New Member

[chapmanc]

Hi all,

I have suffered from CFS/M.E. for just over 12 months now, although I still await a definitive diagnosis.  I have to go next month for a Sleep Apnea test, although comparing the symptoms I don't believe for a second that I have sleep apnea (and I think my GP is just ruling this out for arguments sake).

I read with a small smile on my face that CFS should be diagnosed after around 4 months - I believe at this stage I was still attempting to convince the GP who historically had treated my depression (which incidentally I feel has improved immeasurably since having CFS - I guess it has put everything in my life into perspective) and who just thought my fatigue/confusion/aches and pains as manifesting from my depression.

All I can say to others in my situation is to have the confidence that something above and beyond the normal is happening...I realise that having heaps to read about various illnesses on the 'net can be a double-edged sword, and I have tried to remain 'neutral' as to what I have, until the second GP I took my complaint(s) to said that no-one knows our bodies like we do, and often the patient diagnosis is not far from the mark (hyperchondriacs excepted!!!).

I am sorry there is a need for any of us to be here, but am glad to have others to be able to share/talk about things with - whilst my friends and bosses have been exemplary in their care and support, I feel that no-one I know understands just how I feel and how hard I find it to keep going on a daily basis...

Anyway, that's my tuppence-worth out in the open - all I need to do is read other people's comments etc now.

Kind regards,
Carl

[agapanthus]

Hi Carl - welcome to the forum and thank you for your introductory comments.

Your difficulty with the GP re depression is only too common unfortunately - so many GPs have such a bee in their bonnet over this despite there existing separate NICE guidelines on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I may not like the treatments they suggest but at least they acknowledge it a separate condition.

I think generally the timing they accept is having the symptoms for 6 months. There is a whole list of tests that are recommended in the NICE guidelines incidentally.

Good luck with the sleep apnea one - as CFS is a condition of exclusion then the tests have to be done (though i don't remember this one on the NICE list I must say).

You mention bosses - have you been able to continue with work?

[roger]

Hi, Carl - just wanted to echo Agapanthus's welcome & comments.

You'll find plenty of info, advice and support here. Have a good look around the forum then, if you have any queries, please do ask. Everyone here wants to help when help is needed.

Best wishes.

Roger.

[Beowulf1976]

Welcome from a fellow newbie

[CHY]

Welcome Carl 
Enjoy the read!
Chris

[mothernurture]

  Carl, its nice to meet you. i hope you find this forum helpful - we are a friendly bunch.

getting a diagnosis can be very hard, eventhough the NICE guidelines state that you should recieve a diagnosis within a few months. it tookme 15 years to get a diagnosis and convince the doctors i wasnt suffering from depression. some of us do have depression alongside cfs/m.e but for me i wasnt depressed - just fed up with being ill all the time!

[chapmanc]

Thank you all for your kind words.

In a way, I feel bad in that I am currently able to work (although struggling to do my full 40 hours a week) with so many people unable to do what I am managing...it may be that further down the line I too have similar problems...

It is already a help to know that there are people I can now talk to who DO understand where I am at, and how I am feeling (and not just physically).

My very best wishes to all those suffering (and indeed caring),
Carl

[roger]

Don't feel bad about being able to work, Carl. CFS has a wide range and some folk can't work and some folk can. But it's still CFS. Everyone here understands that.

[agapanthus]

Also getting exemplary support that you mention at work counts for a lot - if they will cut you some slack when you need it then that's really helpful. So many workplaces are not like this.

Please don't feel bad about being in work ... it's good that you are able to do this for now at least.