September 12, 2006

I have decided that I want to share some background information concerning my quest for bypass surgery.  I think this might help others who may be in my similar situation.  My journey has been a long and sometimes difficult one.  I will share this background in several postings so that none of us have to sit and read what seems to be a novel. 

I contracted Viral Meningitis from my infant daughter.  I had a very easy pregnancy, and worked until the day before she was born.  My daughter was 11 days early and arrived hour and 3 minutes after leaving my house.  Really, I promise this is true!!!  

She was a very healthy child when she was born, and the light of her father’s and my life.  Within the first two weeks our “picture perfect” new family came to a screeching halt.  Our daughter started becoming very sick.  We were very fortunate to live in a city with one of the nation’s leading childrens hospitals.  She was admitted five times in her first ten months of life.  One of those times she was admitted with Viral Meningitis.

My ex-husband and I were both exhausted by this point trying to work full time and take care of her.  It was my turn to stay with her and his turn to work when she was admitted with this illness.  The fabulous and most important news is she recovered adn is a happy healthy seventeen year old.   The other news is I contracted the illness from her. 

In 1990, I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.  My life has never been the same since. Prior to 1989, I was a ”type A” personality with lots of energy.  I worked two jobs and went to college with energy left over to maintain a social life.  Post 1990, I am exhausted and my muscles are painful.  My immune system is also comprimised.  Despite my health, I continued to work full time in a management position.