I hate to introduce myself in terms of my limitations, my illness. Yet for the purpose of this site it is probably necessary and to the point, to describe how my ongoing condition has shaped me to who I am and what I do or as important, cannot do. I have been diagnosed by several Rheumatologists with FM/CFS. Additionally I have been treated for Colitis, Reynaud's and migraine headaches.  I have had several major life changes, some planned, some not. I have moved from Wisconsin to Arizona and there have been some benefits to the move. I have not been able to work for the past 2+ years and that has been the most impactful symptom of this condition. Despite the limitations of this diagnosis, I strive daily to live a truly fulfilling human existence and maybe find a purpose in living with this condition. I hope to learn from your journeys as well as share mine with you.

As I read the many profiles and conversations  I feel like I have really nothing new to offer but can relate to the patients like me with the multitude of painful symptoms many of you face each day.

I can hear in the testimonies the emotional drain in living with FM/CFS . Sometimes accepting the "condition" has been a real challenge for me. Over the years I would rationalize my symptoms as over-worked, and if I just got enough sleep the pain and fatigue would probably go away. It never did. And I would hide the contortions of my face as I refrained from screaming at the horrible pain. Surrendering to the diagnosis of FM and CFS was difficult but necessary. Though it hasn't' resulted in finding a miracle cure, there is less stress for me resisting reality. But like most of you, I also had the physicians that said it was just my mood or excessive stress! And if I could change my mood the symptoms would go away. Wow, so simple. And yet during some of the happiest times of my life I still experienced the pains, the fatigue etc. One Rheumatologist assured me that most FM/CFS patients experience a remission after 10 years or so. My remission lasted about 6 weeks and during that wonderful time I did everything I ever wanted to do, like work a full 8 hour day, go out to dinner, visit with family and friends and enjoy going out to a movie. I even read 2 books without falling asleep in the middle of a chapter and I remembered what I had read.  Then the crash and the return to reality. So I have learned the hard way (many times) like most of you have about the stringent and unforgiving rules to living with FM/CFS.

I've also learned that there is no "one size fits all" prescription for FM/CFS. Some therapies, vitamins and supplements that seem to help me didn't work for others and vice versa.  I think we have to find what works best for us individually.  I'm hoping that the sharing of our thoughts and experiences here will provide both you and me with new ideas and support to live the best life we can, and accept the condition(s) we have with dignity and hope.