with us all

I went to my Doctor 6 months ago because I was experiencing extremely exhaustion all the time for 2 months out of nowhere. I genuinely thought I was either having issues with my thyroid or perhaps I was starting my own menopause journey. In my case though I had vitamin d deficiency, and through taking supplements I've got back to normal. That period of my life was horrendous and I felt so guilty as I felt I wasn't a good parent to my children. I was lucky that my issue was reversible and I can empathise with you to a degree. Just know that you are fantastic, look at what you have achieved in spite of your CFS! Never feel bad for listening to your body x

I loved this video! You did amazingly at explaining your struggles with CFS, i was 11 years old when my symptoms started and im 25 now and i was same going to doctors, i was hospitalised i know the struggles so you are so brave cause it is a condition some doctors don’t even believe to be real my parents paid private to find out what was wrong, ive been seeing my specialist 5 years! Remember your never alone there are so many of us in the cfs community that stand with you x

I’m so sorry you are having to deal with this horrible illness. It’s great you have brought awareness to this condition. I have hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and have chronic fatigue with these conditions and feel exactly like you have described. It’s so hard explaining to people, even family what I feel like everyday. It’s upsetting when you say to someone how tired you are and they say go for a rest or sleep. I so wish these things helped but they don’t. Thank you for posting this video today. Big hugs to you.

This was very touching McKenna, thank you so much for sharing and spreading awareness. Please read up on the case of Lynn Gilderdale. Its an extremely heartbreaking case, it touched my heart and left me feeling empty. It will never leave me. I’ll never forget Lynn. She will always be dear to my heart.

I can relate to this so much McKenna, I’ve been constantly back and forth to the doctors for the past 4/5 years for countless different blood tests for my fatigue and they keep saying there’s nothing wrong and everything comes back fine. I feel the exact same just utterly exhausted when I wake up no matter the nights sleep I get it’s just awful! Sending you so much love Hun for sharing your story, it definitely needs to be talked about more❤️❤️xxx

A new Australian follower , you are such a lovely mother daughter duo . CFS is a terrible blow to live with. I do hope the new specialist has some new insights . Good luck .🙏 Thanks again for your cheery honesty and entertainment .

I’m so sorry you suffer so much, you are so brave to share your story. Thank you for raising awareness on invisible illnesses.. I suffer with Lupus and Hypothyroidism, I’ve found reflexology really helps, I’m not sure if you’ve looked into that but just wanted to mention. Take care of yourself x

Thanks for sharing about your experience McKenna! I think as someone with hidden health issues as well it can be a difficult lifestyle to navigate especially when people don't understand or aren't aware of how these health issues affect you on a daily basis when everything on the outside seems normal and to others we don't look "sick" even if we are going through a rough patch. Something that has helped me cope is to just embody the mentality "it is ok to not be ok" and even when people ask how I'm doing the best answer I can give is that I'm trying to live in the moment to the best of my ability and I am thankful for their understanding if I'm a bit off. Also my friend shared this idea that indigenous cultures have is "we're alive just as nature is to be alive and exist, and we don't need to achieve anything to be valid in our humanness or feel worthy" and this has helped a lot too.

I too have CFS and have lived with it for around 20 years so oh my word I really really understand. I also have fibromyalgia, arthritis and angina so spend my life trying to mask various symptoms. I send SO MUCH LOVE to you McKenna ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. Keep fighting my love, you are AMAZING. Xxxx

