Kate Flowerdew Health & Wellness

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia - My Journey to Wellness

Hi, my name is Kate and I am a nurse with a mainly Oncology background in both the NHS and private sectors. I started struggling with my health two years ago when I was in a busy and demanding role as a chemotherapy sister. I was working long hours, not always being able to take breaks and suffering with stress, anxiety and exhaustion. My beautiful son Oliver was only 3 years old at the time and so life outside of work could also be stressful with tears and tantrums being a regular happening at either end of my working day. My partner and I also sadly suffered two miscarriages over this period which took a huge emotional toll on me, at the same time as feeling constantly stressed and overwhelmed by life. By September of last year, I developed extensive & severe joint pain, weakness, dizziness and balance issues, visual disturbances, mouth ulcers, chronic headaches and nausea which led to me having to leave my job. Since then, I have gone through a further two nursing positions which have all ended in the same way, with me suffering with complete exhaustion and weakness, and in extensive pain, unable to do even the simplest of tasks at home or for my son.

I have recently been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. This is known as an invisible illness for a good reason because I can feel absolutely awful but on the outside, I can look seemingly ok, particularly if I put some make up on. It has affected me physically, emotionally, socially and financially. I struggle with both anxiety and depression. It has affected my ability to be the mum and partner that I would like to be. But not to be one to take things lying down, this led to me start my own health and wellbeing business. I embarked on a wellness and mindfulness journey this year and have begun the process of becoming vegan. I have taken a completely holistic approach to both my physical and mental health. And I hope to be able to help others struggling with similar issues to do the same. Through this page, I will be sharing the things that have helped me manage my condition and it’s symptoms so far as well as my own progress as I continue on my own journey to wellness 💚