Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
(CFS) is recognized by the CDC and NIH as a serious multi-system disorder
that can be disabling. Unfortunately, the name is a source of much confusion
and misunderstanding. Though the name makes CFS sound trivial and even
silly, it is not.
In 1996, my daughter and I were both diagnosed with CFS. Before
that time I, like most people, knew next to nothing about CFS, and
thought it was about being tired or depressed. I quickly learned that
I was wrong -- chronic fatigue and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are two
entirely different things.
I am fortunate to have experienced a considerable recovery. By 1998
I had regained about 75% of my previous health, and was able to resume
a somewhat normal life. I still deal with a number of problems, among
them falling blood pressure when sitting or standing for any length
of time. That is the reason for the reclining chair in my office,
and why I teach sitting in a rocking chair with my feet up on a stool.
To share information about this misunderstood disease syndrome,
I have provided links to several CFS information sources, and the
text of a letter written to the media in 1996 by the U.S.
Assistant Secretary for Health, Dr. Philip R. Lee.
Chris Billinsky