I was never formally diagmosed with CFS but i definately had/have it..on my really bad days i wouldnt even be able to lift my body up from laying down position in bed and i would have to call my mum who was downstairs crying on the phone for her to bring me a coffee.i also had to crawl up the stairs as i didnt have the energy to hold myself up..even standing became a struggle and my arms would just ache from picking up something that was light to hold. I can also completely empathise with the whole body aches just from a nights sleep feeling like youd spent the last 3 days in the gym. Luckily iam much better than those days..i ended up being diagnosed with pernicious anaemia (the inabilty to absorb vitamin b12) now on replacement therapy injections for life.. i have always struggled with fatigue but it got to its worst around the age of 27 and this is when i found out about this autoimmune condition that i have. So in regards to the things that help me are one the replacement therapy injections..for context i can tell when im running low the closer i get to my top up.. but i do have good and bad days all in between.. the second thing that helped me was magnesium not the bog standard oxide you get in shops..lots of research has to be done on types/doses/side effects as it can interefer with medications..its great stuff as it supports energy production amongst things like hormonal balance. Muscles aches/cramps.. i love the stuff. I then paid privately to investigate other possible nutrient deficiencies, turns out i was low on alot including other b vitamins these will turn your food into energy in its simplist explanation..obviously theres alot more to it than that. Vitamin d was another one. I must rattle with everything i take.. in regards to all your vitamins not all will be tested via the gp and most importantly just because your values come back within range does not mean they are optimal for you to run on. Vitamin D has to be below 30nmol before a doctor will treat but optimol is double that .. low vitamin d will also cause debilitating fatigue/body pain depending on how low your levels are. In regards to diet i have cut out pretty much all processed foods and only eat things like fruit veg meat fish dairy nuts seeds and spices . Sounds boring but its worth the pay off in regards to helping me to function. This does not mean iam fixed i still can only work part time and have to manage my outputs..if i work more days one week itll mean other things will have to take a back seat. There will be days where i can feel ok and think im fine like other people and will soon be reminded that that is not the case. The thing i hate is when you feel like you cant call in sick and say its cause your exhausted as unless people live it they will not undersrand it... the only way i can describe it is like your body just shuts down. Iam now 37 and it took me about 3 years to find the balance that works for me. There is alot more i could say but i better leave it there as its pretty long already lol. Feel free to ask if there is anything you want to know more about.

I have chronic pain and ME and im in a wheelchair..I hear you. I'm maily bedbound . You just have to enjoy the little things in life , sometimes I can't be arsed to get out of pjs, other days getting showered and dressed feels like a marathon.x

I have lupus which is un curable so I understand exactly what you are feeling, it’s hard when on the outside you look healthy but on the inside it’s a totally different story, fatigue isn’t just feeling tired but it’s un explainable to those who don’t get it, well done for talking about it and raising awareness, sending lots of love xx

I’ve had to watch this video in stages as i can relate so much, I strongly suspect I have cfs, dew to my chronic pain conditions one of which I find very difficult to manage and talk about but it’s destroyed my once normal bladder. I also have bowel disease, asthma and high tone pelvic floor problems, and cptsd and get lots of pain sometimes so bad I can’t even shower or get out of bed. I’m lucky i have a understanding employer who allows me time off when needed and a great medical team around me. It’s hard knowing I will never get well or cured only having small periods of remission since my early 20’s. It took so long for any doctor to take me seriously and listen as all blood tests were coming back normal despite severe pain. They refused to take things seriously even when my test results were not normal and said it was all okay and I was young and having to much sex which was ridiculous and very rude. At that point my body was fighting massive infection and I very nearly ended up with bladder removal and stoma fitted. Over the years since been diagnosed I’ve needed countless appointments, tests and procedures/ operations and 6 monthly steroid injection into my spine. It all takes its toll and listening to you and reading other people’s stories makes me realise I’m not alone. What helps me is hot baths and coming off opioid pain killers which can cause addiction and make things worse long term. Doing an explained pain session and seeing a clinical psychologist which was amazing. She helped me realise that I have no reason to feel ashamed and embarrassed by my conditions and that I should be proud for all I have done through.

Aww...my heart goes out to you McKenna! You are doing so well talking about it and it sounds like you've got all the support of your family (which is everything). As you say we've all got something going on but we are all unique and kindness is everything. I'm 50 sonething and are with your mum suffering with the menopause... which as you say do have similar symptoms as the same as chronic fatigue...keep strong and sending hugs. X

Oh bless you . Its so hard living with a chronic illness no one sees..ive got an underactive thyroid and always feel tired..your so young and to feel exhaused is draining..big hug babes ❤

I never comment but have suffered CFS most of my life. I find stress and pushing myself too hard makes my symptoms worse so i've learnt to try and pace myself and stop doing stuff before i start feeling bad. Moving house at the minute and can only do tiny bits at a time! Invisible conditions definitely need more awareness. P.s love you and your mum! Xx

