Health
Chronic fatigue
By Tammi Rhoney, Photos by Brian Tietz
Special to The Gazette
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Hi! My name is Tammi. I am currently 38 years old and severely debilitated with Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome. I have struggled with this disease for the past nine years.

As the name of my condition suggests, those of us with CFIDS have to do lots of resting — like it or not. This resting has benefited me in another way as well. I have learned to rest more in Jesus, and to put each day, and the future, into his hands.

Last December, I suffered a second severe relapse. Before that, I was up to approximately 70 percent of my normal energy level, but still struggling through each day. When this relapse occurred, my energy level and ability to function dropped significantly to under 10 percent. This was very devastating for me. Whereas before I could drive, exercise some, do a little shopping, go out to eat, etc. — with some resting in between — for the last 11 months I have been unable to do any of these things. I have been extremely limited in what I can do.

When my relapse began, I was unable to do anything but dress myself and crawl out to the couch and sit all day. I was too sick to drive, unable to walk into a restaurant or store, too sick to ride in a car for several months — except for very short distances, too sick to read much or watch TV. I have been unable to do much walking or standing, even inside my house, and unable to do any household chores. My husband’s sports knee pads have come in very handy, as I’ve had to wear them often to crawl around my house because I have not had the energy to walk.

On a more positive note, God has blessed me with a wonderful husband. He is kind, caring, considerate and very supportive of me. Without his support, understanding and prayers, and those of my family, church members and Christian friends, I don’t think I would have made it through this disease. I have had CFIDS since the age of 30; my husband has never known me when I have been completely well. Having CFIDS has been very hard. I tell my husband that no one would believe what I have been through with this disease.

Resting in Jesus

Enough of the depressing part. I would like to talk with you about someone else who has walked with me through the deep valleys of my life; someone who makes my joy overflow despite my circumstances; someone who has promised to never leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). A friend who sticks closer than a brother! That person is Jesus Christ. Jesus has helped me through my battle with CFIDS, and I’m sure has carried me many times along the way. I have often thought that if I could see the footprints in the sand — as the poem goes, I’m sure there would have been one set of footprints many times in the past when Jesus has carried me.

During these past nine years, I have leaned hard on Jesus, and have found him ever faithful. One of my favorite passages in Scripture is Isaiah 43:2, where God says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned." I also like Psalm 23, especially verse four, where God promises that when I walk through the valley of death, he will be with me.

Having CFIDS can be very frightening! These verses tell me that Jesus is with me, and I don’t have to fear. As a Christian, this knowledge gives me strength, peace and encouragement. I know that in my battle with CFIDS, and whatever other trials I face in this life, I do not face them alone, the God of the universe is with me.

Some coping strategies I use daily are prayer, Bible study and journaling. Journaling gives me a good outlet for expressing my feelings, whether they be feelings of joy, anger, or frustration. I also try to meditate on Scripture verses. Psalms 121:1-2 always encourages me to look up! Trust in God! I also have memorized some of God’s promises, and I pray them frequently to God. Some of my favorites are: Prov. 3:5-6; Ps. 37:4-5; Rom. 8:32; Eph. 3:20; Jer. 29:11. I have found that during my rest times, one thing I can do is pray, and my prayer life has increased significantly! I remember that even though I am going through a severe trial, God is still good, and he alone is faithful! I can depend on him and trust that He will bring me through it in his time. I believe that keeping a positive attitude is important! I try to thank God each day for what I can do, even if it’s just one activity, and not focus on what I can’t do.

Living with CFIDS

I try to set realistic goals for each day. Some days I don’t plan anything, just to rest. This is important! Our bodies need rest, and those of us with CFIDS tend to be high achievers, and push ourselves to try to accomplish too much. If I am trying to squeeze too many things into one day, I scale back, and spread them out over several days. One of the positive things about CFIDS is that it is possible to accomplish some things on good days, it’s just very important not to overdo and suffer for it

I have also recently started an exercise program with an exercise physiologist who is knowledgeable about CFIDS. She has recommended some strength building and stretching exercises that I do twice a week, at home, and this has been very beneficial to me. We call it "the weanie workout." Not only do the exercises increase blood flow in the body and make me think more clearly, they make me feel good and are building up my short term energy level as well. I highly recommend some type of exercise, even if it’s just having someone else stretch your body.

I feel it is also very important to spend some time with friends and family. I have one friend who calls me almost everyday to see how I’m doing. If my energy level is low or I’m not feeling well, I limit our conversation to a few minutes. If I am feeling good and have more energy, we talk longer. Sometimes she will stop by my house and visit for a little while. My conversation with my friend lifts me up and encourages me. Without her friendship, my days would seem longer and more depressing. I have also spent many enjoyable afternoons with my mom, at her house. Her friendship has also strengthened and encouraged me!

