Want to tell your story anonymously to raise awareness?

[Mdaisy]

If so, why not add your story to storytreeinc.org ?

[TheAuthor]

Thank you Emma that looks really good! x

[Billypil]

Hi everyone, Some of you may say I'm crazy & that's OK. I managed to get the symptoms of FMS & CFS years before there was an acceptable diagnosis, but over years it cost me thousands in specialists fees, to initially find out that it was all in my mind, but eventually the diagnosis of Fibro & CFS became acceptable. One GP who considered herself a Specialist recommended that I stop work, because I would never get better if I didn't do so. In the end I was told that my job would not be waiting for me if I stayed away from work any longer. I struggled, but I fought and got on my feet and insisted upon having my job. I had already had Coronary Artery Bypass surgery, followed by a TIA & I developed Atrial Fibrillation and Diabetes Type II. AT this time I was into my second career move, because after my first Coronary artery Bypass and TIA, I had to get a different job, as I was considered a safety risk. I studied and became a Technical Teacher. Earlier on, I was considered a bad risk because of my health problems, so I was refused a mortgage and built a home for our family, mostly with my own hands, from what I could save. It was difficult, but I had a wife and four children to care for. I really enjoyed my new job and made a lot of friends and happy students. In a few months time I shall become 82 years of age and my symptoms started to hit me hard when I was approximately 22 years of age in 1955/56. I have come close to leaving this world several times & I have since had heart failure, spinal surgery, a second Coronary Bypass Surgery (First in 1981 & the second in 199}, A stent, RF Ablation to my heart to stop my heart racing at 150 to 160 for weeks on end, several bouts of very severe Pneumonia( I wasn't supposed t survive the last one), a Pacemaker fitted, Embolisms in my Lungs, suffer from Allergic Asthma. I have taken a lot of very strong pain killers including Morphine for several years(now ceased totally), but above all else, I believe that thing that has kept me going best of all, was not giving in. I know its becomes tough at times, but even if you can not always stay on your feet, the more you give in the harder it is to start up again, so always try never to surrender totally to this terrible thing. Do what ever you can to stay active This is all true & I know my GP thinks I am a bit crazy. If you want to chat I have added my address in Australia. My Grandparents all came from the UK somewhere.

Regards Bill at [e-mail]