I haven't really talked to anyone about my own conditions and experiences, but 10 minutes in I was already flooded with tears, McKenna don't underestimate the power inside you as you just broke through a barrier a lot of us can't seem to break and that is talking about it openly, queen if I had your strength I may have kept my friends and most of my family, I want this message to you and Andrea as positive as possible. Right here we go, since the age of 6 my mum noticed a change in me and year after year tried to get me help but instead was told "she's just a child, she'll grow out of it", finally after I got diagnosed with CFS/ME/Fibromyalgia just before my 16th birthday, at the beginning I was in the CFS range of tiredness and pain, as the years went on I kept moving up the scale to ME and now Fibromyalgia (this means I still have all the fatigue, all of the symptoms, but now more pain), I'm now 27, in that time I've been given the advice of "pacing", a low FODMAP diet, trying exercises (which is hard to even get 1 day in at least a two week period at a good time), various medication like antihistamines, antisickess, mild painkillers (being helped right now for better stronger ones), IBS tablets, and depo injections as monthly's are a whole new level of pain, I haven't found these help that greatly - although the knowledge of pacing helped me understand what my body needs and might need, the diet thing really helped me understand that some food are triggering my crashes, so I learned healthy swaps (I still struggle to quite caffeine, but reducing "unnatural" sugars has helped and adding more green tea (I like mint, matcha, orange blossom & lotus flower green tea). Everyone's journey is different, but don't underestimate the support and understanding any family member or friends can help you with your road to recovery, anyone who is negative in your life (like if they say nasty things as "jokes", or gets irritated for whatever reason that involves you, or uses your differences as a way of making themself feel better) they need educating, this is about to sound mean but I don't mean it in that way, they need to be ditched (it's like carrying even more weights every single day and puts you down as a person). My parents are angels and help me find my way in being me. My journey for me has been long, I'm not finished with my journey (I've now been diagnosed with POTS as well), but I have learned that all this that makes me "me" even masking or not, it's me. Sometimes I also think if I didn't have these conditions what would I be like- yes I could maybe do all the things I want to do with energy, but I like the person I am, I feel I'm kinder, more understanding and loving, less judgemental and less angry at strangers or my family. I like me, i haven't always, but I do now. I do feel like a burden to everyone I meet, but I've also learned I am not the only one to mask and that needs help or needs time, i met another girl the other week who's partially sighted and has no depth perception, other people only find out that she needs help when she tells them, if she makes "a mistake" they may blame it on her for being silly as she looks normal. Another insight that may help you (it's a bit sad, but I think you need the insight) I always feel judged, even by my own doctor, I'd like to say I got on well with her, but I didn't, the first time I saw her she said that she doesn't believe in CFS, more recently on an appointment she said to me "your looking well" which I took that in a way that she still doesn't believe me, so I explained about my good days and my crashes. Two weeks ago I found out that she just passed away from cancer, I also found out that she had been battling it while still in general practice- her last appointment with me was her praising me saying that I looked well. I know it's hard but don't focus on what you can't do but what you can and how great it is that your striving forward even when sometimes when you feel like you've gone a step or two back with a crash. She gave me the strength of knowing I'm not always being judged and I am doing well even when I'm not. I now this has been super long, I hope you read it, if not there's lots of us out there and I'm sure your going to be flooded with advice and experiences. And McKenna look how proud Andrea is of you, she's beaming with it, you'll both journey together and help one another on this road P.s. lots of cuddles help, puppy ones included McKenna & Andrea, lots of love to you both and I really wish you the very best ❤❤

Oh my goodness you are me when I was 23.I am now 55 I struggled like you so much I had a son of 3 and tried so hard to give him a normal life. It was called yuppie flu when I had it. It is very debilitating . Never beat yourself up for not being able to do you will always make up on the days you can . What an amazing young women you are keep talking about it thats important that people hear your story Things changed for me when I had my daughter up to a year after when she was 1 it seemed to change I started to feel different up to then I walked with 2 sticks and couldn't walk very far .Then I had more energy my GP put it down to hormone changes as there is no real research done on this that shows up in blood test as I had had then all . I was told at the beginning to listen to my body always only do what its telling you you can if not rest Keep going with putting this out there you are helping so may others xx

Incredibly upset that you beautiful laughing girls are affected like that and yet you keep going and having fun as you do, I have nothing but praise for the pair of you xx

I know lots of people have commented about the same or similar issues as you, I know how you feel too I suffer from chronic nerve pain and arthritis and I'm exhausted from the pain all the time!! With no help and having to work full time which then makes it worse and life very difficult!! But I do the same as you and mask it, always a happy face to hide the pain! Just wanted to say, never feel guilty for suffering...easier said than done I know!! Lots of love girlies ❤❤❤

