"A flick of a light switch changed my life.  Too dramatic?  Maybe.....but not from my perspective.  I was officially diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 1990 and have struggled with all the usual symptoms and all the typical problems that go along with trying to cope with any chronic illness.  I've worked part-time since 1993 and have had many different supervisors:  some supportive, some oblivious about my health, one downright mean.  I experienced a fairly steady course with my symptoms and learned how to balance my life pretty well.  I was able to do most things I wanted to if I moderated everything carefully.

Just about a year ago, the symptom that began torturing me on a daily basis was dizziness.  It was an indescribable sensation that threatened to upset the carefully crafted balance of work vs. rest that enabled me to function in all the roles that are so important to me.  After months of frustrating visits to various specialty doctors, I was able to get confirmation of what Dr. Bell had initially suspected:  I was having daily migraine symptoms. 

Early on, I had noticed fluorescent lights made the dizziness worse.  I became excruciatingly aware of how frequently we encounter fluorescent lights in our daily lives.  My husband had to take over the household shopping, (one more thing he had to take on) since stores are lighted with fluorescent lights.  

I work in a school, where there is an abundance of fluorescent lights.  I was determined to keep working.  I took floor lamps into my office and kept the overhead lights off....what a relief.  But much of my work is done in other areas of the school building.  One day I casually mentioned to my principal that the fluorescent lights bother me.  She immediately stood up, walked over, and turned off her office lights.  She has an inside office with no windows letting in natural daylight, so we sat there talking in the dark.  It brought instant relief for me!  (If you've never experienced the dizziness, nausea, and headache caused by migraine triggered by fluorescent lights, count your blessings!).  Not only did I have the relief of not being under the fluorescent lights, but I also knew I didn't have to pretend to be feeling okay.  I felt valued as an employee and respected as someone who has something to contribute even if I have a special need (for the lights off).  Not only does my principal turn her office lights off, but she makes it a routine to adjust the lights in other rooms if I am present.  It may not always be practical to have all lights off, but she makes sure they are adjusted as much as possible. 

I have tried to articulate to my principal just how much her casually flicking that light switch has meant to me.  She waves away my comments, saying, "it's nothing" or "don't mention it".  What it means to me is this: a chance to keep working at a job that means a lot to me;   I'm able to provide financial support to my family;  I'm able to continue the important social contacts in my workplace;  I'm able to have the intellectual stimulation of working;  I'm able to feel like a productive member of society. 

This isn't meant to be a criticism of anyone who has chosen to seek Disability benefits.   Those benefits serve an important function for many people.  I just wasn't ready to seek those benefits yet.  Thanks to my principal making a simple accommodation - just a flick of a light switch - I can continue working, with all the many benefits that provides me."  Jean Gargala

I just wonder if this lady has an illness caused by toxic mold?  Sensitivity to fluorescent lighting is typical of this condition.  She works in a school--and public buildings are often filled with mold.  See Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker's info about chronic neurotoxin illness at www.moldwarriors.com and www.chronicneurotoxins.com.   I was exposed to toxic mold at my workplace in 2005 and became ill for 2-1/2 years with the CFIDS almost completely debilitating.  See my mold story at www.fms-help.com/mold.htm.  I have only recently begun to feel better in June of 2007, thanks to some new things I'm using.

The medical literature on chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia has exploded in recent years, but in the process it has become bulky and difficult to follow. Meanwhile, the decreased public attention paid to CFS/FM/ME has led patients to feel abandoned and isolated, particularly since most medical providers are not familiar with the newer developments. Some patients may feel that there is even a worsening of the medical climate with increased disdain and neglect for their illness. It is my hope that the near future will bring dramatic changes to this climate. This newsletter is an attempt to increase awareness of CFS and FM through information that is based upon current medical literature.

This web site is not a commercial venture to make money. No products will be sold here, and I will not endorse any products. We are not soliciting patients for our medical practice, and would discourage persons from coming. I currently follow many hundreds of patients with CFS/FM, and if I ever find a simple cure for them I will publish it away in the Lyndonville News. But CFS/FM/ME is a complex and difficult illness, and I would not advise people to hold their breath for the simple cure. It will take time and steady progress.

I am convinced that chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are treatable illnesses that can be managed successfully. I believe that the medical profession will rise to the task of addressing this illness properly. I also feel that there will be treatments in the future that will completely reverse the symptoms. I hope that the Lyndonville News will be of value to the community of those interested in CFS/FM/ME."