I am a middle-aged man who has had CFS for 10 years. It took me a while to accept that I can't cure this; I can only manage it. I have done that but regularly fall victim to the push-and-crash cycle: I feel good, do too much, and then crash. It takes weeks to get back to "normal." I take meds for mood (Prozac), sleep (Ambien) and pain (Flexiril) but Concerta has made the biggest difference; it regulates my energy level, helps me focus, and stabilizes my cognitive functions. I am able to be productive during the day (though I am still very tired at night). I hope this helps someone. Published: March 24 ::

Hi, I have had chronic fatigue syndrome for about five years now. I have been unable to hold down a job. Life can be a struggle but I have learned not to fight against it. You must not allow your illness to take over your life. Some days are a struggle and society does not seem to accept this as a real illness. We, however, know the truth and that this is a very real condition. This condition changes peoples lives and there families. Published: October 07 ::

It's is good to read others comments and not to feel so all alone. I had mono over 10 years ago and have fought CFS since then. My doctor first sent me to see a psychiatrist but I knew I wasn't depressed, I just felt terrible. I still fight this. My doctor tells me not to get stressed. My mother died a few months ago, I fell off a horse and fractured my neck badly, my brother is going to federal prison, I lost my job, I am losing my health insurance, lost two dogs and a horse in the last few weeks, and now I sleep 16 hours a day. I can't get anything done, and hope no one thinks I'm being lazy. My sister swears on Standard Process Dramamine, but it only helps me a little. I'm on Lipitor and my legs kill me at night. Sleeping pills don't seem to work for me. Now I just pray for help. Thanks for listening (reading) because I feel a little better right now. Best wishes to everyone who fights this condition. Published: September 04 ::

I am so frustrated and so angry! I have been suffering with this for almost 4 years now. I have gone to several doctors, only to be told the same thing, "It's depression!" I know my body and I know my mind, and this is NOT depression! When it feels like someone has pulled the plug from my body and every ounce of energy is being drained, and I don't have the energy to even sit up. That is not depression! I admit I am probably somewhat depressed because this goes on daily, and anyone would be depressed if they don't have the energy to enjoy their life anymore. I am at a loss here! Published: September 04 ::

I was diagnosed with mononucleosis at the age of 18. After one month, I was better, only to succumb one week later after a heavy 2 hour workout. This first bout of fatigue lasted 9 months straight, with zero reprieves. Everyone around me thought I was nuts and it was all in my head (family members are surgeons and nurses). I was a reasonably high-level athlete at the time, so this whole thing blew my life away. Incidentally, back then the term CFS had not yet been coined. The next several years got better, with the bouts lasting less time (6 months, then 4 months, then 1 month at a time), and I eventually began to know when a bout was going to hit. 25 years later, I am just getting over another unexplained 2 week bout. This being said, when I'm healthy, I'm healthy and I remain an active and competitive athlete. The best luck I’ve had in all these years is D-Ribose, which I just discovered this past Fall. I wouldn't wish this upon anyone; it really had a huge negative impact on my life, especially during my 18-25 year age range. My wife of 16 years still thinks I'm a hypochondriac when I get bouts. This is arguably more frustrating than the actual fatigue and I believe this extra stress point only makes it worse! Published: May 01 ::

I was diagnosed with CFS after an initial incorrect diagnosis of mono a year and a half earlier. I found the greatest relief from acupuncture and Chinese herbs, but also got noticeable results from anti-depressants and naturopathic treatment, in that order. My symptoms disappeared entirely for several months after the birth of each of my two children but returned 6-9 months later. My symptoms improved very gradually over the next several years and disappeared entirely when I began early symptoms of menopause at age 38. I have been able to lead a completely normal life for the last 10 years. No one has ever been so happy with menopause. Published: March 13 ::

I am extremely frustrated with chronic fatigue syndrome. I've gone to many doctors and it feels as if I've tried every drug out there. The best drugs for me are Wellbutrin XL and Concerta. They do not erase the problem, but they are the most helpful to me. When ephedrine was on the market, it was my best friend. It's technically on the market again, but not as good as it used to be. I recommend that you talk to your doctor about Concerta, Adderall or some other form of Ritalin, it's the only thing that's given me hope. Published: October 15 ::