"I first suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 1986 and was bedridden for about 5 years. In that time I visited everyone from Harley Street experts to dodgy alternative practitioners, but nothing really helped.

Eventually I improved probably by using an exercise bike and was able to take part in family holidays, etc, and become part of the world again. I ran every morning in between bouts of illness which lasted from 6 weeks to 3 months. This has been the pattern although I gave up running and tennis because I found I became too tired and was ill again. During this time I did an OU degree which was important for me as I concentrated on the work rather than myself, although it was difficult as my brain was cotton wool.

Since I saw Phil in the summer I have returned to the life which I enjoyed previously. The Lightning Process has given me the ability to deal with problems better, and lead an interesting life doing an M.A., research for the Victoria county history on a couple of local churches, playing tennis and bridge, travelling and generally being more hospitable.

I don't worry that I will have to let people down when I am invited to do things, or that I won't feel well enough any more. I do feel better in dry climates and have more energy but I no longer blame Cornwalll for my illness, and have given up analysing everything exhaustively which was something I used to do a lot.

When things do go wrong I use the Lightning Process so I don't plunge downwards again, and ensure that I think in a positive way.

Good luck to everyone else suffering from CFS."

Dec 2005