Humans of ME/CFS
My symptoms turned on, for the most part, all at once, following a C-section in 1982. The first ten years I did push myself into work. But, during the last 22 years I have progressively become much worse and now spend most of my time home and in bed. There is no support from my family who just thinks it’s all in my head.
My husband is the only one that believes my illness is real and stands by me. Because I only go out when I am able to get my makeup on and look good, it makes it even more difficult for people to believe that I am not well.
Our community has been ignored my illness and for the most part we are doing our own research and spending our own money on alternative doctors because mainstream medicine has failed us. Now, at age 71 I still try to be positive that help is on the way. However, it becomes more and more difficult to maintain a good attitude. The isolation of this illness can become unbearable at times. Friendships are difficult to keep and even more difficult to form.