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Oh my God. I have been out of it for ten years. I got a seriously nasty flu in 2004 and never recovered. Lack of sleep, trying to work 40-50 hours per week with two babies at home to care for...

I lasted not quite 2 years then had to go on medical leave. I had amazing support from employer, my supervisor, and insurance. It took another 2 years of tests, then qualified to receive long-term pension.

Today is a particularly painful day. They call it ME/CFS and PVT.

Some people seem to get over this, within a year or two. One person I have met was crashed out for 20 years but claims to have recovered.

I used to have days that almost felt like normal, just enough to convince me that this is really tough and I am not imagining things.

There are days where I can barely walk. Most days are not quite that bad.

I have seen many medical centers, I have seen people who cannot get the 4-5 years of total support needed to either find effective treatment or to qualify for disability-insurance income. I have seen people who lose everything.

I can walk and talk and see my kids grow into awesome people. In a good neighborhood, great schools, a fantastic landlord. Lots of folks don't get that chance.



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