Dr thinks I have Chronic Fatigue.

It sounds like text-book chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome to me. I'd buy the book "From Fatigued to Fantastic" by Dr. Teitelbaum in order to get educated about the condition and cross-check your symptoms. But I know that the 2 major symptoms are not sleeping and muscle aches, without trigger points like in fibromyalgia. Then there are like 15 other symtpoms that some folks also have. I'm sorry that you may have this. It sucks. But there are some things you can do to improve how you feel. --ash

Thanks guys for your input.

I have had numerous blood tests, I feel like a pincushion, and seeing as nothing out of the ordinary came up, I think that is why the Dr suggested depression, because there was no other answer for him.

Thanks hippimom for your suggestions about lyme disease. Where I live, we don't have tics and i haven't been anywhere to pick one up. As for a bullseye rash...I'm not sure what that is! I will suggest it next time I'm at the Dr though. I seem to be going there a lot.

Thanks guys.

Thanks Rugged. I actually don't take the a/d atm. They weren't helping at all. But when I was, I was taking Cipramil.
My diet has always been quite good anyway. I don't drink, smoke or take drugs. I actually cannot have caffiene as I have a heart condition. I don't mix certain foods like proteins and carbs, and sweets and acidics etc. I don't know if I actually have Post Viral Fatigue, as I haven't been sick in over a year, so I don't know exactly what is causing my fatigue. I have had some stress the past 8 months but that is all behind me now. I thought once all that was resolved I would start to feel better, but I just feel worse.

Its becoming a major problem. I've come interstate this week to visit a friend so she can look after my son and I can just relax, but that doesn't seem to be making much of a difference either.

I'm at my wits end here. I wake up in the morning, have a drink, then want to go straight back to sleep. Things don't get done, and then I get frustrated because they aren't. Its a horrid never ending cycle.

I will have a look at that book you suggested though. I'm willing to try anything if it helps.

Thankyou

Thanks Graceann,

I have done a little bit of research on Lyme disease, as someone mentioned it previously.

I live in Australia, and the majority of cases of Lyme disease have not been diagnosed in my state.

Apparently, LD in Australia, shares few of the epidemiological or clinical characteristics of US or European patterns of LD. Of course the information I am getting is only from the internet, because I haven't been to the Dr yet to suggest it, but I will. If not to find an answer, but to rule out a possibility.

Thanks again


Kell

The trip interstate was nice, although I didn't find it nearly as relaxing as I had hoped.
Even though the plane trip is only 1 hr, and the time difference is only 30mins, between the two states, I found myself suffering severely from Jet Lag. Sounds silly but thats all I can do to explain it. I have another week off work before my annual leave finishes and I know how its going to be when I go back.

What have the rest of you done in relation to working while you are suffering? Have you been able to afford/have time off work? If I was to not work, we would not be able to afford to live, so it's not really an option for me.

I have thought about taking leave, but with a 10yr to raise and support by myself, along with a host of debts, it is not financially feasible. I know I should be thinking of myself, for a change, but I just can't do it. If I quit work, it is to the detrement of my child, and I would rather be so exhausted I can't sleep, than put my childs future at risk.
Just to add to the stress of all this, Im having relationship troubles too, not related to feeling ill, but relating to my mistrust of my boyfriend.

Does everything always pile on top of the people who aren't equipped to deal with it?

Sorry, everyone, my rant is over.

Well. I know its been a while since I last posted. Thought I might give you an update. I have been to numerous Dr's, therapists and goodness knows who else.

I have come across someone who deals with Patients with CFS on a DAILY basis! He knows the signs and symptoms, and all the different methods to help relieve the symptoms.
He also knows alot about depression and other psychological disorders.

After lengthy conversation, reviewing my test results, and conducting more of his own, he has come to the conclusion that I AM suffering from a mild case of CFS, but secondary to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It sounds odd I know, but after discussing everything with him, it already feels as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.
I am not sleeping still, but I am sure we will get to that.

The root of my PTSD stems from a serious (almost fatal) car accident in 2002. I recovered, after lots of rehabilitation and learning to walk again, enough to enjoy a successful career. Then last year in November, I was involved in another car accident in which we hit a Light Pole. This accident also involved being cut out of the car and transported off to hospital.

My Dr feels that this latest accident has just amplified all my emotions, stress, distress, from the previous accident. This is why he feels that if we treat the underlying cause - my CFS should ease somewhat dramatically.

I dont' know if this is going to work, but I am just so grateful to find someone who is willing to TRY and help me, and believes me that this is a real health problem and not just something in my mind - if you know what I mean.

I know this was long winded. Sorry. I just wanted to say thankyou to those of you who offered kind words and who understood exactly where I was coming from.

Thanks.