what is CFS?

Question

I have been asked if I may have it but I do not know what it is?

Answer 1

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a real disease. It is a disease to be taken seriously and can become severely debilitating. It is not caused by depression, although the patient can become very depressed when their symptoms worsen and their previous health and lifestyle are compromised.

ONSET
CFS can begin suddenly, perhaps after an acute illness, an accident or surgery or it can develop slowly over a period of months or years. The symptoms tend to wax and wane and may affect different parts of the body at different times. The appearance of the patient may be deceiving. They may look "OK". Routine laboratory tests are often normal. In addition, because of the nature of the disease, the number, degree, and severity of symptoms may change within days, hours and even minutes.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
CFS is characterized by incapacitating fatigue (often described as profound exhaustion and/or extremely poor stamina) which is made worse by physical activity or exercise and is not improved with adequate rest. The Centers for Disease Control have listed the following symptoms as a case definition: Fatigue as listed above, and the concurrent occurrence of four or more of the following symptoms: substantial impairment in memory or concentration; sore throat; tender or swollen lymph nodes; muscle pain; multi-joint pain; headaches of a new type, pattern or severity; and un-refreshed sleep.
Other symptoms may be individualistic and fluctuate in severity. They may include other cognitive problems (such as feeling "in a fog", spatial disorientation and impairment of speech and/or reasoning); visual disturbances (blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain, frequent prescription changes); psychological changes (mood swings, irritability, panic attacks); chills and night sweats; shortness of breath and/or asthma attacks; light-headedness, dizziness, fainting and balance problems; sensitivity to heat and cold; sensitivity to foods, medications, chemicals, and alcohol; sensitivity to light, odors or noise; irregular heart beat; abdominal pain, diarrhea, irritable bowel; low temperature and low blood pressure; numbness, tingling or burning sensations in various parts of the body; dryness of the mouth or eyes; hearing disorders; skin rashes; hormonal problems; changes in weight; and muscle twitching or seizures.

Answer 2

CFS is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Answer 3

CFS is chronic fatigue syndrome. It has nonspecific symptoms:
weakness
muscle pain
impaired memory
lack of concentration
insomnia
fatigue after exertion that lasts more than 24 hours

The cause is unknown and it can last for years.

Answer 4

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome...I dont know much about it. I believe its where you are tired for no reason...and it also leads to depression(due to the severity of the fatigue) and also may go hand in hand with Fibromyalgia and Multiple Sclerosis. I am sure you can find a wealth of info on it on the web.

Answer 5

Chronic fatigue syndrome.

Answer 6

IMHO
It's a diagnosis given when the REAL pathophysiology of the REAL disorder either cannot be found or is not allowed to be found.
or
Chronic Fakers Syndrome

A real pain in the butt!
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-UvFIaVI8fqJbgL.2S6rJHw--?cq=1&p=3

PS, the poster above said it's associated with fibro and MS, well NOT MS; MS is a REAL disorder!