Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Community
Getting a CFS diagnosis probably felt exhausting. Get support from others ... more
Not yet diagnosed
notlazy posted:
I am glad to find this group. I have been having symptoms of CFS for nearly thirty years, but have always been told I am just depressed by the doctors (many doctors). I never felt very comfortable with that diagnosis, but did not know about CFS. I went to another doctor a few days ago and he mentioned this disorder. After reading about all the symtoms and what other people have written about it, I think this fits me. I am always afraid to mention what is going on with me to my doctors because I always get the same type of response. It always seems like I have to defend myself by saying things like "I am not lazy" or " I honestly like my job and don't want to miss work". I just feel worn down by trying to convince them that something is wrong with me. Sometimes I think the standard diagnosis is depression when doctors don't know what is wrong with their patients. I don't know if anyone else has had this type of diagnosis pushed on them along with the anti-depression drugs that don't even help, but it does make me "depressed" and frustrated. Sorry to be so long winded and I hope you will look past any mispelling, I am just venting.
17 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Not yet diagnosedI am glad to find this group. I have been having symptoms of CFS for nearly thirty years, but have always been told I am just depressed by the doctors (many doctors). I never felt very comfortable with that diagnosis, but did not know about CFS. I went to another doctor a few days ago and he mentioned this disorder. After reading about all the symtoms and what other people have written about it, I think this fits me. I am always afraid to mention what is going on with me to my doctors because I always get the same type of response. It always seems like I have to defend myself by saying things like "I am not lazy" or " I honestly like my job and don't want to miss work". I just feel worn down by trying to convince them that something is wrong with me. Sometimes I think the standard diagnosis is depression when doctors don't know what is wrong with their patients. I don't know if anyone else has had this type of diagnosis pushed on them along with the anti-depression drugs that don't even help, but it does make me "depressed" and frustrated. Sorry to be so long winded and I hope you will look past any mispelling, I am just venting.
Caprice_WebMD_Staff responded:
Hi Notlazy and welcome,
I expect you're not alone in being told you're depressed when you're not. So often the symptoms can be the same and at least with depression there are some promising treatments.
I'm glad you found us. This can be a quiet community but others will eventually be along and I hope you'll keep checking back in here and join in other discussions.
I expect you're not alone in being told you're depressed when you're not. So often the symptoms can be the same and at least with depression there are some promising treatments.
I'm glad you found us. This can be a quiet community but others will eventually be along and I hope you'll keep checking back in here and join in other discussions.
Report This| Share this:Not yet diagnosedHi Notlazy and welcome,<br /><br />I expect you're not alone in being told you're depressed when you're not. So often the symptoms can be the same and at least with depression there are some promising treatments.<br /><br />I'm glad you found us. This can be a quiet community but others will eventually be along and I hope you'll keep checking back in here and join in other discussions. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0">
notlazy replied to Caprice_WebMD_Staff's response:
Thank you Caprice,
I went to see a new doctor a few days ago and he took some lab tests. I just spoke with his nurse on the phone and she said I have tested positive for the Epstein Barr virus and the doctor has diagnosed me with CFS. It sounds odd but I was so relieved I started to cry. The nurse thought I was upset about the diagnosis, but I told her I was just so grateful someone finally believes me. The nurse said the doctor wants me to come in to talk to him about this. I can't believe I finally found a doctor who took me serious and didn't think I was just a silly women with a mood disorder or a hypocondriac. I feel like going out and celebrating, but I'm just to tired.
I went to see a new doctor a few days ago and he took some lab tests. I just spoke with his nurse on the phone and she said I have tested positive for the Epstein Barr virus and the doctor has diagnosed me with CFS. It sounds odd but I was so relieved I started to cry. The nurse thought I was upset about the diagnosis, but I told her I was just so grateful someone finally believes me. The nurse said the doctor wants me to come in to talk to him about this. I can't believe I finally found a doctor who took me serious and didn't think I was just a silly women with a mood disorder or a hypocondriac. I feel like going out and celebrating, but I'm just to tired.
Report This| Share this:Not yet diagnosedThank you Caprice,<br />I went to see a new doctor a few days ago and he took some lab tests. I just spoke with his nurse on the phone and she said I have tested positive for the Epstein Barr virus and the doctor has diagnosed me with CFS. It sounds odd but I was so relieved I started to cry. The nurse thought I was upset about the diagnosis, but I told her I was just so grateful someone finally believes me. The nurse said the doctor wants me to come in to talk to him about this. I can't believe I finally found a doctor who took me serious and didn't think I was just a silly women with a mood disorder or a hypocondriac. I feel like going out and celebrating, but I'm just to tired.
Caprice_WebMD_Staff replied to notlazy's response:
Doesn't sound odd at all to me.... it's a validation and some answers you've been seeking for so long while others were dismissing you.
Everyone here (including me; I have Fibromyalgia and fatigue) understands what that can be like and how it is to be so very tired.