Love you too, best content ever. I also have a hidden illness, fibromyalgia and suffer from CFS. I am now in my 30s and I only do what I can. My loved once support me when I am crashing. Your family, McKenna are such lovely people especially Andrea. I also have a set time I got to bed and sleep, I do set an alarm every morning and sometimes I get out of bed but I sometimes turn it off and go back to sleep, try not to feel guilty, I know it’s hard. Your are unique and unique thing/people are the most expensive and well loved. 💕 Btw I am the girlie who asked for a shout out on TikTok. My name is Victoria. Massive hugs 💕☺️

Sitting bubbling away watching this video!! Was so brave of you to share your experiences and raise awareness - it’s invaluable, thank you 🙏 As a fibromyalgia sufferer I can wholeheartedly relate!! You are a fellow warrior McKenna!! The most valuable piece of advice I can offer is keep doing what you’re doing, listen to your body!! The dishwasher / washing basket will always be there - your health is your wealth, rest when you need too ❤ love your videos my 15 year old daughter Georgia and myself enjoy watching your videos!! Xx 😘 xx

Oh bless you McKenna…….very helpful to a lot of people for sure. Hopefully you will get some good feedback that will help you too. Bonnie offering her support in the background along with Andrea. Take care 🌸

Aww McKenna my heart is breaking for you. ,my older sister and my niece have fibromyalgia wwhich is life changing and challenging and took many years for diagnosis like you they had that sence of knowing something wasnt right and years of seeing gp begging for something, and like what you descibe you go with what your body can do if rest is needed you must rest .i do hope you get some support and information from specialist sending you love and strength to help you through this awful time .,you have a fabulous mum in Andrea ❤❤❤❤

Hi would just like to say I totally understand where your coming from I suffer with chronic fatigue fibromyalgia lupus lung disease and many more diseases I know exactly how you feel you made me cry just watching this, I get up at 8am then have to go back to sleep for 6 hours every day to try to get through my day. It's really hard I'm a positive person but being unwell is difficult your not alone just remember you are beautiful how ever your feeling there are so many people who feel the same as you, there are people out there who can help never feel use less or alone. I love watching your videos you always make me laugh and smile andrea I also have menopause I know how your feeling too please be happy and positive always remember your amazing take care love helen xx

So sorry you also are dealing with this I wouldn’t wish it on anyone Ive had ME since I was 15 I’m now 48 you are such a lucky girl to have a mum who stands by you and understands that is everything my mum just used to call me lazy Well the family did tbh so no contact with them anymore my partner and daughter understand me and know when I’m tired I’m TIRED I sleep when I can it is all about learning to know your own body when you got to rest you’ve got to if not you will pay for it I pray one day I will wake up and be better but I just got to hope 🤦‍♀️I’m now at menopause age like your mum so happy days lol bring it on GIRL POWER we’ve got this If you ever need anyone I’m always here love you and your mum you’ve helped me through some sad times watching your videos chin up darling and as long as you have you family’s support everything will be ok big hugs and we’ll done on this video 🩷🩷🩷

😢 omg McKenna Ive sat blubbing my eyes out for you & just wanted to wrap my arms around you & give you the biggest hug & tell you everything will be ok. You have the most amazing family unit, especially Momma Andrea to support you. Im so proud of the way you cope & the way you put the feelings of others before yourself is such a beautiful quality to have! 😘 Your symptoms are very much like the menopause.....your Moms right its a hidden disease & so annoying when people say "you look ok" just because youve made an effort with hair & makeup! 🤬. You dont need to apologise to anyone, you are doing great hun to bring awareness to other. Youre beautiful inside & out.....keep being you......and thank you for my shout out now Ive wiped my tears away. Love you both 😘😘

Oh, mckenna, I feel so sorry for you having to cope with this you are a lovely human and for sharing this with us all thank you so much xxxx

Well done to both you for this, McKenna for speaking about something so painful for you and to you Andrea to see you daughter feeling and going through this must be heartbreaking

You are amazing lovely! Stay positive & keep sharing your story as your helping so many people! Absolutely love you two! 🥰

Lots of love too you. Very brave,well done.xx🥰👏🏻

McKenna you made me cry, I hope you get some positive help with it soon. I suffer with Lupus which gives me aches and pains and tiredness, good luck with the doctors appointment ❤❤❤

