Hi, I'm 20/M/UK and I've been almost bed-ridden for atleast 3 years now. I developed Chronic Fatigue Sydrome when I was 14 or 15 and became near housebound from then on, it gradually got worse although lately(last 12 months) it's began to ease off a little. I wake up from a 16 hour sleep feeling as if I've just run a marathon, and it's been that way all throughout my late teens. I've never had any friends since I was about 14, and it's a huge effort to even get out of bed most days because the pain is so severe. Time passes by very very quickly too, I can't keep up with the months!

As bad as the physical pain is, it's the mental pain that is the most crippling! I've been frustrated and tormented for so many years now, but more recently I've become clinically depressed at realising that I'll never be a teenager again but that I never really have been a teenager yet! I've learned to accept that I'm extremely isolated and lonely with no future prospects (no qualifications), but it's extremely depressing knowing that I've missed out entirely on my teens, it would of been a dream come true to of been able to just walk down the street let alone anything else!

I also suffered from memory loss quite badly a few years ago but I've recovered from that. I used to wake up wondering who I was and where I was, I genuinely didn't know what was going on and was freaked out often. I couldn't remember what year it was etc.

Anyway, I was just wondering if there is anybody here or who you know of who were housebound for years in their late teens? Am I really such a freak?

Dearest llemmacs: First of all, no, you are not a freak in any way, shape or form. My heart goes out to you for the suffering you have gone through. You don't say whether or not you've seen doctors, and if you have what have they diagnosed? There is certainly help out there for you, it's just a matter of getting on the right track to wellness. Will keep you in my prayers!!!

I first saw my doctor about this when I was 15, at first he told me that it was just a flu virus. But then when I went back a few months later he told me that 1 in 5 people feel depressed in the winter and also told me that I should increase my vitamin c intake. I changed doctors when I was 16, 17 or 18 (I can't remember when), and my new doctor told me that what I was telling him was utter nonsense! I couldn't believe what I was hearing! He claimed that it was a psychological problem, that I was seeking sympathy and attention without realising it, and that I was basically just lazy. This really confused me at the time, I haven't seen a doctor since, so I'm not diagnosed with anything.

I feel this physical pain and I have been feeling it for 5-6 years now, I am chronically fatigued, it's no joke

[B][COLOR=purple] Hi there llemmacs, I want you to know you have great support from new friends on this marvellous board. I also want you to know I personally know how you are feeling re being housebound, lacking energy, suffering pains atc, and not having good medical back -up. I suffer a neurological disorder called RSD, as well as suffering menopause too !
I am 52 yrs old and have email pals who are near your age suffering RSD as well as CFS so I know how you feel and how desperate you are. It is very important to have a good vitamin intake as it does indeed help CFS. The doctor who mentioned Vit C is on the ball so may I suggest you do further reasearch about this?
I hope you improve mentally and physically. You are not going mad, you simply are not being heard ! But we are here to listen, so please feel free to chat with us all.
Your pal, dumpling52

I suffered from chronic fatigue in my early thirties, following what my doctor diagnosed as glandular fever.

I felt like a nearly spent battery... just using the last trickle of energy before I was completely wiped out.

I think I managed to improve my health by taking a good multivitamin and multimineral supplement. I started to feel a little better after about three months of taking them. I also recently read of a young lady doing the same and she too felt it improved her health- although doctor's pooh-pooh improved health thru taking supplements.

I also start taking them when I feel a bit run down nowadays.

I think you should try alternative therapies as you may find something will work for you. Hope you feel a little better soon. It's a rotten way to spend your time!

[FONT=Courier][COLOR=purple] Hello everyone, I love this web site. It lets me blow off some steam. But I really do need some help for the depression. On some days it engulfs me and it doesn't feel that I will ever get out of it's grasp. I will just sit in the chair or lie on the bed and just stare at the wall. I use to like to cook and clean but that is a strain to do some days. My mother went kind of crazy during her menopause, I don't want that to happen to me. I have an appointment on Monday with the dr. It is a male dr.,I don't know if I should tell him about the depression? I live in a small town, I would'nt want it to get around. Can anyone help me. Thank you

Iampixie,

My heart goes out to you. I crashed with severe depression last April, and know how devastating it is. Yet, I'm much better now, and I'll pray you will be soon, too.

I would encourage you to talk with your doctor about the depression. Millions of people suffer from this each year, and it's likely that some of the people in your small town are dealing with it themselves.

Have you considered trying antidepressants? Other therapies are light boxes (these are helpful not only for people with "winter blues," but for all mood disorders. Also, Time Magazine ran an article last year saying that Omega 3's are being studied and look promising to help with depression. You can get a bottle of these supplements at the grocery store. Are you getting any exercize at all - can you go for walks? Just a nice walk every day can be a good mood lifter.

I know what it is to spend the day in bed, and to lose pleasure in all the things that used to bring enjoyment. I want to encourage you that this CAN get better. Please consider sharing your feelings with your doctor.

Good luck to you.

Jacquie