Introduction
Why another book about ME? That is a good question!
I had previously had other vaccinations without any problems, but around ten minutes after having that first Hep B vaccine, I collapsed.
Is it possible that my being born so prematurely could in some way have contributed to all my years of ill-health
At the end of September 1990 I returned to the nurses’ home at Llandough.
Having survived being born ten weeks prematurely with very few problems, the rest of my early years were unremarkable and healthy.
I finally had a name for my illness, but there was apparently no treatment that could be given or advice to be offered.
Life was busy: going on beach missions, studying for A-levels, church activities, being a member of the Red Cross, helping Grandma, learning to drive and passing my test, applying and being accepted for nurse training in Cardiff.
I had hopes and plans for the future but none of them have worked out. Was I wrong to start nurse training, having been sure that it was what the Lord was guiding me into?
With the slow decline in my health since I became ill you could say that I had been moderately affected by ME, but that was soon to change.
To bring events right up to date, things have not improved over the last couple of years; in fact, they have quite simply got worse and more complicated.
As a Christian, I know that my future is secure. However, it is still not easy from day to day.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is a multi- system failure, classed by the World Health Organization as a neurological condition.
Trying to help a person with a chronic health problem that has lasted for many years may seem a bit daunting. What should be done?
At the age of eighteen, Hazel Stapleton suddenly went from being a healthy, active teenager who had just embarked on a career in nursing, to being chronically ill, with numerous serious health complications developing over the subsequent years, leaving her house-bound and now mainly bed-bound. Since her diagnosis with the neuroimmune disorder ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), Hazel has realized that many people are unaware of the impact and serious nature of this illness, which is often portrayed as a psychological problem.
In this book, through telling of her own experiences of ME, she seeks to raise awareness about this devastating condition and the effects it has on people’s lives.
I appreciated reading Hazel’s witness to the Lord’s grace in saving her, and all His subsequent dealings, which comes over very well and much to His glory. I trust the information given about ME may open the eyes of people to take this condition seriously, especially the medical profession.
Rev. John Thackway, Pastor, Holywell Evangelical Church [now Emmanuel Church, Salisbury]
It was most moving to read of the way the Lord has led Hazel these past years, and I was richly blessed by her regular reminders that God is sovereign in every detail of our lives.
Derek French, Elder, Hanney Chapel near Wantage
This book documents Hazel’s life both before and since her illness. No, it isn’t cheerful to read about a chronic illness and some of the difficulties both with diagnosis and in terms of management of the condition. Yet Hazel is a Christian and is clear that she has a hope greater than this life. Of course, this book is of relevance to people with ME, but it is also relevant to those of us who have been given many years of good health. It is easy to moan and forget to be thankful for this gift. It is encouraging to be reminded of the Lord and His promises.
Sarah Jones, former consultant physician, London
Hazel Stapleton was born in Bristol and has lived most of her life in North Somerset. She was diagnosed with ME in 1991. Since then her health has deteriorated, and she is now house-bound and most of the time bed-bound. Hazel currently lives with her parents in County Down, Northern Ireland.
NB My books are written with the aim of trying to help others; I do not make any money from them.