Maggie's hill to climb

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After several bouts of breathlessness and overwhelming fatigue I was diagnosed as having hypothyroidism.   That began my journey to seek some sort of medical assistance.   It soon became clear that there were no doctors in South Africa who were prepared to take on CFS/ME.   As my symptoms were becoming worse, I was experiencing debilitating sleep problems and I was driven to seek assistance in other parts of the world.   I travelled to the US to visit one of Dr Teitelbaum's Clinics.   This visit was too rushed and I struggled with a serious flare whilst there.   Possibly the flights?   Several intravenous solutions which had no affect.   I returned to NY and visited an endocrinologist.  No luck, he said adrenals.   On returning to S Africa I had numerous tests which did not show any adrenal problems.   Symptoms becoming worse and I started to become deconditioned.   Now could only walk a very short distance without experiencing pain (legs), headaches and GI problems, swollen glands in neck, chronic sinus and IBS.   Visited a Professor in Harley Street, London.   He treated me with an orphan drug being used on MS patients.   This injection was very expensive and I did not derive any benefit.   All through these years I was taking a pile of supplements.   By now I had stopped attempting long haul flights and remained in SA as by now I was unable to shop or get about.   At around about the same time I began taking Hydroxycobalamine together with Folic acid.   My energy levels improved slightly but flares and crashes were still very much part of my life.   By now I had tested positive to mercury poisoning and had active Herpes 1 virus, Epstein Bar and cytomegalavirus.   Genetically I had tested positive to having a problem with the MTHFR gene making it exceptionally difficult for my body to detoxify.   I also have NAFLD.

I underwent major 4 hour spine surgery 3 months ago and am recovering from this.   At this stage in my journey I pay a lot of attention to my diet and lifestyle and take Vit C, Vit B6, vit B12, folic acid, probiotics, magnesium, omega 3's vit E and COQ10.