I was diagnosed in the second grade after being sick with flu like symptoms and severe fatigue for a long period of time. In the years since I have continued to deal with bouts of extreme fatigue that usually results in severe nausea and debilitating fatigue along with other symptoms such as headaches, memory problems, leg pain, sore throat etc. I am 29 now and in times of stress or if I "overdo it" I end up vomiting and I am incapacitated for several days- sometimes so ill I have to get iv fluids. I wish that I didn't have to deal with this alone- I don't currently see a dr. that knows anything about the illness.

I have suffered from fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, depression, anxiety; sometimes I have problems swallowing feels like the muscle in my throat just stops working and feel like I am going to choke. Had all the normal blood tests done all normal apart from raised cholesterol. Doctor keeps saying its depression and stress. I have days when I can't get out of bed because my body just won't let me, I have concentration and memory problems.

My 14 year old was just diagnosed with CFS she had Mono 2 years ago she has been sick ever since headaches body aches sick to her stomach and she just wants to sleep. She does not make it to school too much it just seems to get worse. I don't know what to do for her. The doctor is sending her to physical therapy she is on a mild anti-depressant under the care of a therapist but nothing is working.

I've had CFS symptoms for over 20 years. Diagnosis wasn't until 1998 and it was a relief to have a name to what was wrong with me. I have had. There were three good years between 1991 first onset until today 1995, 2004 and 2006 and part of 2007 otherwise I have been ill all that time. Tests showed I had had several viruses and one doctor suggested these caused the illness. Quality of life has not been high and my husband says I am too hard on myself trying to perform tasks, but it's frustrating trying to keep a house clean and have some quality of life. In July last year after being bed ridden for more than a year, once again, I said to my husband that I can't live like this anymore. So from that day onwards I attempted to lead a normal life and just paid the price after. Before that I had been avoiding doing things and was miserable, now I am a lot happier and don't mind spending a few days in bed because I have been to the mall and bought a blouse, or visited the grandchildren, or had a meal out. Life is way better for us both.

I have been suffering CFS since about 3 years ago in the best moment of my life. I had a successful medical practice, was able to take care of my husband and my house. A morning in January 2009 I woke up in the morning and told my husband: I think I got a bad flu. I had sore throat, generalized muscular pain, headache and general malaise. The days went by and after two weeks I concluded that it was not a flu and what I had was not normal. I was tested for every possible illness. I got tests that I even didn't know that existed. All this to been told that everything in my body was right. After more than 4 months looking for any help and any diagnostic, a neurologist made the diagnostic of chronic fatigue syndrome. Last year I was totally bedridden for more than 6 months. After this I got better and was able to return to my normal life. But about two months ago my symptoms are returning. I'm in pain and the only think I need is to sleep. I try to keep my normal life but my body betrays me. It is so hard.

I have been suffering with CFS for about 3 years now. I had Ross River Fever and Glandular Fever before the CFS. I am exhausted most days, have sensitivities to bright lights, noise and temperatures, aching legs & feet, memory loss, dry mouth & eyes. I also have a vitamin D deficiency. My doctor is thinking of sending me to a CFS specialist in Sydney to help me learn how to manage the condition. I am still working full time but struggle with the demands of my job due to the debilitating effects of the illness.