'My whole world went to bits after ME diagnosis'
A woman who said her "whole world went to bits" after being diagnosed with chronic fatigue says a new passion has kept her going.
Kitty Wilson, 51, from Easton in Bristol, was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis ME at the age of 13. The condition worsened later in life, leaving her too tired to eat at times and forcing her to leave her teaching career.
She then began writing romantic comedies as a form of escapism.
"What helped me get through a difficult time has then gone on to give readers a little bit of escape as well," Ms Wilson said.
Ms Wilson's second book was picked up by a publishing company and she was then commissioned to write a series called The Cornish Village School.
"It was a dream come true," Ms Wilson said.
'Heavy body fatigue'
In the year following her first "heavy body fatigue" and diagnosis, Ms Wilson made a full recovery.
However, the symptoms returned "with a vengeance" in her mid-30s, leaving her bed-bound and unable to eat at times, she said.
Ms Wilson was advised to pace herself in order to manage her condition.
"My whole world went to bits. I was often bed-bound and I was physically poorly. Mentally, it was taking a strain," she said.
ME, which is also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, is a long-term and variable condition which can affect people at any age.
It causes extreme tiredness which can impact daily activities, affect sleep and the ability to concentrate.
Symptoms often worsen after physical or mental activity and it can take patients weeks to recover, according to the NHS.
"A couple of years into ME, I realised that the only thing I could control was how I frame things.
"I decided to frame it so that if I tried to start writing, that would keep me busy and mentally well.
"That's why I started writing - I thought I'd give it a shot," she added.
'Make peace with it'
Although Ms Wilson has learned to manage her condition, she still has to "bank" sleep and preserve her energy.
If she overdoes it, she can end up bed-bound and unable to move her arms to write.
"You have to learn to pace and learn that the really rough points will pass.
"You will have good days and bad days.
"You have to make your peace with it and accept it and that takes a while," she said.
Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.