I m nearly 40 suffered alone with this condition - the only description I call it is chronic fatigue. Only recently I got the G.P to refer me to the Chronic Fatigue service in Leeds, U.K for assessment but the shrink reckons I don’t have C.F.S/M.E. I didn’t think I did, as the precursor seems to be normal health - viral infection - C.F.S/M.E. My symptoms have been with me for as far back as I can remember into childhood: Chronic Fatigue, Memory, poor concentration, lack of energy for exercise, and over the years total lack of sex drive, chronic weight gain and joint and muscle problems. With this is the usual barrage of physiological problems that go with these symptoms. It’s having to cope with the long periods of unemployment, lack of social skills and friends and a partner which doesn’t make me anamoured of life at all. All you get from the medical profession is "we doctors don’t have all the answers" which seems to me to be a cop out!!!. Is anyone else out there suffering similarly that could throw some light on my predicament?.

fatigue is one of the worst symptoms for many groups. I get it from brain damage from a leukodystrophy, it is usually the worst complain from people with MS, if you find any help for fatigue, a lot of us will be interested in how you did it.

Know just how you feel!

I've been diagnosed as having ME/CFS and it's just as you describe.

BUT ... how much of how I feel is from the subarachnoid haemorrhage I had and the hydrocephalus I got after?

Not a clue. All I know is that there are times that I could just cry with weariness and confusion and frustration. I make plans, I try and create routines (yuk! but we have to compromise our preferences to handle these things) and then nothng happens because I can't cope with it. Or I can't concentrate. Or I forget.

The thing is, I've got to cope, because there's no one to look after me and my cats -- and I sure as anything ain't going to live on the poverty line on benfits, thank you!

Easier said than done, huh?

Not much help really, am I? Tell you one thing though, getting diagnosed with ME/CFS here in the UK is difficult and a lottery. And once you're diagnosed, there's very little support. My GP's fab, thank goodness. But there's only so much she can do.

If you want to talk to a fellow sufferer who's a near neighbour (Manchester), get in touch. As they used to say, it's good to talk!

You win a Nobel Prise if you find the solution to fatigue. Almost everyone with MS lists fatigue as their major complaint, and doctors cannot give you a solution because they do not have one to give. Sorry. A lot of us yell into the night because of fatigue, and get no answer back.

I was assuming that you already had your thyroid/endocrine system checked out? When I had hypothyroid I turned into a blob with no energy. Also, it really helped me to see a naturopath and nutritionist as I wasn't getting answers from GP's and was written off with "it's anxiety or depression." I found out I have all kinds of food intolerances and that can do a real number on your body. But, you didn't mention any GI problems. Do you sleep at night? Sleep disorders also can effect your energy & weight gain. Just ideas. Good luck!

Not sure if you are still around, by I can tell you of 2 medications that are rx'ed for Chronic Fatigue. I am not sure if you are being tested for CFS, or anything else, and if they will rx you anything w/o any kind of dx, but it would be worth a try to at least ask...

Amantadine
Provigil - this one seems to be the most effective, but alot of insurances deny you

Hope you get help soon!