Learning to live with ME/CFS

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    My battle with ME/CFS began in the Summer of 2004.  One distinct day in the year of 2004,  I remember things changed dramatically for me.  I was a Pool/Spa technician that repaired and maintained pools and spas.

 

     My work required that I frequently and repeatedly needed to squat and stand.  I would become extremely lightheaded to the point of feeling like I might pass out.  I was experiencing hyper-somnia, unrefreshing sleep and serious brain fog at this time also.

 

     Over the next 7 years, I was checked out by countless doctors and had run numerous tests and more brain scans than I ever wanted or imagined that I would need.  After all that, with some reluctance by my medical provider and with some prodding on my part, the diagnosis was finally official  --- ME/CFS.

 

     I eventually had to give up working completely and apply and fight for Social Security Disability.  With persistence and a lawyer, I was awarded SSI disability.  I am currently mostly housebound these days and find myself lying in bed resting for periods of time throughout the day.  I must keep my activity level extremely low so as not to relapse into a fatigue level of darkness and despair.