RIVERWEST -- A Riverwest woman is trying to put a face to a little-known disease.
Two years ago, Shari Comstock says she loved to exercise and was an animated roller derby skater for the Brewcity Bruisers.
Then she says her life was pulled from under her because of chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis.
"I lost my job... all my savings is gone," said Comstock. "You're just constantly tired. I feel really heavy, but I also feel like real foggy. My brain is made of cotton candy and I can't process."
At her worst, she says she could not sit up for longer than 15 minutes per day, and adding to the frustration, "There isnt a MRI or blood test that says, 'Yes, you have chronic fatigue syndrome.'"
Mayo Clinic characterizes chronic fatigue syndrome as, "...a disorder that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition," and the root cause could be anywhere from a viral infection to a hormonal imbalance.
Comstock says the first symptoms came after a minor respiratory illness.
"After the antibiotics the respiratory went away but the fatigue and the brain fog stayed," she said.
Today the clinical social worker is recovering at home. The 42-year-old says her parents are helping her pay the bills. She hopes by sharing her story, you will learn more about this condition.
"I love helping people so its really hard to be in the role where I need so much help," said Comstock.
On Tuesday, 20% of all sales at Classic Slice Pizza in Bay View were donated to help take care of Shari's ongoing care.
Click here to learn more about her GoFundMe account.
Click here to learn more about chronic fatigue syndrome.