Oh Mckenna I feel so much for you hunny bunny. 🤗Thank you for sharing this. You are amazing. 💐👏Sending love from Rosie O from Devon England 🇬🇧

Awww beautiful well done for just speaking out how hard that must be for you a could see you holding it in and a was crying before you. Your amazing and have such a support behind you anyone can see your far from a burden. You honestly have given me so much to think about with my daughter who's 16 and she's had bloods and other tests and nothing and she feels exactly like you and you seriously have given me something to consider asking the doctors about. Sending so much love and just do you nobody will think any less of you. Your health is so important and truly appreciate this heartfelt video ❤xxxxx

You are so brave to open up about it! I can’t wait for Mondays for you both! You make my day so much better! I hope you have a great week! I can’t wait for next Monday ! Lots of love to you both💜😘

I teared up watching this. Horrible for you Mckenna. I have ASD and physically; chronic pain from where an infection ate into my bone which went undiagnosed for so long leaving me taking heavy pain meds for the rest of my life. Congratulations to Andrea on all of her subscribers 👏 still dying to know where her heart PJ's from last week's video are from 😂❤❤❤

CFS - it's so frustrating but also people can't understand how debilitating the fatigue is. Nothing like tiredness! Best wishes McKenna, if you ever need to talk, I'm a 54yr sufferer. Bless you and well done for addressing this on your channel. ❤

Such an emotional video but one I’m so glad you have put out there! I’ve not heard of this before but I’m so glad your raising awareness ❤

Thank you for sharing this McKenna, I had no idea you were going through this every day. You are so strong and brave and beautiful!!

Bless you lovely McKenna x we are all here for you anytime xxxxx

Oh McKenna, crying along with you now watching this. I’m so glad you feel a bit better having talked about it now and I am keeping everything crossed you find some help having done this. You are so brave, sending big hugs. You and your mum are adorable and always give me a laugh. Much love ❤️

Aww you poor love 😢your such a beautiful soul the hidden illnesses are the worst but I’m so glad you are getting some kind of help Xx

So sorry to hear about your illness, you will be helping others when they see how postive you are ❤❤

Aww bless you McKenna it just goes to show you never know what someone is going through ❤️ loved your honesty how you are feeling and I’m sure there’s plenty out there who suffers with the same thing and who you have helped just by talking about it xx

McKenna you are honestly amazing, just speaking about this is going to help so many people who are struggling with similar things. You are so brave for opening up and sharing something so personal with us ❤️ Xxx

Thank you for speaking about this McKenna, I hope you get some answers soon. You are such a lovely person and you have a fantastic personality 💗 xx

Ahh bless you McKenna, you're so young to be going through that. I hope that your specialist is able to help you. Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers.❤

You two must help so many people your such caring lovely ladies and l look forward to seeing your videos every time,xxxx

It’s amazing you can talk at CFS I’ve never heard of it, but making people understand it as. Sending you a big hugs 🤗 Xx

McKenna your feelings are totally valid and its so important to let them out , this must be so hard to deal with on a daily basis . Thank you for sharing your journey and I am sure this is a positive thing that you did share as it could make others feel less alone with their own journey . In this crazy world most of us have something we battle with , you certainly seem to be dealing with things the best you can and please do not worry about anyone as you are so important and your family adore you as do we 🥰🥰

Your honesty and openness is a huge strength, along with the strength you have to reach out to get professional help. Really hope you find the help you need ❤️❤️❤️

McKenna, watching you open up has made me totally relate to you. Thank you for being honest. Masking is something I do massively on a day to day. I feel and think exactly the same as you and everything you said was completely spot in and said so beautifully. I have endometriosis and suffer with exhaustion as one of my symptoms because of the endo. It’s so incredibly hard going through an invisible illness, and not have drs understand or take you seriously. People need to open up and talk about invisible illness’s more. I honestly applaud you and I’m actually so proud of you to do this. Just to let you know, if you ever want to chat, I’m Always here. Sometimes we just need to chat to people who can understand it to a certain degree. Everything you have said, is exactly how I feel. You are so incredibly brave and strong and just wanted to add, myself and my daughter, who is 9, absolutely love your channel ❤ your relationship is just perfection and something I wish me and my daughter have when she grows up

