CFS Recovery

Hopeless and Turned Away by Doctors to Intense Workouts – John’s Recovery

BACKGROUND

  • Name: John Frame
  • Age: 29
  • Length of Illness: 16 months
  • Prior Life: Active lifestyle with a high-stress job, regular intense workouts, and pushing physical limits.

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME HISTORY

  • Onset: Symptoms began after receiving the COVID vaccine in May 2021, worsened by a COVID infection in December 2021.
  • Severity: Significant impact on daily activities, resulting in severe fatigue, emotional distress, and multiple health issues.
  • Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms, severe fatigue, emotional distress, muscle pain, heart palpitations, and hypersensitivity of the nervous system. 

TREATMENTS

  • Solutions Tried: Consulted various doctors and specialists, underwent numerous tests, received a misdiagnosis of Lyme disease, and tried antibiotics, Zyrtec, Benadryl, quercetin, and various lifestyle changes.
  • Why They Joined: Found Recovery Jumpstart through online videos and resonated with the approach. Needed structured guidance and personalized support to navigate recovery effectively. 

MAJOR WINS

  • Physical Activity: Progressed from being able to do only 10 assisted push-ups to lifting heavy weights in the gym, including squatting 225 lbs, bench pressing 185 lbs, and deadlifting 275 lbs.
  • Social Engagement: Reconnected with friends, attended social events, and managed daily activities with minimal setbacks.
  • Emotional Control: Developed better stress management techniques, significantly improving mental resilience and overall well-being.

 

KEYS TO RECOVERY

  • Resilience and Determination: Maintained a strong commitment to recovery despite initial setbacks and ongoing challenges.
  • Structured Support: Benefited from the structured guidance and community support of the Recovery Jumpstart program, including regular check-ins and access to experienced coaches.
  • Mindset Shifts: Focused on the mental aspects of recovery, learning to manage stress and emotional responses effectively.

CURRENT STATE

  • John has made substantial progress in his recovery from CFS. He is now able to engage in regular physical activities, manage a demanding job, and maintain a more balanced and positive outlook on life.
  • “It’s very crazy to see the rate at which I’ve progressed over the last few months. Currently, I’m lifting, like, three or four days a week. Quite heavy. Like, heavy weights in the gym. I’m squatting, I’m benching, I’m deadlifting. I’m doing, like, really heavy stuff. And, you know, it feels good. Like, my muscles are coming back, and I’m feeling more energetic and strong.”
  • John’s story highlights the importance of resilience, structured support, and a holistic approach to treatment. His journey serves as a powerful example of the potential for recovery and regaining quality of life after battling severe chronic illness.