Wade Walters, former Esquimalt SISIP Manager, is home battling ME.
Peter Mallett
Staff Writer
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Being so tired he had to sleep half the day was Wade Walters’ first inkling something was wrong.
The former Esquimalt SISIP manager says symptoms were slight and not concerning in 2000, but as time progressed so did the debilitating symptoms.
“I was saving all my energy for work and gradually becoming more and more tired,” he says. “All I could do in the day was go to work, and then go home and lay down, get up the next day, and repeat.”
On top of his inability to feel refreshed after a long sleep, he had headaches, muscle aches, short-term memory loss, sensitivity to bright lights and loud sounds, bladder dysfunction, night sweats, a chronic sore throat, and a sensitivity to certain foods.
It took a barrage of tests and back and forth doctor visits, but he finally was given an answer: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, known as ME to those who have it, and formerly known as chronic fatigue syndrome.
Stats Canada estimates there are over 580,000 Canadians, including 77,000 British Columbians, diagnosed with ME.
“I used to have a very active life, now I don’t even have the energy to take care of myself or my home properly,” he says. “This is like a life sentence.”
In August 2018, the illness forced him to resign his position and go on long-term disability. There are few treatment options for ME, which affects many body systems including thinking and concentrating, and there is no cure. Walters has been seeking help from his doctor and through the Complex Chronic Disease Clinic of B.C. Prescription pain medication has provided some relief but reducing stress through meditation and mindfulness training have been more beneficial, especially to help him cope.
As COVID-19 winds through the world population, research is showing many people who contract the virus and have long-term residual effects are also getting ME.
“I know there are people out there in our community who have contracted COVID-19, think they have overcome the symptoms but can’t figure out why they are so tired. It’s important to get an early diagnosis and not fall into the trap of pushing themselves to their limit.”
For Walters, he is hopeful a cure will be found, and that his energy and mental acuity returns to normal. Until then, the 62-year-old will continue to manage the crippling fatigue where every day feels like a flu day.
For more information about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis go to mefm.bc.ca/about-me
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