Chronic fatigue syndrome?

Question

I've just been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome after my doctor did a full blood test to rule out anything from infections to hypothyroidism.

Is there anyone else out there with this? And how do they cope with it? Any helpful words on living with it? And does it get better?

XxxX

Answer 1

I am currently deaIing with CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome.) Most people with CFS think it has a horrible name, it no where near descibes the illness and what we go through with it.
Many sufferers deal with people who don't believe they are sick, because we do not usually look sick. If you have a friend or family member that if you have the energy to educate on the illness it will help you. It is good to have at least one person by your side.
Some of what has helped me cope are message boards that have enabled me to talk with other CFSers.
One messageboard site I recommend is:

http://wicfs.proboards21.com/index.cgi?board=general

The site above you can ask questions, vent, search past post or whatever you need to incredibly sweet people dealing with the same thing.

Another site is:
http://notcrazy.net/forum/
This one I think is based in Australia, but anybody can join in. Same with the first one, I think it is based in Wisconson, but people from everywhere join in.

Some people do make a full recovery, don't give up! It is best to have a Dr. who understands you and the illness. Usually, the treatment is to take care of various thing. There is not a one pill/test treatment. Many of the best treatments are natural. There is a good chance you will go through treatments without even any change in how you feel, don't give up. If you can, keep trying.

It is really hard to deal with this illness. I hope you get a chance to come to one of the message boards I posted above. I have found great caring people who understand where other who are not dealing with this can't. I wish you all the best!!!

Answer 2

Chronic fatigue syndrome - a constant feeling of tiredness and fatigue, lack of energy, does not pass even after a long rest. This disease is especially true for residents of developed countries and populated cities. The main cause of the syndrome are considered long-term psycho-emotional stress on the human nervous system.

Basically, chronic fatigue syndrome faced by people aged 25-45, since at this age they are more functional and strive for success and career growth, laying the back-breaking load. According to statistics, about 85-90% of people suffering from this disease are residents of large, densely populated cities, with the accelerated pace of life, and adverse environmental conditions. The largest number of cases registered among residents of the United States and Australia.

Answer 3

There is actually a link between hypermobility and chronic fatigue syndrome. The two have been associated and hypermobility has also been associated with fibromyalgia, so it could really be either but the symptoms do suggest CFS, although there may also be a possibility of ME. Still, you'll find out in less than a month! Good luck.

Answer 4

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 5

Hi. If you can go to a heath food store or book store and buy this book. The Bible Cure for Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. Its really a great read, and not expensive at all.
The author is Don Colbert, MD. It has wonderful tips and advice on what to eat, what exercise helps and many other tidbits of information. This book really helped my symptoms more than any other advice I got in the past.

Answer 6

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS), and various other names, is a syndrome (or group of syndromes) of unknown and possibly multiple etiologies, affecting the central nervous system (CNS), immune, and many other systems and organs. There is no simple diagnostic test; CFS is a diagnosis of exclusion, although recent research indicates biological hallmarks of the syndrome, and a diagnostic test is predicted soon. Most definitions (other than the 1991 UK Oxford criteria[1]) require a number of features, the most common being severe mental and physical exhaustion or depletion which is "unrelieved by rest" (according to the 1994 Fukuda definition),[2] and is often worsened by even trivial exertion (controversially, the Oxford and Fukuda criteria require this to be optional only). CFS occurs more often, but not exclusively, in women, for unknown reasons. CFS is most easily diagnosed when formerly active adults become ill, and is most commonly diagnosed in young to middle aged adults, although it is also reported, albeit less commonly, in adolescents and the elderly.[3]

Patients with this diagnosis may report many other symptoms which are far more wide-ranging than these research diagnostic criteria, including: muscle weakness, loss of brain function, hypersensitivity, orthostatic intolerance, digestive disturbances, depression, immune system weakness, and cardiac and respiratory problems. However, these symptoms may represent comorbid or overlapping conditions rather than ME/CFS itself.[4] These symptoms, like the syndrome's hallmark 'fatigue', range from mild to severe. Some cases resolve or improve over time, and where available, treatments bring a degree of improvement to many others. Most diagnostic criteria insist that the symptoms must be present for at least six months, and all insist on there being no other cause for the fatigue: i.e. the fatigue must be idiopathic, not caused by conditions such as radiation treatment for cancer, or diabetes. CFS remains a controversial diagnosis, and even its terminology and classification are controversial. Recently, genetics and stress have been found to be factors in the development of CFS.

Answer 7

I had CFS for 5 years and then got 80% better myself. I got over the last symptoms of food intolorences, IBS & Fibromyalgia & some fatigue using Mickel Therapy.

Answer 8

You know I think I have it. chronic fatigue syndrome is nothing more than a vague diagnosis for "I have no F'n clue what is wrong with you and you want an answer". I would make myself do some exercise. If it is just walking. Try some anti-depressants. "it also gets rid of joint pain". I know I have it but its just a mind of matter thing. You have to get up and make yourself a routine. Go to bed and make yourself sleep 8hrs the same 8hrs all through the week. Do not have caffeine past 3:00. You will find your diet probably sucks as well as your eating habits. Trust me it is what you are doing and not doing.

Answer 9

I also have problems with this. The first time was my parathyroid and one had to be removed. Lately same symptoms went back to the doctor now vitamin D deficiency. He is putting me on vitamin D. We will see how that goes. I kept getting thyroid checked too, get him to check calcium in your blood. If it is high possibly parathyroid.

Answer 10

There are other conditions that can cause symptoms. Have you been tested for low cortisol? Are you seeing an endocrinologist? If you look at this table you will see there are many hormones that can cause fatigue if too low http://www.goodhormonehealth.com/symptoms/gland_hormone_symptom_table.html