I have been dx. with CFS. I am a RN of 25years. I was forced to retire last year due to severe symtoms after trying to keep my disorder a secret except for a few trusted friends.At that time I had climbed the career ladder and worked in various roles. Most recently as a RN Case Manager in the ED. I have improved this past year and returned to work on a casual basis with a different Hospital. I have physical and cognitive symtoms that I try to hide. I am anxious I will have an extream exacerbaton of my symptoms that will cause loss of work. I try to keep my symptoms hidden because I fear being misunderstood or taken for slow and lazy. I alway excelled in the past but now can only keep afloat. Any words of wisdom or encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

Is this something that diet and exercise might help moderate?
May I suggest that you visit the local YMCA and take a tour of their exercise facility?
I directly attribute my recovery from Guillain-Barre Syndrome to my local YMCA and my obnoxious/survivor mentality. Don't be embarrassed to be seen there. My YMCA has a broad array of good people who have had bad things happen to them. I could list the afflictions I have seen but the only point it would prove would be those person's belief in the value of exercise.
I don't claim to be a doctor so you may want to consult one before starting any exercise program. I, personally, started out with 10-15 minutes on the treadmill and then I did the weight machines using light weight and many reps. I gradually increased the time and weight on my workouts. At the end of my routine I would use the steam room because I truly believe there are benefits to ridding the body of residual toxins through sweating.
Now comes the dreary part......you are gonna have to force yourself to do this. No one is gonna do it for you. A person gets out of something what they put into it. Are you gonna enjoy it? Probably not. But each time I walk out of the YMCA, after having worked out, I am SO glad I did. Most YMCA'S have pools of various depths for aqua fitness classes that you might enjoy.
Please take the initiative and visit the local YMCA and take a tour. IF you are unable to pay the full membership I believe they have a scholarship plan based on your ability to pay. I also believe they have a senior citizens discount.
I would be at the YMCA every day for the health benefits as well as the social aspects but I have a job and other commits to attend to.
For what it's worth, I am a 55 year old male who still walks with a slight limp from the GBS. Are people curious about what happened to me? Yes, and I'm not shy about educating them but I don't parade around with a banner proclaiming my situation. The YMCA offers a Christian atmosphere that most people feel very comfortable in/with.
I will end my rambling by saying........
PLEASE FORCE YOURSELF.

Dave thanks for the info but I should have provided more information. First I am 46 years old. I have been ill for six years. I have seen many specialist including going to Stanford. I am managed by an Super Specalist in Endocrinology. I have taken care of patients with GB(one for 6months) as I said I am a RN. I even wrote a Research paper on it 22 years ago .Perhaps you were a Swine flu Vac casulty. I am also very athletic. I climb 13,000 ft. Mountains an hike regulary at 8-10 thousand ft.. I bike 5-7 days a week and lift wts. I am 5ft 4in. 125lbs. I also have severe exacerbations that leave me in bed for the most part for several week.Daily muscle pain and mild cognitive issues that exacerbate with fatigue. My CFS is related to a neurological muscular disorder. I appreciate the kind words. You are correct diet and exercise are importent. The main issue I was asking for insight into is how you deal with work and what you fear people may be thinking or saying when they don't know your condition. I am a personal person and don't want to share my ills to the world but also fear being misunderstood. Thanks again

Hello,
I congratulate you on your effort to return to work.There is much advice I could give you on how to balance disease vs work, but perhaps the most helpful is to learn to listen to your body. It will tell you when you are doing too much and need to step back for a while. I don't know what type of nursing you have returned to, but I don't think the typical physically active nurse role will work for you for long. You need to try to find something that is less physically demanding and lets you use your brain instead of youir muscles. Working on a casual or per diem basis is probably also a good idea at least for a while, until you find your boundaries. That way you can say no when called to work without guilt or feeling that you will be seen as less than willing to work. Either that, or you need to look at a part time position which lets you control your days and hours. I guess control is the issue, so that you are able to listen to your body and take care of yourself as you need to. Good luck, and feel free to write me with any other questions.
Eunice

Thank you. Yes I have finaly found a great casual position that I think will work well for me. Yes listening to my body is what has gotten back to some form of balance and enabled me to return to work. Are you a Nures? what type of work do you do and what is your disability? Thank you for your support.

Congratulations on finding a position that works for you. Can you share information about the position?....It may be helpful to others.
Thanks,
Donna Maheady

Congrats on finding a casual position that works for you. I am also an RN with a chronic health condition. My main concern is that you state cognitive dysfunction. I don't want to sound negative, but any time you feel cognitively impaired, I hope you are taking a sick day or not working. Our patients depend on our expertise, and if you are not thinking clearly, you are doing a disservice to patients if you work, even as a Case Manager. I feel it is important we are very honest with ourselves in that regard. Physically, we can get assistance, but mentally, we must be there or stay home.

Good luck in your endeavors.

Cary