My testimony living with chronic fatigue and Immune Dysfunction syndrome.

Before acquiring the illness most patients were healthy, leading full and active lifestyles: I worked sixteen years for the state in which I lived. The last
twelve I was Office Manager. I took classes and danced with my daughter on the stage. In the years between 1983 and 1985 my position was secretary in social services where

I typed 72 words a minute and worked overtime due to the high volume on intake.

ME/CFS most frequently follows an acute prodromal infection, varying from upper respiratory infections, bronchitis or sinusitis, or gastroenteritis, or an acute "flu-like" illness. Other prodromal events that may stress the neuroimmunoendocrine regulatory system include immunization, anesthetics, and exposure to environmental pollutants (28), chemicals, and heavy metals (29).

Physical trauma such as a motor vehicle accident, a fall, or surgery may also trigger ME/CFS. In rare occasions, ME/CFS has developed following a blood transfusion. Within days or weeks of the initiating event, patients show a progressive decline in health and develop a cascade of symptoms. The following author contributed to and compiled the consensus document: M. I. van de Sande: Director of Education, National ME/FM Action Network,Nepean, ON, Canada.

In 1986 and 1989 I had two injuries on the job working with supplies. In 1991 I was
diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, myofasical pain, TMJ, Carpal Tunnel, CFS. It's funny,
going through my medical records I find very little stressing the disability brought
on day in and day out with the CFS. It's a big part of the mental fog I experience.

Looking back over the last sixteen years there hasn't been a social life. There's a
new set of rules applied to living. There's lots of reasons to be depressed but when
you are it just makes all the symptoms worse and robs you of your joy. After awhile
you learn to take one day and live it to the fullest even if that day finds you in
bed. Living within an isolated world you find enjoyment in the little things that
you missed when you were part of the busy world.

I remember once my life being busy and full of excitement, full of family and
friends. I took Bible classes, had a painting class, taught Sunday School. Taught
Mime and drama. Worked full time and loved the multi tasking demands that went on
every day. Mother/Daughter banquets. Music in the Park. Breakfast out with the girls

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