Over the past six plus years I've been battling Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I had a full remission for over a year and with that the illness has never seemed permanent or very serious. In fact, it took me seven doctors and searching the internet on my own before I could find any difinitive answer to my strange array of symptoms and it's only been in the past year that I found a doctor willing to listen to me and diagnose my suspicions. Also, there's been documentation from the doctor in regard to also having Fibromyalgia but I'm waiting to see a specialist before I let that completely sink in.
Anyhow, I'm finally coming to terms with the fact that the person I knew before my illness is gone. This weakened condition seems to be my way of life. I'm not saying I can't ever get better... I'm just beginning to doubt it will anytime soon.
Thus far I've undergone a battery of blood test checking everything from autoimmune diseases to thyroid and vitamin levels and everything suppossedly checks out ok. However, I just started seeing a new doc (the other one that was great is too far away and stopped carrying my insurance) and he wants new testing done which is fine by me. In addition to this, I visit a naturalist who's been sucessful at diagnosing a dairy allergy, systemic candidas, and multiple kidney infections. I've changed my entire lifestyle because of my illness but to no avail.
I think the hardest part of this illness is that I see myself tipping the scales for usefulness. As a mother, wife, and part time worker, I gradually see myself slipping away. I want to give but simply don't have the energy, focus, or drive. It's disheartening and it's getting harder to fight the mental depression (different from physical depression) that comes with loosing so much control.
Anyhow, I thought I'd join this site in an effort to keep trying and try to find new ways of dealing with my illness or at least feel connected when I'm overwhelmed.
I'm open to any suggestions or thoughts supposing anyone wants to read this crazy long disertation.
