The Invisible Battle: My Journey with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The Invisible Battle: My Journey with Chronic Fatigue SyndromeEvery new mom is tired, right? That’s what I told myself when my son was a toddler. I chalked up my exhaustion to the chaos of motherhood, the late nights, the endless tasks, working full-time, being a wife and serving in ministry. But deep down, I knew something wasn’t right.I brought it up with my doctor: the overwhelming fatigue, the constant sense of being drained, while I didn't label it as fatigue I kept telling him I was so tired. I even came with my own theories, backed by WebMD research and highlighted lab results. He smiled, assured me I was “perfectly healthy,” and advised me to leave the diagnostics to him. Still, I pressed him to refer me to a specialist—something in my body felt off, something wasn't right. I was scared, I experienced losing my mom at the age of almost three and I needed to be healthy for my young child.Eventually, I was referred to an endocrinologist. Then an oncologist. One said the slight irregularities weren’t a concern, the other suggested maybe I’d overdone it with my green smoothie phase. So I did what many women do—I ignored my gut and kept going. I pushed through the exhaustion, dragging my body through each day like it was wearing cement boots.Then we moved to California. That’s when things got worse and God showed up with a blessing.This wasn’t just “tired mom” fatigue anymore. I had headaches. Night sweats. Shortness of breath. Memory lapses. My body ached, my mind felt foggy, and yet—on the outside—I looked fine. Clothes on point, hair styled, makeup flawless. People had no idea I felt like a walking zombie. I could see them, but not see them. Hear them, but not hear them. It was like life was happening through a foggy window. I just prayed and prayed for God to intervene and heal me.My breaking point came when I told my husband, “I feel like I need to be admitted to the hospital.” He suggested I see his doctor. I did—and that visit with Dr. Buchner changed my life.I sat across from my new doctor, desperate. I told him I was so tired, I could crawl on the floor and could hardly keep my eyes open. My body hurt, my lungs gasped for air, my spirit was breaking. He listened. He asked thorough questions. He suspected something immediately. After a lengthy questionnaire and extensive bloodwork, the results confirmed it: I had Lyme disease and Tularemia.The validation hit me hard. I wasn’t crazy or lazy. I wasn’t just tired. I was sick. And finally, someone believed me. This doctor didn't know how much God was going to use him to lift me from a low. My immune system had crashed. Inflammation was through the roof. I was in a deep fog physically, mentally, and emotionally. This doctor—who I truly believe saved my life—put me on a long-term treatment plan of antibiotics and a ton of medications. I know that I was on antibiotics alone at least 2 years. Over time, my body started to recover. Tularemia cleared. My Lyme disease markers dropped. My immune system climbed back to near-normal levels.But there was a residual that lingered: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?The Centers for Disease Control says that "ME/CFS is a biological illness that affects many body parts. It causes severe fatigue not improved by rest, problems thinking and sleeping, dizziness, pain, and many other symptoms."For me, it’s the invisible illness. It doesn’t show on my face. I don’t “look” sick. But every day is a battle with energy that disappears without warning. My friends who know me can hear it in my voice or see it in my face. Concentration is limited when severe fatigue sets in. Simple tasks feel monumental. Socializing, even with people I love, can be draining. At times I’ve been misunderstood because of the symptoms that are unknown to others because I rarely discuss them. But I thank God—I don’t look like what I’ve been through. The Lord has given me the grace to live with it and people around me who understand. Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome means constantly making choices that others don’t see: Do I cook dinner or use that energy for work? Do I push through and pay for it tomorrow? Do I explain myself again, or just smile and stay quiet?Some days I’m okay. Some days, I’m not. But every day, God is good and I’m stronger than the one before. I am a testament of what God can do as He takes me on a healing journey.If you’re reading this and quietly nodding—if you’ve felt dismissed, unheard, or invisible—I want you to know:you’re not alone. Keep advocating for yourself. Keep pressing forward. Your story matters.Encouragement & Tips for Others Living with Chronic Fatigue SyndromeLiving with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is not just about being tired—it's a complete shift in how you experience life. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way that may help you or someone you love:1. Trust Your Body, Even When No One Else DoesYou know your body better than anyone. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t let a dismissive doctor make you question your instincts. Be persistent. Be thorough. Be your own advocate.2. Document EverythingKeep a journal of your symptoms, what you eat, how you sleep, your energy levels, and emotional well-being. This can help you track patterns and provide insight when speaking to doctors.3. Learn to Say No Without ExplainingYour energy is precious. Learn to protect it and your peace. You don’t owe everyone an explanation for your boundaries. “I’m resting today” is enough.4. Lean Into Faith and GraceSome days will be hard—spiritually, mentally, and physically. But grace is available, and God is faithful. I’ve leaned on scripture, prayer, and worship to carry me through the lowest points.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

5. Redefine ProductivitySometimes doing half or one fourth of what you normally do is a win. Count the small victories. Showing up—however you can—is a victory. Don’t measure yourself by society’s pace. Go at the pace of grace.6. Find Your circleWhether it's a support group, an online community, or a friend who just “gets it,” surround yourself with people who believe you, encourage you, and give you space to heal.If you think that something is wrong, keep asking questions. Don’t be afraid to switch doctors until you find one who listens. And if you’ve been diagnosed with CFS or any invisible chronic or other illness, know this:You are not lazy. You are not weak. You are not alone.You are navigating something that most people will never understand—and you’re doing it with strength, courage, faith and quiet resilience. Keep going. You matter. God's got you!