Get Wonderful Information On Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Get Wonderful Information on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Author: Ricky Hussey

Article:
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is one of several names given to
a poorly understood, highly debilitating disorder of uncertain
cause/causes, which is thought to affect approximately 4 per
1,000 adults. People previously healthy and full of energy may
experience a variety of symptoms, including extreme fatigue,
weakness and headaches as well as difficulty concentrating and
painful joints, muscles and lymph nodes. Typically CFS follows a
viral infection (e.g. cold or viral stomach bug), and is
sometimes found after mononucleosis infections. Non-specific
symptoms of fatigue , tiredness , exhaustion , and aches make
CFS difficult to diagnose and similar to other conditions such
as lupus , multiple sclerosis , fibromyalgia and Lyme disease.
People with CFS are often unable to perform normally at work and
home because of their long-term fatigue and problems with
short-term memory.

Chronic fatigue syndrome affects tens of thousands of people. It
occurs more commonly in females than in males. This condition
occurs most commonly in young to middle-aged adults. People with
CFS are often unable to perform normally at work and home
because of their long-term fatigue and problems with short-term
memory. This can lead to depression, but depression is not a
cause of CFS

Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The cause of CFS is not yet known. Current research is exploring
the possibility that people with CFS may have a dysfunction of
the immune and central nervous systems. Scientists are also
studying various metabolic abnormalities and risk factors
(including genetic predisposition, age, sex, prior illness,
environment, and stress) that may affect the development and
course of the disease.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome shares symptoms with many other
disorders. Fatigue, for instance, is found in hundreds of
illnesses, and 10% to 25% of all patients who visit general
practitioners complain of prolonged fatigue. A CFS diagnosis
should be considered in patients who present with six months or
more of unexplained fatigue accompanied by other characteristic
symptoms. These symptoms include:

* cognitive dysfunction, including impaired memory or
concentration * postexertional malaise lasting more than 24
hours (exhaustion and increased symptoms) following physical or
mental exercise * unrefreshing sleep

Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The first step is to see if there is any other explainable cause
for your fatigue. Your doctor will probably want to review your
symptoms and medical history, and give you a physical exam. Your
doctor may also want to do some blood tests, but lab testing is
not often helpful in the diagnosis of CFS.

Pacing is an important way of controlling symptoms. It means
finding a balance between activity and rest, and avoiding large
bursts of exercise that may set you back. Learning how to make
the most of your energy can help to increase the amount you can
do.

How can I help myself?

* Keep a daily diary to identify times when you have the most
energy. Plan your activities for these times. * Keep up some
level of activity and exercise, within your abilities. Your
doctor can help you plan an exercise program to maintain your
strength at whatever level is possible. Exercise can help your
body and mind.

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Hello Tammie and the rest of you out there,

I have been in a flare with fatigue for several weeks. I can barely keep my eyes open. The pain is horrific, ecspecially in my hips. I am on Morphine @ 200 mgs 3 x daily plus Morphine 30 mgs 4 x daily for break-through pain. None of which has helped me at all. I am on other meds but they don't seem to help with any of my other health issues. Throughout the day, I lay down with a heating pad which doesn't help either. I am at wits end. My Doctor doesn't seem to understand what I am going through. I make a list of problems and questions so him and I can discuss them. For being a Rheumatologist, he doesn't seem to know diddley, if you know what I mean. I have had him raise my med doses to no avail. Does anyone out there have any ideas to what I can do to help me to ease the pain? I know I need another Doctor but the one I have is the only specialist of this kind near where I live. I am so frustrated at this time. PLEASE HELP. Thanks for your time and for listening. Candy

Sorry so long in the reply but my life has been a real circus...try to get him to prescribe the fentanyl patch...its 75 times stronger than morphine and works better...the only drawback is that is is often expensive, depending on your insurance coverage.

Good luck and God Bless,