Sherri
Hi! I saw your message today and thought I should tell you my story. I am 45 and have had trouble since I had mono at the age of 16. It was then I began to have chronic colds, sinusitis, and got everything anyone else had who was around me. I, too, have experienced depression, lack of sexual desire, etc. My journey has taken me through many types of Doctors. I have been treated for my sinusitis/upper respiratory infections with allergy medicine from my family Doc, so allergy testing might be something you might want to try. It has made all the difference for me. Last year I started complaining about a heavy feeling in my chest, constant coughing and only getting a full breath when I yawned. After six months of this, and an emergency room visit, I was finally diagnosed with asthma. Being on inhalers has also helped that problem, too. I have fought a long battle with depression and have have at times seen a Psychiatrist and Therapist My Doc has prescribed meds for my depression (many can cause sexual side effects and decrease your desire make sure you make it clear that you want to be on something that doesn't. I take Wellbutrin. I was also prescribed something for my sleep problems: taking a long time to fall alseep, waking up during the night, waking up and not being able to go back to sleep, or plain insomnia. Many will prescribe a mild anti-depresant because they help depression and sleeping problems, but I had to be on one specifically for sleep. Talking to a psychologist has helped me to have someone to talk to about it and blow off my steam when it gets me down. When I experienced a lack of desire my family Doc tested my hormone level - mine was in the toilet. I now take hormones to rectify that. I know it sounds like all I do is take medicines, but they have been essential in getting me back to a comfortable way of life. I take many vitamins to boost my immune system. My family Doc has also recommended I get a flu shot every flu season because of my inability to fight things off like I was once able to do. It is probably very frustrating for you right now. It is very important that you see a Doctor who has knowledge of your problem and is experienced with treating patients (especially women)successfully. This might take a while. Ask for a referral from your Doc, your insurance company, or anyone you might know. I live in Michigan and if you live close I might be able to help you with that. I want to mention something - I also have fibromyalgia. It is common to have this along with chronic fatique syndrome. I experience pains which feel like they are deep in my bones, but it is actually a soft tisue disease (docs debate whether or not it is a syndrome or disease) which surrounds the joints. There are many points in the body which this occurs. If you have the pain in one area of your body you will also experience in exactly the same spot on the other side. This is a telltale sign. You may not even experience this, but if you do, I want you to have a better head start than I hade. It took 20 years for that diagnosis (they only recognized it as a disease in l989). Before that they told people it was "all in their heads" - there are treatments for this. After reading this please try not to feel any worse. There ARE some things you can do for yourself...you just need a good Doc (Some rhuematologists have experience in both areas of chronic fatigue/fibromyalgia) and a good support system. You need to inform your family/friends of your illness and what to expect in the way of symptoms (some days you may not be able to move much or get out of bed - remember that this is normal for what you have and not in "your head") and tell them how you will be affected. It can be hard not to be grumpy and depressed, but remember that you have somewhere/someone to go to for that as well. The most important things you can do for yourself are: 1) Take good care of yourself. Listen to your body and rest when you need it if possible. 2) Take vitamins. A good multiple vitamin with lots of C is necessary. I take a B complex for depression. I take 3 millegrams of Melaatonin to help me sleep. I also take Chromium Picolinate to help with digestion of carbohydrates, protein and fat. This helps me burn calories, which can add up when you rest alot, and helps me not to feel as sluggish. I know of a place which sells vitamins in a package specifically for chronic fatigue. I have gotten a package for fibromyalgia in the past and the cost was $75.00, but that was for a three month supply. When you are out there buying what you need you'll see that it can get expensive. I have had the best luck at WalMart and Target stores. 3) Don't be afraid to ask for help and that's why you need good Docs and a support system. A psychologist might be real helpful for you. 4) Have a positive attitude. I can tell you from experience that this goes a long way. 5) If your depression gets to be a problem...get help. You might find that you notice it more in the winter. My psychiatrist has recommended that I use light therapy (you have to ask around to find this type of treatment), go to a tanning booth, or somewhere sunny. It really helps. 6) If you start having a problem with feeling anxiety...take charge. You can see a professional about this. You can also use relaxation techniques such as: Get a bird feeder and really watch them - it can be fun and relaxing. Get yourself a waterfall. Sound is the sense which causes relaxation the fastest. Get fish - watching a tank for a while is good medicine. 6) Learn about bio-feedback - it is a real way to help you cope with stress besides taking a pill. 7) Learn about self-hypnosis. This a REAL way to help yourself and feel like you are back in control. 8) Use prayer if you believe in that. I also got the suggestion to see my illness as the devil. I mean this in tearms of visualizing your illness as an entity you can talk to and tell to take a hike when you need it. I know I have been longwinded, but I really felt to give you this ammunition to fight your illness. I welcome your emails if you need someone to talk to - especially when you feel down and frustrated. We can also make arrangements to meet via instant messages (if you have that feature) whenever you need it. I don't always check my messages every day, but if you decide you want an email friend who understands I will try to do that on a regular basis. Take notes of this message and use it. I hope I have been helpful in some way. Sincerely, Sherri