I hope you'll keep talking here.
Everyone here (including me; I have Fibromyalgia and fatigue) understands what that can be like and how it is to be so very tired.
I hope you'll keep talking here.
Report This| Share this:Not yet diagnosedDoesn't sound odd at all to me.... it's a validation and some answers you've been seeking for so long while others were dismissing you.<br /><br />Everyone here (including me; I have Fibromyalgia and fatigue) understands what that can be like and how it is to be so very tired.<br /><br />I hope you'll keep talking here. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0">
Thank God you found a doctor who knows what CFS is.
Beth--
If God is for us, who can be against us. He who did not spare his own Son, but gave Him up for us all-how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things.
(Romans 8:31b-32)
Hello all,
I too am very glad to have found this community! I have had symptoms of chronic fatigue for quite some time now, including loss of voice. My doctor ran blood test last week, and after going in today to go over the results, she said that I test positive for Epstein Barr virus and that because my symptoms have lasted for over 4 months now, she wants to test me again in a month and if my symptoms continue, then she will consider this to be CFS. I felt just like you, notlazy, in that I have been so tired of years and months of being afraid to discuss my symptoms to doctors because whenever I have mentioned that I am a full-time doctoral student, they/ve always just shrugged it off as just stress. While I do think that stress has played a significant role in my problem, I have been feeling so much worse for quite a while now. I was just so glad to finally get a real diagnosis and not hear "oh, you're fine, just get some rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy, balanced diet".
I too am very glad to have found this community! I have had symptoms of chronic fatigue for quite some time now, including loss of voice. My doctor ran blood test last week, and after going in today to go over the results, she said that I test positive for Epstein Barr virus and that because my symptoms have lasted for over 4 months now, she wants to test me again in a month and if my symptoms continue, then she will consider this to be CFS. I felt just like you, notlazy, in that I have been so tired of years and months of being afraid to discuss my symptoms to doctors because whenever I have mentioned that I am a full-time doctoral student, they/ve always just shrugged it off as just stress. While I do think that stress has played a significant role in my problem, I have been feeling so much worse for quite a while now. I was just so glad to finally get a real diagnosis and not hear "oh, you're fine, just get some rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy, balanced diet".
Report This| Share this:Not yet diagnosedHello all,<br /><br />I too am very glad to have found this community! I have had symptoms of chronic fatigue for quite some time now, including loss of voice. My doctor ran blood test last week, and after going in today to go over the results, she said that I test positive for Epstein Barr virus and that because my symptoms have lasted for over 4 months now, she wants to test me again in a month and if my symptoms continue, then she will consider this to be CFS. I felt just like you, notlazy, in that I have been so tired of years and months of being afraid to discuss my symptoms to doctors because whenever I have mentioned that I am a full-time doctoral student, they/ve always just shrugged it off as just stress. While I do think that stress has played a significant role in my problem, I have been feeling so much worse for quite a while now. I was just so glad to finally get a real diagnosis and not hear "oh, you're fine, just get some rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy, balanced diet".
jdehoffman responded:
I hear you...I get the same exact response! I have explained to my doc when he became upset with me that I am not fit and should be exercising every day that I felt too exausted after I exercised. I could no longer do it. He took blood work and found that I was on my way to recovering from Mono. I suppose that has something to do with my having CFS now, not sure. I have had docs wanting to put me on anti-depressants as well, and all I can do is shake my head at them. It is rediculous, and they wonder why we do not trust their diognoses. Bless you and hang in there. I know it can be hard for family members to understand as well. My husband and children suffer the most. They feel helpless and just want me fixed.
Report This| Share this:Not yet diagnosedI hear you...I get the same exact response! I have explained to my doc when he became upset with me that I am not fit and should be exercising every day that I felt too exausted after I exercised. I could no longer do it. He took blood work and found that I was on my way to recovering from Mono. I suppose that has something to do with my having CFS now, not sure. I have had docs wanting to put me on anti-depressants as well, and all I can do is shake my head at them. It is rediculous, and they wonder why we do not trust their diognoses. Bless you and hang in there. I know it can be hard for family members to understand as well. My husband and children suffer the most. They feel helpless and just want me fixed.
laurandavid responded:
YOU SOUND EXACTLY LIKE ME!!! WOW! words can't describe how it feels to finally hear from someone that's (unfortunately), going through the same thing that I've been going through!!! and YEA, they've put me on wellbutrin,(an antidepressant) as well.