During the Christmas holidays, we were able to spend time with both of our families, although this required careful planning. We had to limit the amount of time we spent at each gathering. I was able to feel good and enjoy myself, without overdoing it. Todd has a larger family with lots of small nieces and nephews running around, so we have to be extra careful to keep a close watch on our time with them because it requires much more energy. Being with family over the holidays also encouraged and lifted my spirits.!

My goal is to stay within my limits, to plan and enjoy doing some activities, but not to overdo and get sick. I have overdone and suffered for it many, many times, and it is just not worth it. Another benefit of this relapse is that it has caused me to really watch closely my energy level and activities. I have paid a high price for doing too much, and occasionally still do.

I recently joined an on-line book club, and it has really been fun. It is called the Saving Graces Book Club. This has enabled me to meet and correspond with other Christian women over the internet, read and learn from an excellent book by Liz Curtis Higgs entitled, "Bad Girls of the Bible", and share prayer requests with each other without leaving my home. We read a chapter a week and e-mail our thoughts pertaining to that chapter to our group via e-mail.

Finding ways to minister to others is also beneficial. Doing things for others takes my focus off of self. One of my favorite acronyms is JOY — Jesus, Others, Yourself. I was asked to join the Mercy Ministry at my church, and since I am unable to visit shut-ins and have been one myself for the last year, I make cute greeting cards on my computer and send them to the shut-ins and sick in our church. This month I included some refrigerator magnets I made, with Scripture verses and cute pictures on them. People in our church have commented how much my cards have encouraged them.

I have also found other activities that don’t require lots of time and energy, such as scrap booking, card stamping, writing or typing short letters, and doing small projects. I love to sew and I make bears. Since my relapse, I haven’t been able to complete one, but I have a bear cut out and sitting on my sewing table that I hope to finish this spring.

I also enjoy sitting outside on our deck each day that I am able, and petting or playing with our dogs, Francy and Jacob. I highly recommend having a pet! Francy, a Dalmatian, and Jacob, a mixed breed are a joy to spend time with! They have been good companions for us, and are always delighted to see me.

I also try to maintain the inside of our home as much as possible. Since this relapse, I have been unable to do any household chores, but my husband cleans for me and does the laundry. We also had two cleaning ladies come in and give our house a deep cleaning this past fall. Because I view our home is an extension of myself, It is important to me that it be kept clean and looking nice.

I also feel it is very important to maintain my appearance daily, even if getting dressed and putting on makeup is the only thing I am able to do. This makes me feel better and those around me appreciate it also.

I enjoy growing plants and have found that, for the most part, I am able to water and care for those plants that are inside, or in close proximity to our house, like on the front porch or back deck. This spring, if my husband helps me purchase the plants and brings our planters and soil to a certain spot in the yard where I can sit, I should be able to plant them in their pots. This is always fun and makes our home look more attractive. I enjoy seeing the colorful plants each day. Pansies are particularly fun in the spring, with their bright, cheerful faces.

Hope for the future

Through this relapse, God provided for me to qualify for the ampligen trial currently in progress at Dr. Lapp’s office in Charlotte. For the past six months, I have been receiving a twice-weekly infusion of either a saline solution or the actual medicine. My condition has slightly improved since the beginning of the study. I am trusting God that He has provided me with the real stuff, but we won’t know for sure until the trial is completed.

God promises in Philippians 4:19 "to provide for all of my needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." I can claim this promise as a child of God! My husband and I are trusting God to make me well again, or at least significantly better. We also want to adopt and enlarge our family. The year before this relapse, I had three miscarriages within 12 months. I believe the physical and emotional effects of these miscarriages significantly contributed to my relapse. For those of you who are Christians, I would appreciate your prayers that God will make me well again, and the others in the study also.

The Bible is filled with many verses that I love, but one that continually comes to mind and that I try to apply each day is Philippians 4:13. With Jesus, even through CFIDS, "I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me." And you can too, just don’t give up!

WHAT IS IT? A condition of prolonged and severe fatigue that is not alleviated by rest and not directly caused by other conditions.

WHAT CAUSES IT? The exact cause isn’t known but some researchers believe a virus could be to blame, but unfortunately no distinct virus has ever been identified. Other research suggests the cause is an inflammation of pathways in the nervous system and that this inflammation may be an immune response. Other factors that doctors consider is age, prior illness, stress, environment or family medical history.

WHO GETS IT? It is most common in women ages 30 to 50.

SYMPTOMS

Fatigue never experienced to this extent before, lasting at least six months, and not helped by bed rest. This fatigue restricts activity.

Low-grade fever of 101 degrees or less

Sore throat

Tenderness in lymph nodes

Muscle weakness and aches

Joint pain

Severe headaches

Other symptoms can include depression, difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness.

Source: Yahoo.com

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