Feelings of emotional turmoil were the most distressing aspect of the menopause for Cheryl. Her inability to cope and increased irritability at home put pressures on her relationships. An understanding GP and two years on HRT helped ease her symptoms.

Rollo thinks that what triggered his ME/CFS was an overdose of vaccinations that he had received at school prior to travelling to Asia. Following this he started having joint pains and became very emotional. He was diagnosed with ME/CFS by an 'alternative practitioner' a few years after getting ill. Says that ME/CFS affects different people in different ways and that doctors should learn to recognise that.

Alan had bowel cancer in 2003, and received radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. He had to have a hip replacement because his hip was weakened by the radiotherapy. Although he had lots of setbacks, he feels like things are getting back to normal. He does feel more emotional nowadays.