Has anybody here suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?

Question

If you or anyone you know have suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), please let me know. I would like to know the symptoms and syndromes, and what brings it on, and how to get out of it.

Answer 1

I do have CFS. I've had it for nearly six years now. The bad news is that -- generally speaking -- you'll get to a low point where you won't be able to work. (And it's not a recognized disability, either, so no income whatsoever.) You lose a lot of friends who think you are faking -- but your real friends will believe you.

The name is rather idiotic. Seventy percent of people living in the US suffer from chronic fatigue. It's NOT just chronic fatigue, so if you have it, try to avoid using that self-deprecating name. Although we're kind of stuck with it because that's what our ("it's all in your head") government chose to call it.

A better name is Autoimmune Fatigue Syndrome. Why? This illness affects your immune system. All of a sudden, every cold, flu, bug that comes along the pipeline is your new life. End-on-end illness, plenty of sore throats, fevers, chills, hot sweats. Always, always double the time needed for recovery. You name it, you catch it. Symptoms vary from person to person.

And fatigue. Always fatigue. Endless, unrelenting; you become a ghost in your former life. If you have a good day, you get tricked into thinking the CFS is gone.

Personally, I nap a lot. Take lots of supplements. Rely on my family for support. (After my family saw how many important things I had to miss because of this illness, they came to believe I was telling the truth.)

The cause is unknown. For some, it's a trauma; for others, a virus, like a flu.

The good news. Even though we are not getting the help we need, a good chunk of people suffering from CFS have symptoms that self-resolve in ten years. I'm going on year six. Each year is a little better than the last. This year, I'm making really good progress. It may seem like forever now, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel for some of us.

Good luck and best wishes to you.

Answer 2

Hey Kamal,
I don't have CFS, but I do have chronic fatigue due to a rare disease. There is no cure for chronic fatigue, only management.

Do you suffer from it? I'm so sorry. I will give you a little bit of my experience with chronic fatigue.

I am tired from the moment I wake up until the moment I go to bed. I wake up feeling like I have had no rest.

It is now not just an annoying problem, it is a disability.

I watch my tired symptoms very closely, and I make sure I get at least 8-10 hours of sleep a night.

I nap when I need to. If I need a nap and ignore this need, something in me snaps, and I become like an animal, completely obcessed with sleep. I become extremely emotional, and I feel like the world is about to crash in on me. Needless to say, I avoid getting to this point at all costs.

Thank goodness, I am still able to work thus far. Coming home, though, I am ready for bed.

There are certain medications that may help with alertness, and feeling awake such as Provigil. I unfortunately, had no luck with it, even at a doubled dose. It helps others though. I've also heard that Plaquenil can also help. I take it for my blood disease, but I have not found that it makes a difference.

If you suffer from it, you CANNOT ignore it, or else your health will become only worse. Find a schedule that fits for you. You need to take care of yourself...believe me! Go to bed early, and if you suffer from insomnia, ask for Lunesta. It has helped me unbelievably.

Exercise (like walking) can help. Keeping a healthy diet can also help.

Depression can be a cause of CFS. If you suffer from sad or lonely feelings, please find someone to talk to, like a religious leader or a professional. I find that when I am depressed, my fatigue intensifies so much more.

Hang in there, and feel free to email me if you have any additional questions.

God Bless,
Chris

Answer 3

I've been battling Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for 4 years now and when I got this system I was probably at the lowest point of my life. I had no energy at all and was in constant pain. I hated myself and hated the doctors who all shrugged it off and told me I just needed to take it easy or that I simply needed to have proper sleep!

This have completely changed my life. Barely 3 weeks on this system, and my brain fog and headaches are gone completely! I can now also manage to go for a 20 minute brisk walk without feeling exhausted.

Free Yourself From CFS, Naturally!

Answer 4

I have had CFS for 19 years and it is definitely recognized by Social Security as a disability. There are many good websites that provide information on CFS including http://www.cfids.org/default.asp and the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/. I have a website that I update with daily news and any research or information that can be helpful. I also have a message board to support others and exchange information. You can find it at http://www.cfs-info.com.
Information is available but you need to search for it.
I wish you much luck and hope you will stop by the message board.

Answer 5

I am 30 and have suffered for 3 years. I am just coming to the end of treatment for Lyme disease, which is the cause of most CFS - if you had flu-like symptoms early on, you almost certainly have Lyme disease, although the blood tests are very unreliable. You generally get it from a tick bite but there are other means. E-mail me if you would like more info.
But whatever, my best advice is: Listen to your body. If it says "Rest" then rest. Don't try to push yourself, you will do far more harm than good.

Answer 6

I don't have CFS, but I had chronic fatigue from overexposure from toasting my skin at from high levels of heat at a foundry.
I found that taking the antidepressant Wellbutrin gave me energy. I took it after reading that other people with cronic pain take it. Its a very mild stimulant, which is why its sold under the name Zyban for people to stop smoking. I also found light excercise a little helpful so you don't get depressed, but not overdo it as it can wipe you out for days. Just pace yourself and listen to your body.

Answer 7

I don't have CFS but there's a really awesome support site for it. http://www.immunesupport.com/chat/forums/index.cfm?B=FM
It's technically for both CFS and FM (which is actually what I have) but it's chock full of information and support on both. The actual site has a lot of factual study based information on the disease itself as well as treatments but the message board has emotional support and first hand accounts of almost every situation. It's a great place for when you're feeling bad. Good luck and I hope you feel better.