Conditions: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Wears: Classic Bracelet and Siena Bracelet

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“My life changed overnight.”

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Shan (@blendsofbalance) is a creator raising awareness of life with ME/CFS and POTS, sharing the reality of conditions that are often misunderstood or invisible.

But her life didn’t always look like this.

Before becoming unwell, Shan was constantly active,  a dancer, gym-goer, pole fitness instructor, marketing manager, health coach, and photographer. She was always busy, always moving, and she loved it.

Then, at 25, everything changed.

When pushing through made things worse

Shan developed Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), alongside POTS and MCAS. For years, she didn’t have answers. She tried to push through worsening symptoms, holding onto her normal life.

But ME doesn’t work like that.

Pushing through doesn’t make you stronger - it makes you sicker. In 2024, a severe crash changed everything. Almost overnight, Shan became bedbound and had to give up the life she once knew.

Living within limits

Shan has now been housebound for over a year and a half, leaving her home just once in that time. To manage her condition, she spends around 22 hours a day lying flat - carefully pacing every bit of energy to avoid triggering further crashes.

For a long time, she was completely dependent on care, unable to sit up, tolerate light or sound, or manage even the smallest daily tasks on her own.

Even now, while she’s made small improvements, her life remains extremely limited - a reality that often goes unseen.

When a crash isn’t understood

For Shan, one of the most challenging parts of her condition is how unpredictable it can be. During an ME/CFS crash, her body can shut down completely - leaving her unable to move, speak, or tolerate light and sound.

In those moments, even well-meaning help can make things worse. People might assume she needs to be encouraged to move or respond, but what her body actually needs is stillness, calm, and rest.

It’s a powerful reminder that not all medical emergencies look the same and that understanding the condition can make all the difference.

Why Shan chose MedicAlert

That’s why Shan wears her MedicAlert ID every day.

Her ID communicates her conditions clearly including instructions like needing to stay still, reducing noise and light, and not being treated as intoxicated.

If she’s ever unable to communicate, responders can instantly access her full medical record, including medications, allergies, and emergency contacts.

“It’s not just a bracelet - it’s a whole system designed so that if I can’t speak, my medical information still can.”

For Shan, it’s about safety, independence, and peace of mind - especially as someone living alone.

Small steps forward

Even simple tasks, like cleaning her flat after a flare, can come with real risks. With the possibility of fainting or crashing, everything has to be approached carefully. But having her MedicAlert ID means she can move through those moments with more confidence - knowing that if something happens, the right information is always accessible. Through her content, Shan continues to raise awareness and challenge misconceptions around ME/CFS and POTS.

Her story highlights something simple but vital:

When someone can’t communicate, access to the right information can change everything.

And sometimes, that’s what safety really looks like.