Living Better with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a devastating disease. Or is it? Maybe it's a condition that will improve with time. The truth is, we really just don't know. I have had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for six and a half years now and no matter what you call it, the results are the same - it's devastating.

I have been fortunate enough to have been back at work for several years. Since I work on commission, I can regulate my schedule and the number of hours I work, and I can often arrange my appointments for the times of day when I am feeling well. I am very lucky.

A Non-Scents Approach

When I first for sick those years ago, I sought the help of doctor after doctor. Most of them did not believe I was sick. I would sit in their offices, barely able to support my own body weight and they would tell me I was fine. In fact, a few told me that if I just got out a little more I would cheer up and feel great. Their response was inconceivable to me.

I finally found an alternative doctor who was ale to point me in several helpful directions. One of which was to try to eliminate many of the scents and chemicals that I was exposed to every day.

I used to love scented candles, hand creams and the like. Today they are strictly taboo. I used to take a warm bubbly soak in a perfumed bath, and then slather myself in perfumed body lotion and hair care products. I would find myself reeling around from very low blood pressure after having taken a hot bath. The heat causes your blood vessels to dilate and therefore lower your blood pressure. On top of that, my body would completely rebel against the chemicals and fragrances I was putting on my body. Not anymore.

The Nose Knows

It took a fairly long time to determine what products I could and couldn't use without getting a severe reaction of utter fatigue and brain fog from my body. In fact, to this day, I can have a reaction to something I don't expect. I bought the wrong scent of deodorant the other day. The fragrance was so strong that I noticed it all day. But it took me a few days to equate it with more fatigue than usual. When the light bulb finally went off and I realized what I had done, I washed the deodorant off immediately. It was a matter of less than an hour before I felt a little better. Amazing!

For the most part, I use unscented products like hand lotion, shampoo and conditioner. Unfortunately, there is a limited selection and most of the choices are somewhat pricey. But what is the price of being able to function and earn a living? It's a delicate balancing act.

When I can't find a product that comes in an unscented version, I try to go for the natural version. Also, natural scents tend to be better for me than perfumed ones, but not always. I tend to use my nose as a guideline. If I open up a tube of something or other and the scent is very strong, I can almost bet that it will tweak up my symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Better Living Without Chemicals

My first phase of increased functionality included eliminating all chemicals and processed food from my diet. It was tough, but it was worth it. I started to become coherent again. I could work for short periods of time. It was a miracle!

Today, although Chronic Fatigue Syndrome still severely affects every facet of my life, I am stronger and no longer have to stick to such a strict routine. I tend to know which foods I can and can't eat and I stay away from almost anything scented. Even if a coworker uses some scented hand cream across the room, I can feel my body start to react. So, since I can't live in a glass bubble, I try to get some fresh air if I can.

Things I stay Away From Include:

Scented, non-natural shampoo or conditioner

Scented, non-natural hand or body lotions

Hair spray, except the occasional non-scented, non-chemical spritz

Daily use of hair gels

Mixing different hair car products; for example, shampoo & conditioner & hair spray & gel just seems to be too much all at once.

Soaps other than Ivory

Deodorants other than Lady Speed Stick Shower Fresh Gel (no plug intended here, it's just what works for me)

Heavily scented dish soap, or dishwasher soap. King Kullen brands work great for me.

Scented laundry detergent. Tide makes a great Tide Free version - no dyes or fragrance.

Spray air fresheners

Car air fresheners

Scented candles

Perfumes

Perfumed magazine inserts

I'll often notice that my symptoms flare up if I am exposed to these things for long periods of time, like by spending a long evening at a friend's house. Occasional and brief exposure usually does not have a lasting affect. Although, walking anywhere close to a department store's make up section is difficult. If you see someone rushing past one of these departments, it might just be me!

Clean Up Your Act

Cleaning up my act made a huge difference in my quality of life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I highly recommend giving it a try. You may have to make some severe adjustments at first and then add products back in to your routine one at a time. Some will work and some will not. But you might just find your self feeling a little better!

Whatever the case, I wish you success with your battle against Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I know what you go through every day. I go through it too. Do your own research on the internet and try out everything you can. You never know what might help you. Good luck!