I got a bad flu (or similar) in 2001 and never recovered fully. It was like half my energy capacity went permanently missing. I had been quite active and athletic, but that all ended. I did as much as I could, and, despite needing to drop out of school, managed all right for nearly a decade, although I would burn out every few months if I tried to accomplish anything. In 2012 I got a nasty tooth and sinus infection that laid me out completely. I spent all my energy for the next few years trying to get to the bottom of my issue through a bunch of doctors and tons of tests, and came out the other side with the "non-diagnosis" of chronic fatigue syndrome.

I always knew CFS fit my condition, but ignored it because there was no cure or effective treatment. But once I started to look more closely at it, I discovered some useful community wisdom out there: The crippling symptoms are mainly triggered by overexertion, and can often be managed by lots of rest and very strict pacing at all times. Since that discovery, my life has become extremely boring in many ways, but the worst of the symptoms -- crushing depression, pain, restlessness, brain fog, dizziness, and many others -- have largely abated. I can do a few things if I'm careful. There is some promising research ongoing, although not nearly enough, and I'm hoping that I don't have to spend the rest of my life on the couch.