I started crying the second you mentioned it because your voice went, you held those tears back soo hard. You really don’t have to. I hate that we don’t feel we can show emotion. You are upset by it and that is okay. Please allow yourself to be upset and feel. It’s really, really shit and unfair that you have this and it’s okay to say that. I don’t have this problem but have had depression for years and feel bad about life but watching this just reminds me to be grateful for life and being able to do things every day. No one would ever know from watching you. I think we take for granted what we have. I would just not cope if I had this so you getting up in the morning is just amazing. Remember some people wouldn’t bother. You are an inspiration and as you get older you’ll find more and more ways to help yourself and finally accept this more and accept that resting is self care. I feel bad for lying in bed for an hour! Carry on working on your mind and learning and accepting ❤️

I have that feeling. And I literally say it’s like a plug has been taken out and I’m so tired I just need to sleep. I put it down to my fibromyalgia and pain but maybe it’s something I need to look into. Thank you so much for sharing. I wish you both well xxx

McKenna you are amazing my daughter at 23 has just been diagnosed Autistic after 20yrs of suffering she now has a diagnosis. As I say to her you are special and you are unique and it’s just they way you are and you are loved and cared for x❤

Aw McKenna thank you so much for sharing this with us. My husband has brain injury and has the same crash that you have described. He cannot speak at all. I can see it coming as Andrea said she sees in you. But people can’t see it and trying to explain to people is so hard. He feels he is letting people down and that we are exaggerating! You are so inspiring ❤xxx

This was so emotional thank you McKenna for being so brave to sit and explain how you feel, being menopausal as Andrea will know your body gets tired and aches but obviously nothing like your going through so well done you are just amazing ❤x

Love you guys ❤ really feel for you McKenna ❤ keep positive and keep uploading great videos on all subjects - I will watch whatever you put up as I love seeing you together and appreciate your honesty xxxxx

I'm so with you , you have been so brave talking about your illness thanks for sharing , I have rheumatoid arthritis , Crohn's disease & fibromyalgia , sending hugs your such an amazing and beautiful person ❤️ xx

Had no idea McKenna, so sorry. You are incredible to bring so much joy and happiness to all your followers when you have so much on your plate. Thank you and sending very best wishes xxx

Half way through and already tearing up. As you know, I also have CFS, and felt so seen watching this. I had the same experience of seeing a dr since about 13 and no answers until I was about 24. I feel the exact same as you - a burden to others and trying to mask to be “normal”. ❤ sending you so much love, and thank you so much for filming this. Please if you’re reading and have CFS and you want someone to talk to - I’m here 🥰

Thanks for speaking so openly lovely. It’s so important to spread awareness. I found this really educational to understand CFS more. You are doing so well! Be kind to yourself 🙏

Thank you for this video. I’ve just been diagnosed with my 2nd long term health condition and I’m going for surgery soon so this video has really helped me. It’s so important to educate people and help them to understand. Stay strong and sending so much love xx

So many people suffer with these illnesses. I myself have fybromyalgia, i have to take so much medication which doesn't help at all. Your symptoms sound very much the same as mine. Had lots of blood tests which show nothing. I went private to get a diagnosis 8 years ago. Its not a nice thing to suffer with. Stay strong Mckenna keep smiling 😊😢 xx

Oh my love.. Sending you lots of cuddles. I'm going through health struggles and have been a few years with little to no answers, even after two different ops, (plus being perimenopausal!) so I can in part relate. You have a great supportive family around you which is so lovely to see and I'm glad you have that. 🥰 What I will say is, just do what you can do, and if you can't, who cares?! Not the people who love and understand you. You make us laugh every week and you can be proud of that. 🙂

I had tears in my eyes bless you. You are an amazing woman for sharing what you are going through. I’m sure it will help someone ❤

Thank you for sharing & opening up. I think it is good that you share it as I think it will help you & others. ❤❤❤

Oh McKenna thank you for sharing. You really are brave for telling your experiences and you have helped so many people who also suffer with chronic fatigue syndrome. I’m sure you will have so many people reach out to you and share their experiences with you too. Talking about these experiences help spread awareness. Keep being yourself, You should be very proud of yourself.