Report This| Share this:Not yet diagnosedYOU SOUND EXACTLY LIKE ME!!! WOW! words can't describe how it feels to finally hear from someone that's (unfortunately), going through the same thing that I've been going through!!! and YEA, they've put me on wellbutrin,(an antidepressant) as well.
laurandavid replied to notlazy's response:
I'm sooo happy to hear that you finally have been diagnosed! I don't know what State you live in, But I live in Illinois, and have yet to find a descent enough doctor, that can actually diagnose me (with anything for sure). I'd pay you to fill me in on who ur Doc is! lol....no seriously, i would
Report This| Share this:Not yet diagnosedI'm sooo happy to hear that you finally have been diagnosed! I don't know what State you live in, But I live in Illinois, and have yet to find a descent enough doctor, that can actually diagnose me (with anything for sure). I'd pay you to fill me in on who ur Doc is! lol....no seriously, i would
laurandavid replied to Bspidey's response:
I AGREE!!!!!!
dahljan000 responded:
I understand. I'm in High school, and all my doctors think that I am just not getting enough sleep at night to wake up in the morning, and even had the nerve to tell my mother to put bars on my windows to keep me from sneeking out! (Which I don't do)
I have chronic sore throats and have extremely bad asthma.
Sleeping at night is a hassle, i go to bed and can't sleep until 2am and then wake up at 7:30.
I have chronic sore throats and have extremely bad asthma.
Sleeping at night is a hassle, i go to bed and can't sleep until 2am and then wake up at 7:30.
Report This| Share this:Not yet diagnosedI understand. I'm in High school, and all my doctors think that I am just not getting enough sleep at night to wake up in the morning, and even had the nerve to tell my mother to put bars on my windows to keep me from sneeking out! (Which I don't do)<br /> I have chronic sore throats and have extremely bad asthma.<br />Sleeping at night is a hassle, i go to bed and can't sleep until 2am and then wake up at 7:30.
victorluvslena replied to dahljan000's response:
Hello everyone...I'm new to this site and new to CFS. I have been dealing with this for the past 10 years and just didn't know that's what I had. I have felt crazy through out these 10 years cuz I don't think anyone beleived how awful I felt. I just want everyone to know that if you don't feel well please continue to seek medical help until someone can help you. I know it can be a VERY frustrating process but there is help out there. We know our own bodies better than any medical professional and if you don't feel good then you keep pursuing until you get the help you need. Best of luck to you all!!!
Report This| Share this:Not yet diagnosedHello everyone...I'm new to this site and new to CFS. I have been dealing with this for the past 10 years and just didn't know that's what I had. I have felt crazy through out these 10 years cuz I don't think anyone beleived how awful I felt. I just want everyone to know that if you don't feel well please continue to seek medical help until someone can help you. I know it can be a VERY frustrating process but there is help out there. We know our own bodies better than any medical professional and if you don't feel good then you keep pursuing until you get the help you need. Best of luck to you all!!!
PuddleDuds replied to notlazy's response:
When I was finally diagnosed with Chronic Epstein Barr Virus I was also thrilled to know that I wasn't CRAZY!!
Report This| Share this:Not yet diagnosedWhen I was finally diagnosed with Chronic Epstein Barr Virus I was also thrilled to know that I wasn't CRAZY!!
DJackson529 responded:
Hi. I just stumbled across this and I'm hoping someone can maybe point me in the right direction. I've thought for a very long time now that the things I experience match with CFS but I've been told over and over that it's "all in my head." I contracted Epstein-Barr while I was quite young (age 7, I think) and since then (and my mother can confirm) I've had many of the symptoms that go along with CFS (chronic sore throat, muscle/joint pain, sleep problems, ALWAYS tired, etc...).
side note: not sure if this is related but I also lose words... simple, common words.
Here's my big problem. I'm currently unemployed (trust me, I'd LOVE to have a job) and have no health insurance. I can't afford to see any doctor and my primary care physician has told me for years and years that it's "in my head". (really? I'm talking to you about things I've experienced for almost 20 years and it's in my head?) Where do I go from here? I just don't know how long I can go on like this.
side note: not sure if this is related but I also lose words... simple, common words.
Here's my big problem. I'm currently unemployed (trust me, I'd LOVE to have a job) and have no health insurance. I can't afford to see any doctor and my primary care physician has told me for years and years that it's "in my head". (really? I'm talking to you about things I've experienced for almost 20 years and it's in my head?) Where do I go from here? I just don't know how long I can go on like this.
Report This| Share this:Not yet diagnosedHi. I just stumbled across this and I'm hoping someone can maybe point me in the right direction. I've thought for a very long time now that the things I experience match with CFS but I've been told over and over that it's "all in my head." I contracted Epstein-Barr while I was quite young (age 7, I think) and since then (and my mother can confirm) I've had many of the symptoms that go along with CFS (chronic sore throat, muscle/joint pain, sleep problems, ALWAYS tired, etc...). <br /><i><br />side note: not sure if this is related but I also lose words... simple, common words. </i><br /><br />Here's my big problem. I'm currently unemployed (trust me, I'd LOVE to have a job) and have no health insurance. I can't afford to see any doctor and my primary care physician has told me for years and years that it's "in my head". (really? I'm talking to you about things I've experienced for almost 20 years and it's in my head?) Where do I go from here? I just don't know how long I can go on like this.
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