Welcome to the site but sorry to hear that you've got this awful condition. I don't have Fibro myself, so can't really advise you on that aspect. All I can say is rest as much as possible. Various people have found supplements or diet change somewhat helpful and I'm afraid it's a bit of trial and error to find out what works for you. Personally, I have to stay nice and warm all the time. It doesn't cure the condition, but it does minimize the crashes.

Finding the right doctor is largely linked to where you live. I'm in South Australia myself but there are people from all over the world on this site, so if you give a rough location, someone might be able to advise on a good doctor.

Talking to your employer and having them understand (if they do) might be helpful too. It depends on your employer. Some people have been able to reduce their hours or take on light duties to help them cope.

Sorry I can't offer more hope. Just know that you're not alone in this and we here understand what you're going through even if most of the world doesn't.

I have been seeing a naturopath for about 6 weeks and have been having acupuncture and bowen therapy (a massage of the soft tissues) along with some advice as to supplements and diet. It has helped a little, at times more than others but at least there is a bit of light at the end of this tunnel. I can attempt more than one thing before I crash.

Thank you both so much, I'm in western Washington, a ferry ride away from Seattle. Staying warm-YES. Cannot stand the AC at work blowing on me. I am still just amazed at how little I can do and having zero stamina. Headaches, too. Have had one for 5 days now. Ice seems to help. It's very nice to have found this site. Thanks again!

lost111,

I too have CFS and Fibro, with a couple other issues. I know with fibromyalgia movement and light exercise is beneficial, but the chronic fatigue makes it almost impossible! I just replied to someone about supplements, (CoQ10, Omega-3, D3). I have found a bit of extra energy using these vitamins. I have worked in a factory environment for close to four decades now (diagnosed in 2002) and over the last couple of years a 40 hour work week is becoming too difficult. Luckily I have an intermittent FMLA which is helpful (an option you could discuss with your doc). I also try to take short walks daily for the fibro, then rest as needed. I understand your week-long debilitation as my worst bouts are very similar, and tend to hit with extreme cold temps and high heat/humidity temperatures. October is my new favorite month of the year-not too hot, not too cold, lol. Sorry I can't be more helpful. So much has been trial and error for me. I have also found ice paks to work better for me then heat and messaging devices are unbearable. Again, just personal trials. You might find the opposite true for you.

Good luck to you and feel free to chat.

Hi Lost, the advice I can give is try to do too little rather than too much and to play things on the safe side. If I am pushing myself energy-wise I will eventually crash and it leads to me feeling much worse for the next few days and I find it hard to get back to how I was doing before. If I take lots of breaks and stick to a routine that I know will not ware me out much I find that helps.

MHx, I am definitely doing too little! It's all I can do to keep up with the living room, kitchen and laundry. Sometimes my daughter will come over and help, which is nice. Thank you for the advice, I find I'm still sleeping a lot, even doing little. I'm worn out after a day at work. I have a desk job, lol. Anyway, thanks again, I appreciate it!

Listen to your body, that is my advise. If right now you need to sleep, then do so, if laundry gets behind so what, the more you don't over do the better you are in possibly reaching a point where your symptoms won't be so bad. In 2012 after a flu I was basically in bed for most of the year. I would do one thing such as grocery shopping and then be in bed for the next day or two. It is now 2018 and still spend time in bed through out the day but I can actually socialize for several hours before symptoms start. I can no longer work since each day is different and I now understand the importance of listening to my body. I wish you the best.