Part 3: CUTV News Welcomes Back Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Expert Beckie Butcher

Elgin, IL – According to recent studies, as many as 2.5 million people in the United States suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. a devastating multi-system disease that causes dysfunction of the neurological, immune, endocrine and metabolic systems.

Beckie Butcher is the author of My Battle With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which chronicles her struggle with the disease.

“We may not die, but our lives are taken away from us,” says Beckie.

Beckie says after three years of keeping a stiff upper lip and reminding herself things could be worse, she had to step back and mourn her loss. The experience inspired her to finally sit down and process the profound change in her life. The result was My Battle With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

“It was cathartic,” says Beckie. “The more I wrote the more came out about how I handled what's going on inside of my body. I’ve come a long way but I still have a long way to go.”

At least 25 percent of patients are homebound or bedbound. Beckie was both. Today, Beckie is no longer bedridden, but she cannot work.

“I have good days and bad days,” says Beckie. “When I have energy on the good days I do what I have to do. But on a bad day the pain and exhaustion are overwhelming.”

Still, Beckie says she’s come to terms with her disease.

“I have CFS but I have to do the best I can and know that God will get me through the day,” says Beckie. “Don’t give up hope and keep doing good things for yourself.”

My Battle With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is available now on Amazon.