After all the tests have been done and after three months of being exhausted, if you have no clear diagnosis, your doctors will switch strategy and suggest you have chronic fatigue of some sort. You can read the latest NICE guidelines on this, and have a good rummage round. You can also look at other diagnosis pathways by searching them on the Internet. Regardless of the cause of the fatigue, you may also be categorised along the following lines:
- unable to do anything, basically bedbound
- can leave the house for a little bit but unable to do much
- able to do about 2-4 hours of activity per day
- able to do a simple part time job
- able to lead a semi-normal life with difficulty
- leading a semi-normal life and managing symptoms
The outlook for you is generally good:
- 80% recover and are able to lead a satisfying life
- 10% recover completely
- 10% don't recover
This does not include those of us who have an illness that is causing fatigue.
At a certain point, you will realise that you have to take responsibility for dealing with your fatigue and there is a lot of work for you to do. There are psychological issues, life issues, relationship issues, money issues, existential issues, health issues. It is quite a lot to take on board, especially when you are feeling unwell. Get as much help as you can: counselling, occupational therapy, someone to talk to, anything. Don't give up and keep trying:everything changes and you will not be stuck forever.
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