Humans of ME/CFS

I was diagnosed with ME/CFS about 15 years ago after a bad ski accident, prolonged use of antibiotics, and a subsequent surgery. Luckily, I had a very knowledgeable doctor who didn’t try to write me off as a head-case. Prior to that, I had been a very active, athletic person. But all of a sudden, I found that just trying to make lunch for my toddler daughter and that small task took every ounce of energy I had.

After about 10 years of a very sedentary lifestyle I gained 30 pounds. I had finally reached some balance in my life and was functioning at a better level, when I had a major setback. Lyme disease and babesia infection. I don’t seem to be able to fight off these infections and my body is breaking down. My hair was falling out. I experienced lots of tendonitis issues all over and myofascial pain. I can’t tolerate the medications needed to treat anything anymore, which I hear is very common with ME/CFS.

ME/CFS has compromised my immune system. I live a very unbalanced life with very little social interaction or activity. I face more and more health problems every month. It is beyond discouraging.

My daughter died in 2012 in a drowning accident at age 16, which has only set back my health, as I cope with crippling grief. We used to volunteer together at a nearby horse rescue, so I try to still help out there when I can, but there is very little I am still able to do.

I really look forward to the day there’s a cure, both for ME/CFS and for Lyme disease. (Other than the antibiotics that destroyed my body!).