New to forum

[KatherineKA]

Hi, introducing myself, I am new to the forum, diagnosed with CFS And FM about 3 years ago, did not take it seriously - doc did not take it seriously and just prescribed antidepressants.  now much sicker, have no life, looking for doctor who knows something about this.  What questions do you ask?  What kind of doc?  Rheumatologist, neurologist, internist?  I've been sick about 15 years, maybe 20' ever since contracting Hashimoto's thyroiditis after my second child was born and I also had a hysterectomy because of HPV related dysplasia.  I understand there is a strong viral connection?  Recently much worse with heart palpitations, mental impairment has also steadily grown worse and now learning something new is a tremendous challenge and I have zero short term memory.  I wonder if this related to Alzheimer's.  .  Everything is such a struggle even writing this note.  

[Jinx_777]

my memory is also horrible.  I can actually read a post on here and 5 minutes later read it again and only vaguely remember that I had already read it.  sigh.......  too young for Alzheimer's, but it sure is scaring me.  I have written down a reminder to speak to the dr about this later this month.  Along with CFS (not officially diagnosed that with this dr yet) the short term memory issues are alarming.  

[Jinx_777]

Your dr may have started you on anti depressants first to rule out clinical depression which mimics the fatigue in CFS.  At one point in my life being treated for depression actually cured my fatigue.  Years later it is not making any difference at all.  

[tjrusert]

Hi I'm new to this forum too. I was recently diagnosed with cfs. My Drs immediate responce was to start me on antidepressants which I thought was a little odd b/c my biggest problem is fatigue and I thought that the antidepressant would make it worse. I'm on Cymbalta. I guess he figured it would help with body aches. It does hep some. What I have done is just keep calling his office. You know what they say about the squeeky wheel. Anyway he is going start me on Provigil if I'm not better in a couple of weeks. I think mine also came from Hep C.  I'm one of the blessed ones that have been cured of that terrible illness. But as mentioned, it is a virus. When you find a Dr don't let him rest until he has helped you or done everything possible to help you. You have to be your owe advocate when it comes to your health.

[RickVaug]

The doctors have gotten better with CFS but are still clueless as to how it effects the body (it varies from person to person) They are sure that it is a virus in the body that kicks it off, and that virus differs from each individual ---- The body fights off the virus and never stops.
My CFS specialist likened it to a 28 wheel slot machine ------ with each person rolling different things that may have changed in the body from it. Which is why they are having such a hard time with CFS. He also told me that ----
The good news is      it won't kill you
The bad news is        it won't kill you

Diet / Vitamins are things to try / watch to see if it helps
Mine came on because of Hep C (virus again) and the treatment screwed my system up 9 years ago
Learning to cope and learning your limitations and coming to realize you may never be cured are the hardest things to do