Maybe this is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.....(part 3 Round 2)

We were married in January 2003. Craig began full time study at Moore Theological College that year. He claimed at the time he was running at about 80% capacity with continuing moderate symptoms. Still not much energy for extra activities. Being an introvert that generally meant not much socialising as it was too exhausting. Lauren had a mild nervous breakdown around June. It took the better part of the rest of the year & a lot of counseling for her to recover. God carried us & we rejoice that he gave us that time as he was preparing us for what was to come

In February 2004 after 1 day of 2nd year College Craig was struck down with a “mystery” virus. Once again he was bed-ridden, needing physical assistance to make it from the bedroom to the bathroom, unable to leave the house. All his previous symptoms were present in their severest form. Once again the recovery was painfully slow but this time he knew not to rush anything.

Tests showed he’d already had all the scary viral diseases over the last 4 years without realising it. However, he still didn’t have thyroid problems, fibromyalgia, anemia, Lyme disease, lupus, MS, hepatitis, sleep disorders or depression.

The diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was more frustrating the second time.
It came with the knowledge and understanding that it had already been 4 years and it hadn’t gone away.

Maybe this is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.....(part 1 Symptoms)

Like most people it took a long while for us to get a diagnosis. When we talk to others they seem to have the same story. This is Craig's story with a bit of Lauren's.

Craig actually went through the process of diagnosis twice. In 2000, at age 24, while living at home with his parents, Craig was diagnosed with Post Viral Fatigue (CFS by another name) following a severe bout of Glandular Fever. After 8 weeks at home his symptoms were moderate. He returned to for work for 2 months taking on on only what he could manage. His symptoms did not improve. He quit work as a physiotherapist and began MTS (a Christian ministry traineeship). He had the desire to serve God in full time ministry and he hoped less physical work would be easier on his body. He lasted 1 month. His symptoms worsened. So he spent 3 more months at home. He was put on a low-GI diet, by a nutritionist, that helped.

Craig's symptoms included;
* severe to moderate fatigue (from unable-to-get-from-the-bed-to-the-bathroom kind of severe he progressed to able-to work-and rest-but-not-play kind of moderate)
* permanently swollen glands in strange places
* needing to sleep all the time
* not being refreshed by sleep
* extreme muscle weakness
* daily headaches
* regular sore throats after mild exertion
* poor concentration
* living in a brain "fog".

Craig returned to part time work as a physio and spent 10-12months building up to full time hours. Still with symptoms. Able to work and do nothing else. He called himself a Mars Bar, without the play.