I could no longer look after myself. My independent lifestyle was stripped away. I went from 130 to 94 pounds. Being tired and in pain was my every day experience for eleven years. I slept at least 12 hours every night, and never woke up refreshed. I was so drained by the chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia that I became housebound. Any physical activity created pain, and even walking from one room to another was a struggle. I had become disabled. Even getting out of bed was an effort. I didn't have the energy to change clothes or make my bed. Cutting up fruit for breakfast left me exhausted. After breakfast, I would rest till lunchtime.  I would struggle through lunch and dinner until the evening hours, and finally go to bed, often having a very painful night.