Finding Freedom: Escaping from the Prison of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

This book echos 98% of what my naturopath has been saying, which worked really well for me. I fell off the bandwagon and this book has inspired me to get back on with my healing journey. So much honesty, encouragement and positivity, as well as solid recommendations whilst acknowledging that our journeys are all different and we don't have the identical same route to getting well. Her YouTube channel is super helpful too. I am getting going with my own health recovery plan thanks to this book and some time and space to reflect and make a plan. Definitely worth a read!

Raelan is an inspiration for the ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome community as we desperately search for answers (having been totally let down by the medical profession for decades). Every "I recovered" story helps. A lot of this will be familiar to those who have changed their diet and lifestyle in order to help to heal their bodies (not always possible, but may at least may put the condition into remission). I haven't given it 5 stars because a lot of it is not relateable to the average person living an ordinary life, trying to manage a family, trying to cling to a job because of financial pressures, etc. She was able to embrace a totally healthy lifestyle, without those pressures, and found out what worked for her - so it's important to take what she learned from this and use it (as much as you can) in your own life - you can do versions of most of this. What I think is important to take away is that there seems to be a genetic component here (her own poor Mum didn't survive having it) and so an extreme lifestyle change (and making getting and staying healthy) may have been what was needed. Some people will say this is unrealistic for most of us but I still think that it's possible to take her recommendations and do your own version of them. Check out her videos too. A valuable contribution to the ME/CFS library.

Finding Freedom is such an apt title for this book. Beautifully written, an incredibly personal account of a generational battle with a mysterious and destructive disease.Throughout this often tragic and lonely battle, Raelan interweaves healthy doses of sarcasm and humour, necessary elements, along without her dogged determination, to sustain her and eventually slay the dragon.I have been wandering aimlessly for several years in my own deep forest of illness, but now I can see the path that will eventually lead me out, a voice in the distance calling out to me, guiding me.I would highly recommend Finding Freedom to anyone who is suffering with CFS or any chronic disease, and moreover friends and family wishing to understand what their loved ones are going through.Although I have only taken a few steps on the path, I will be forever indebted to Raelan for taking the time and devoting the energy to write her painful account, giving me and no doubt countless others the tools to slay our own dragons. Ralean Agle is ‘A real Angel’. Maybe one day I can emulate her selfless gesture and in turn help to grow the increasing body of knowledge about CFS.

I really am grateful and enjoyed the simple message of this book, which for me was... "you can heal from CFS".It gave me a good boost of inspiration and motivation while I have been in a bit of a "healing rut" on my journey through the dense, demoralising and devastating CFS/ FM jungle.Thank you for taking the time to write honestly about your experience and offer guidance.I cannot vouch for the methods used (as of yet), however I am already an advocate of eating a whole foods diet, reducing caffeine, sugar and alcohol... meditation, "feeling our feelings", and gentle movement.I am sure this book will be another piece in the puzzle to help my mind, body and spirit heal.

Raelan's story really is an inspiring read, in particular for those of us at the start of our CFS journey or at any stage. It's also such an easy read and full of so many different ideas to start off or continue recovery. Her story is a true and honest account of her personal and painful healing journey and shows the value of hope and sheer determination to find a way. She outlines so well that there can be so many dimensions to healing, some of which may be simple on their own but when all put together in a structured and careful way may complete the puzzle. Full of practical day to day tips for recovery, gives you a lot to think about and consider when it comes to daily planning . Would definitely recommend!

I have read a lot of books, seen countless videos and had hours of private treatment to tackle my ME/CFS. I always joke that after 4 years, I have a PhD in ME/CFS 😆Almost exclusively these resources have told me to accept my life as it is, and I’ve really tried, but just can’t. When I came across Raelan’s book I actually cried when I read the back. Finally here was someone who had recovered, saying you don’t have to accept the status quo.The book is really easy to read even with fatigue and brain fog. It is packed with useful tips on how to speed up recovery. All of this advice is presented clearly and in a non-biased way.I would recommend this book to anyone searching for new ideas to address their fatigue and improve their health. It’s inspiring and encouraging. We can do this! 💪

Really easy to read and very detailed simple, practical (although not necessarily easy!) steps to take to recover from M.E./CFS and Long Covid. There is also a great YouTube channel to go with the book.I bought this for myself as I have M.E. and I 100% recommend. I am not recovered yet, but implementing the strategies in this book, plus Pamela Rose’s basic course on pacing (I so struggled to get my head around pacing and it is so critical!) is helping me make steady progress.