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The original was posted on /r/cfs by /u/mediocreguydude on 2025-07-31 04:38:37+00:00.

I went to the same convention I go to every year and have gone to every since since I was 14. I actually ended up with CFS because of the convention. Didn’t stop me from going again though, because I am determined to have fun. Last year I slept through the majority of it in the hotel room because the little bit of going out I did was too much, still had so much fun for when I could get out and vibe.

But this year? Oh my god. This year I fucking lived again. I had so much fun with my friends, I even once nearly passed out in the hotel room from laughing so hard. Like no joke, my legs gave out and I collapsed against the bed and onto the floor just heaving with laughter. I discovered I need a better wheelchair cushion because my ass hurt so bad by the last day because I was in it so much hahaha!

I’m still recovering now. The PEM yesterday was on the gnarlier side for me, but still worlds better than what it used to be. I may have been in bed all day but I get to just talk with friends through text and watch videos so it’s not bad!

I feel like I’m actually living my life again in some capacity. It’s not perfect, but I honestly I don’t care. I can go out with my friends. I can have fun. Yeah there’s some limitations because I do need my wheelchair since honestly my biggest PEM trigger is walking around but hanging out with them doesn’t cause PEM. Obviously the convention is different because it’s three whole days of going out and having fun, which is a LOT of energy lol.

I’ve even discovered that I can float in pools!! No actual swimming, BUT I can float around and just relax in the water. I definitely couldn’t do that before, I could barely go hang out with friends without PEM. Now I can go out with them, float in pools, hell I can walk around my house for over 5 minutes at a time!

Does this illness still steal a lot from me? Absolutely. But being mild is a fucking blessing. One I’m so, so fucking grateful for. I feel human again.