Question: I am 75, a happily married woman, no children by our choice. Was healthy and normal weight, exercised every day. MVP required replacements surgery (porcine) diagnosed 5-1/2 years ago. Major depression followe about 5 weeks later (I hadn't been warned of the possibility). Bronchitis too. All hit me within a 4 or 5 week period a few weeks aft we the surgery. After 6 months with a healthy, strong heart but 4xhausted, cardiologist suspected CFS. was diagnosed w/ the CFS, 'they' didn't know as much about it then as they do now. Would probably be over it if. I had done then what I know now.

Upshot is that I'm getting increasingly ANXIOUS that, now with age becoming a factor, I may never be able to exercise at a decent level and rely on my brain and body as I did before ME/CFS, or ever beating this disease. People can see a broken leg so understand the temporary handicap, but CFS doesn't show, and you are expected to get better. I most enjoy helping others which is discouraging. Now I have to be satisfied with getting thru the day and maybe accomplishing one other tiny thing. At least the Adderall riddled me of the "foggy thinking".
Am on 60 mg Cymbalta and 30 mg Adderall. Started out w/ 30 and 15 mg (neurologist). Really helped me focus, but cog therapist MD increased it to 30, which helped me focus even more. What do you suggest that I do to increase the probability of getting well enough to count on my body to even go out for an evening, let alone exercise? Am still working (at home) and have far more responsibility than I can handle effectively. Any suggestions on changing my attitude? Mild exercise can set me back because I love to exercise and can end up doing too much; meditation works to calm me. I don't like being such a drag...we have missed out on so many lthings due to my not being up to any > 2 or 3 hrs of interaction. Then I'm laid out the next day. This year seems far worse than last year.