Sorry to hear about this. I wish I could tell you something that would turn things around, but I've got nothing...just the basics of avoiding stress, resting and sleeping enough, and not overdoing anything.

its hard as an 18 year old going to school, working in a preschool, and at a surf camp, & an internship with marine animals all while keeping hold of my an photographer tittle to not overdo it. it just plain sucks

You're young and you are busy. Honey, it does suck. It really does. Part of coming to acceptance is going through the stage of sitting with how much this really sucks. You have to grieve that. I know you are probably wondering which activity you can cut out. I can't tell you what you should do, but all I can say is that if you don't rest enough, this kind of thing just keeps happening. I wish I could zip through the computer and give you a hug. I can't do that, but make sure you find someone who will hold you for a while. You need that positive, physical touch. It's a bugger, baby girl. It really is. Much love.

I can only echo Triunfadora - her loving words were just perfect.

Hi Abby! Is it possible to cut back on just one of your activities? Your whole life doesn't have to stop, but you may need to slow down a bit. You are doing an awful lot. Your plate is full. When I was your age, my plate was full too! I get it. But I was blessed to be healthy and I could handle it. My body would cooperate with me.

With CFS, we very often have to make decisions on how, where, what to cut back on, so that we can find the time to rest enough, to do the rest of the stuff.

This is a terrible illness to have while in the prime of your life, and I'm so sorry you are dealing with it!!! My only advice, is as others have said, learn to accept you have it, and try not to fight it. Rest up as much as you can. Cut back on anything you can, so that the little bit of energy you DO have can be put to use for the MOST important things!!!

Hang in. We all have this illness. We know what a kicker it is. Keep posting. We are here for you! xo

What Darla said, can't say much more than that.

I do feel your pain, I go through this misery of wanting to do so many things in my life, but knowing that nearly all of them are out of my reach.

I hope you can find that balance between what you want to do and what you really can do.

I was working on a graduate degree in my younger years and I had to quit just before getting my degree. I never went back to school for that degree and wound up doing all kinds of menial work to get by.

Somehow "It sucks" doesn't have enough word power to describe how much that hurt me. I earned so little money in my working years that now in my retirement I don't really have enough income to live what people would consider a normal life. Basically I live on almost nothing and grow a lot of my own food on some land I inherited.

Oh dearest Abby... Yes this can be devastating and sometimes it feels like you just can't go in like this anymore, however we gain acceptance and once that is gained you will intuitively know what to cut back on.
The Truth is I had to cut back on everything in my life. I was a dynamic broker/trader and had many hobbies. Getting this illness at your age is even more difficult to accept, I know. I pray you can accept the fact that you must rest rest rest and then rest some more. Much rest and eating well, taking supplements, drinking water, green teas, smoothies will give you some energy to function, but not enough to have such a full plate life as you have presently dear.
Believe me I feel your pain and suffering. I totally comprehend it. Until I halted activities and rested more I would be sad or angry all the time.
You will find new forms of utilizing your talents as you make some changes to accommodate your body for healing.
You are in my prayers...
Many Gentle Hugs and Love
Debra

Hey Abby, Wondering if today is any better?

abby, hang in there. cut back on some activities, you dont need to do everything all the time. i have learned that . i am a personal trainer, massage therapist & travel agent. just do your best . & rest !!!
i have had this for 21 years & it does SUCK !! but we cant do a damn thing about it...just support each other.