CFIDS Profile: Jennifer Day

Coping with CFIDS

By Jennifer Day

Originally published in Youth Allied By CFIDS, Summer 1996

I'm 16 years old and have suffered from a syndrome for two years now. I have the unwanted chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). When family and friends ask what's wrong with me I say that I have CFS and the room grows silent. Their faces are blank, as in, "What?" I can see that from their point of view I look fine, so why don't I feel fine? I'm not able to attend school because I never feel well enough to get there. My school has been very good about helping me out; they are now looking for a home tutor. I live in a small town, so it has been a hard search.

My mom has been great about understanding, helping, and caring for me. She and I have searched for doctors and as much information as possible, while trying to cope with CFS in general. I try to deal with the fact that I have been robbed of a normal life, robbed of good times with friends, and robbed of my dreams. I wanted to share my story with you because you know of the issues that surround CFS.

Some people say that my life will be different because I don't go to school or feel well enough to spend time with friends. Well, they are right. My life with CFS is different than healthy teens' lives, but I shouldn't be punished just because I have CFS. I don't want sympathy--all I want is understanding.

I think coping with CFS is enough for the present, without looking toward the future. Maybe having CFS has lead me to the right path. My dream was to be a veterinarian, but maybe I'm meant to work with people instead. I still would love to be a veterinarian, but I would also like to be a rheumatologist so I can help children with CFS.

I hope my story has helped you all in some way; we must stick together in the fight against CFS.

Jennifer Day, founder of CFS and FMS Teen Mail Support, lives in Red Oak, Iowa.