September 19, 2006

Here is another “chapter” of my story.  After contracting the meningitis,  I continued to become sicker and sicker.  Finally I was to the point I had to go to the doctor.  After several tests, I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  At this time (1990), I had never heard of this disease. 

I was told that there was good news and bad news about the disease.  It would not kill me was the good news.  It has no cure and I would have it the rest of my life was the bad news.  I was also told that since the virus was coming from my spinal fluid instead of my blood stream, the treatments normally used would not work for me. 

With some help of rest and medication, I began to feel better and stronger for about four months.  This was when the muscle pain and weakness were starting.  Two months later I was also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.  This too is not deadly, but I will have the rest of my life.  It was at this time I decided I had two choices. I could either give up or fight.  I decided to fight.