Thank you and well done for sharing. Good luck with your appointment, love and hugs xx ❤

Aww sending a big hug to you McKenna xx

Bless you, this sounds super tough & I can relate. I have no idea what causes CFS but I felt I needed to share my health experience in case it could be relevant. I had a host of physical health symptoms (including burn out, exhaustion) and they were almost all solved when I started to deal with some unresolved childhood trauma that I had been burying. Sometimes something can happen to someone else & they’re fine, but for another person it can be traumatic. It could be bullying, bereavement - anything that was a shock to the system. I really hope the specialist is able to bring some light to the situation ❤

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with this. I have some health issues that have similar symptoms of CFS, and its so easy to let it bring you down. My only piece of advice that helps me is to not let your brain lie to you and tell you you're being lazy etc. If you dont already know about the spoon analogy, thats good to look up as it sums it up perfectly. Some things cost more spoons for different people and some people dont start out with the same amount of spoons each day! Your positivity is such an inspiration to me and your videos always make me giggle and feel better on my bad days. Love to you both ❤

Thanking you for sharing your CFS my daughter has different issues but very similar I so understand how you are feeling you are amazing and your sharing is so helpful to many. Stay strong McKenna you are the most happy lovely person. You both cheer me up and I so enjoy your channel x

Hi ladies, I’ve been watching RU-vid for awhile. I love your content I’m so happy you’ve shared your problems today with usXx

McKenna you should be so proud of yourself, for talking about your condition. I know you have touched on this before, but it's easy to forget you have this condition. As people may look at you and think, that your fine and that there's nothing wrong with you, but this is an invisible condition. You are such a positive person. Thanks for sharing this information with us. xx

Aw Mckenna seeing you upset is horrible. I understand how you feel entirely hun. Keep smiling 💜💜💜

Saw the title and I’m 3 mins in and I have to say, I have this and fibromyalgia and Omg people don’t get it. The fatigue I get is awful so I really understand xx right back to the video xx

McKenna, your such a brave girl, I’ve never felt so relatable to a video, I suffered a brain aneurysm right before I turned 30 which has left me with cfs, and it affected my mental health so bad as I’m just tired all the time. This video showed me I’m not alone. Thank you for raising awareness xx❤

Well done, you explained this sooooo well. WELL DONE. ❤ My husband suffers from this and its great that you have brought this out to the media.XX

It is as if you are telling my life story. Although I was eating healthy, running and had a full-time job I was extremely fatigued. End of day I would collapse and went into a sleep coma for 2hr to recover. I rarely went out with friend or other activities and weekends were to recover. Also had those hypoglycemic like episodes after eating normal portion meal and figured out that if I cut them in half the hypoglycemic like state was less severe. Memory got so worse i couldn't remember appointments, birthdays erc. Doctors would not even take all symptoms seriously and blood test were negative. After lifetime of trying to cope I was diagnosed and got on medication for ADHD. This was a game changer! Besides the calm it brought to my mind also a big part of the fatigue was solved. No more rushing on dopamine to get me through the day, no more extreme coping mechanisms that are burning the internal system out. From what you tell about your energetic family ADHD might be something to consider, I'm also the only one that crashed and could not get through a normal day. Worth exploring this option. Hope you find some relief or at least contentment with your day to day activities and actively take breaks.

Aww McKenna you are a Beautiful girl I had a wee tear listening to you Would never know you had that you are very positive and have a great mum at your side love you two xx

I absolutely agree, staying positive is key. Remember, worrying uses up a lot of energy. Embrace yourself as just being a dash more different than others. Practice a good sense of humour about it. Give it your own personal name and when she comes along again (i.e. you are feeling crashed) speak to her in a lighthearted way. I know of terminal cancer patients who did the same thing. Cancer and humour? You might think this is a total misfit but patients practicing it, tell you otherwise. - All the best to you, and your lovely family!

Oh my god. I can relate to this so much!!! I have been suffering with the same "symptoms" for about 5 years. Never ever heard of CFS until watching this! I'm back at the doctors next week, I'm definitely mentioning this. Thankyou!! X

McKenna you are soo brave sharing your experiences with CFS,I was tearing up listening to you.I hope and pray you get answers with the specialist next week Xx

I can so relate to this, McKenna what you do is amazing. You wouldn’t know that you suffer like this. I’m so glad you’ve done this video. Me and my daughter have a rare condition which we have only just has been diagnosed. But the results of it are quite often fatigue- we have tiredness for days! We found it helpful to factor in test periods/days after a busy period- for example if we’ve been on holiday when we get back we have a couple of days rest. If we are going out we have a strategic nap beforehand! Thank you for this video snd normalising things like this.