Further to my M.E. -A Mountain to Climb account about my holiday in Llanberis, here is a little more anecdotal evidence regarding the impact of nicotine patches on my M.E.

Over the last three years I have grown produce, mostly edible, and mostly in easy-to-manage pots and containers. I also have a couple of small ‘plots’ in the garden, for potatoes, leeks, onions, micro- celeriac (the micro bit was unintentional!) and also a Rhubarb Patch.

Prior to May 1st (the start of a three week lowest dose nicotine patch treatment), I could only manage gardening sessions in short bursts, followed by long rests. Further, after 5 or so minutes of any digging over of the garden plots/ weeding at a time, I then needed a lengthy lie-down.

Today I have managed a 30-40 minute dig and weed of the Rhubarb patch. And I don’t need to lie down. I intend to go for a walk soon.