Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Journey I'm Still On

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Journey I'm Still On
This book is the story of my life, especially about living with cfs for the last nine years. It tells of the many things I have tried to help deal with the illness, and how now I live relatively well. It is a story of hope.

There is a good description of the criteria used to diagnose the illness. This illness has such strange symptoms - it is good to know that I am quite sane - I just have a strange illness.

The italics used for "Still" indicate that this is a journey that I undertake each day. Currently I am 55% on the cfs rating scale - (100% on the Bell Scale is normal). This means that I still have lots of symptoms and can do a few hours of sedentary activity each day.
This is so much better that the 10-30% level that I struggled with for so many years.
At 10% you are in bed most of the time.
At 20% you can get out of bed.
At 30% you can get out the front door sometimes.
All the while with your brain in such a fog that you can't concentrate on anything.

Life is much better now though. This has come about by lifestyle change that involves pacing, meditation, and eating healthy food. Also with a number of medications - these include the pituitary hormone - human growth hormone which drives hormonal system, plus DHEA, cortisone and fludrocortisone- all adrenal hormones, and also thyroid hormone. In addition, though really a food - organic flaxseed oil and meal that is rich in Omega 3's. This has really helped to clear the fog! It took me seven years to find it but I am very grateful that I did.

I have had help from many people along the way. To live successfully with the illness you need a lot of support. Many friends have gone along the way - not able to cope with the difficult illness. But many good people have come into my life because of the illness. I'm glad to know them.

It is an illness that can cause despair it is so difficult to live with. If this is happening to you - just keep on reaching out for help. Don't give up. This time will pass. It doesn't stay this way forever, even though it feels like it will. I was sure that I would never improve and that life was not woth living. I WAS WRONG!