[raelshark]

Seems like the experience is pretty similar with a lot of these disorders. I have an autonomic nervous system problem that overlaps significantly with "chronic fatigue," and I've seen a lot of patients go through similar "why can't you just..?" discussions with family and friends. I've also had similar experiences to what you describe with your school situation, but also with employers. It's a special kind of stressful when your livelihood is on the line and your employer won't take your issues seriously, and you have to struggle to medically validate your circumstances when you can't find a doctor who understands it either.

For most people with poorly understood issues like these, getting an actual diagnosis is like an emotional and social breakthrough - complete validation that something's really wrong.

[kolinko]

I recently found a book that's all about these kind of diseases ("invisible chronic diseases") - it has whole chapters dedicated do dealing with the problems you described.

http://www.amazon.com/Sick-Tired-Feeling-Invisible-Chronic/d...