Answers To: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The following list of possible symptoms varies from patient to patient. To have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) it is not necessary that all symptoms be present. Primary symptoms include:
Severe Fatigue, Problems or malaise after exertion (exercise), Swollen or tender lymph nodes, Problems with concentration or memory, Muscle pain, Unrefreshing sleep, Headaches and Joint pain.

In addition to the primary symptoms the following may also be experienced:
Fibromyalgia, Low blood pressure, dizziness upon standing, Multiple sensitivities, food, chemical, pet, etc., Abdominal complaints, Psychological problems, personality changes, Stiffness especially in the morning, Sensitivity to heat, including warm showers, Diarrhea, Chronic sore throat or cough, More susceptible to infections, Low grade fever.

Diagnosis

An accurate diagnosis is important and is done by exclusion. There are no tests to determine or confirm the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Only a qualified medical doctor can make an accurate diagnosis. There is a difference between CFS and just chronic fatigue as the above symptoms make clear.

The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are common to other diseases, some of which are fatal, making an accurate diagnosis very important. Do not self diagnose! A qualified medical doctor will rule out such diseases as multiple sclerosis, lupus, fibromyalgia, anemia, heart disorders, allergies, and cancer.

A formal diagnosis of CFS, chronic fatigue syndrome, requires that the patient has severe fatigue lasting six months or longer and at least four of the primary symptoms other than fatigue (unrefreshing sleep, joint pain, muscle pain, post exertion malaises, headaches, problem with memory or concentration, and swollen or tender lymph glands).

Dr. J. Teitelbaum, MD labels patients who fall short on symptoms for a formal diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome with SCFS (severe chronic fatigue states). Unfortunately many doctors are unfamiliar with and poorly diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome. It is not uncommon to be referred to a Psychiatrist to rule out somatic disorders (it is all in your head). It is not in your head, yes you are sick. Failure to receive a proper diagnosis leaves patients in a bad situation, they are unable to function, unsure of the reliability of doctors, and unable to pursue treatment. Self education with this disease is a must; you will likely be guiding your doctor through a treatment protocol. Doctors experienced in such a protocol are rare.

Treatments

Unfortunately traditional medicine has little to offer except a diagnosis for CFS. Chronic fatigue syndrome is treated primarily by medical doctors with prescriptions that help mediate symptoms. Caution should be taken when treating symptoms as patients have a normal tendency to increase their activity level to much and thereby exacerbating the disease. All prescriptions also carry with them potential side-effects, some temporary and considered minor and other more serious. There is not a recognized or reliable medical protocol for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. Patient and doctor would be well advised to follow the creed "First do no harm." CFS patients tend to be very sensitive to not only many medications, but also stress, chemicals, physical exertion, foods, and temperature.

Non-traditional medicine and medical mavericks have reported various levels of success with chronic fatigue syndrome patients. Approaches include restrictive diets, nutrient evaluation and supplementation, antimicrobials, chiropractic adjustments, treating hormonal and endocrine irregularities, lifestyle modifications, herbal, and spiritual renewal through prayer and acceptance of Jesus as their savior.

Acupuncture has been reported to be both helpful and or extremely hurtful to patients. The wide variety of reports makes this treatment option one of concern. It appears that practitioners who try to stimulate the patient are most detrimental. Should you decide to try this, please consider talking with past or current CFS patients that have used a particular acupuncture doctor about their experiences prior to treatment. It is always better to error on the side of safety.

People looking for treatment options will find the recommended readings imperative. One of the biggest obstacles patients and their families face is the avalanche of information available on the internet and in book stores, most of which is not helpful. Wrong information at the very least hurts people by demotivating them, they become frustrated and fail to continue to seek the answers needed to over come their disease, resigning themselves instead to a life of suffering. They most likely have already experienced the frustration the medical community instills in such patients. You should be aware that research results in the lab may take 20 to 40 years to reach main stream clinical practice. It is even more disheartening to consider that effective treatments may never become known due to lack of profit potential and the astronomical costs to run complete studies. Fortunately, there are publications which are likely to be invaluable to chronic fatigue syndrome patients the most useful are listed in order under recommended readings.

Prognosis

The prognosis or forecast for recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome is extremely variable. No pattern for recovery has been identified. Some patients have a spontaneous recovery, some are helped by knowledgeable and courageous health care providers, and others resign themselves to a difficult life with a disability.

Few find any understanding from others how difficult and disabling this disease can be. Few people can imagine how it feels to wake up in the morning dead tired and feeling like you were just ran over by a semi-truck, take a shower and be barely able to make it back to bed- your day is over!

The majority of CFS patients will find taking responsibility for their own health care regardless of insurance companies willingness to pay and family physicians opinions, will likely improve their chances for a more or less normal life. Full recovery may happen, relapses are possible, and improvements in symptoms are frequent. The patient's dedication to protocols is often in direct relationship to their improvement.