I was 56 years old, a senior government professional, managing 70 staff members. I woke up one morning in August of 2008 and had the worse flu I have ever had. I never got well again. I diagnosed myself after about 7 months of doctors telling me there was nothing wrong with me, and found an MD with understanding of ME/CFS who confirmed my diagnosis. With accommodations, I worked for 2 1/2 years then retired from the government. I hoped I would improve after I stopped working, but instead I've gotten worse. I still manage to do some things I want to do, like travel, but I pay the price for any extra activity. I continue to have flu-like symptoms most of the time - headache, swollen glands, sore throat, joint pain, and fatigue. Plus I've gained 20+ lbs - adding insult to injury! I was a regular gym rat, and I am now very sedentary.
ME/CFS has affected my health, my marriage, my ability to volunteer/work, and my ability to travel. I live in hope of better treatments in my lifetime! I'm 64 and counting.