Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

SammyD

Hello there, I am 55 and have recently had to leave my 30 year teaching career due to my symptoms. The symptoms have been getting worse over several years. I am exhausted all the time and no amount of sleep helps this. I am now spending most of my days in the house as if I try to go out after a short time I will run out of energy and it’s as if my battery as completely run out and I just stop and then have to sleep for sometimes up to 30 hours. I am in constant pain in my back and have frequent headaches. If I try to do more,  then I will end up in bed for a week or more. I have had every blood test known to man and all come back normal so the doctor suspects CFS. Am struggling with thinking this is my new normal. Have read about pacing and seems to make sense but will my life always be like this? It is very difficult. 

Rosie_Scope

Hi @SammyD, welcome to the community

So sorry to read you've had to give up your career due to your symptoms. My first diagnosis was ME/CFS and I have lived with fatigue for many years, so I understand how difficult it can be.

It's a huge adjustment and I know from experience that it can come with a lot of grieving for your 'old life' as well as fear for what's going to happen in the future. You are completely right to feel angry and upset about it, but it's not set in stone that the way you feel right now is how you'll always be.

Some people do find pacing helpful as a way to manage symptoms. It can be a big change at first, but after the (admittedly slightly frustrating) initial trial and error period, it can become second nature once you get into the swing of it and find out what works for you. 

Have you been offered any support to cope with your condition?

Waiting lists can be long, but some of my friends with similar diagnoses found support groups or CBT sessions useful to cope with the mental health impact. Just meeting others having similar struggles can be comforting, so I hope some more of our members will be along soon to share their experiences too.

junie58

Hi SammyD, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia/CFS many years ago and it was life changing. It can be hard to adjust to a different way of living and you go through all sorts of emotions. Every day is different, be kind to yourself, listen to your body and pace yourself. In time you will find what works best for you, and ways to manage your health. I always try to think of something positive every day no matter how tough the day has been. You will have good and bad days, and the winter can be harder for many reasons but focus on things you can do that make you feel good.