Knocked down...back up again...knocked down...back up again.

It started with pneumonia that lasted for 6 weeks. And after that I was never the same, never felt right, ran a low grade fever perpetually, sore throat, foggy brain, short-term memory loss, joint pain, muscle pain, crushing-beyond-belief fatigue. After a series of extensives tests eliminating everything else my doctor diagnosed me with CFS. And she had one thing to offer: an anti-depressant. Because of her attitude, I stayed away from doctors for a while and tried to pretend I didn't have CFS. It didn't work. I had a breakthrough when I was pregnant with my first child. Pre-term labor led me to a doctor's wife who had CFS and a great herbal protocol. In addition to that, I had to go to the hospital for an overnight magnesium flush. It hit me when I was walking through sand dunes in North Carolina with a baby in my arms about 4 months later. I wasn't winded. I wasn't tired. I was doing really well. I credit the herbs, the bedrest and the magnesium flush. Magnesium is an absolute must and so is serious rest. The herbs definitely helped too. But that doesn't mean I think that one protocol is good for everyone. Magnesium? Yes. Rest? Yes.

I spent a good 10 years well enough to think I might have permanently kicked CFS. I ran, sprinted, lifted weights, had 2 more beautiful children. I was living full blast. But. The past 7 years have proven the notion of permanently kicking CFS to be sadly untrue. I've gradually had to stop pursuit of a degree, quit a job and then quit my work from the home just to focus on reversing the dynamics of CFS being on top of my life. So far, it's been a series of knockouts. I'm fresh from the floor, standing.

Dr. Sarah Myhill's book, her website and her encouragement are my top recommendation for anyone with CFS. She's in the UK but that need not be a problem. She makes her information readily available. Also, Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum. He's in the US and has written a few great books. From Fatigued to Fantastic is one of his and it's on my bookshelf along with Dr. Myhill's book. I love his videos too. He's a very calming soul.

Don't try to do CFS without d-ribose. I can't. It has put me in a better overall recovery trajectory in spite of the periodic setbacks. This disease doesn't have to end you, you just get to learn more about how precious it all is and how much meaning there is even in the worst of times.

Do NOT allow anyone to communicate to you directly or indirectly that CFS is in your head. While our thoughts can powerfully impact and improve different challenging situations, CFS isn't something you created. It's a disease. Anyone can get it. Don't hang with people who leave you feeling like a failure for having this illness. Be your own best support but look for people who will acknowledge and affirm the hardship CFS is. And find your joy, no matter what.