The Truth About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatment

The truth is: very few people know what Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is; and if they do, chances are they have been misled in one way or another. As a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferer, I want to set the record straight about this debilitating and devastating illness once and for all, so that sufferers and their families won't have to continue living in solitude.

Some believe that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is caused by a virus. Others believe that it is a neurological disease. It seems that every doctor, scientist, researcher, etc. has a different idea about how this illness gets started. It is most common among women ages 30-50, although men and kids can get it as well. The truth is, no one really knows for sure how Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is caused or how to cure it; and there is no blood test to determine whether or not a patient has it for sure. This may be the reason it has been deemed an "invisible illness." But it is important to know that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is very real. Anyone who believes any different is quite frankly, ignorant.

Symptoms:

The name "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" wrongly implies that CFS is merely "chronic fatigue." But fatigue is only one of many unpleasant symptoms. Yes, sufferers of CFS are often "tired," but fatigue is not the symptom that is most prevalent in most sufferers.

Other possible symptoms include:

Muscle pain and weakness, joint pain and weakness, headaches, nausea, dizziness, bowel complications, insomnia or other sleep disturbances, chest pain, shortness of breath, temperature sensitivity, light/noise sensitivity, increased heart rate, and others.

Treatment:

Unfortunately, there are no treatments for CFS that are proven to be effective in actually curing sufferers; although it is important to note that some people do make a full recovery from this disease. There are rehabilitation clinics, but they are expensive and are not guaranteed to work. Your best bet is to try doing gentle yoga, and or other gentle exercises. For sufferers with severe CFS, this will not be possible. Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet, and ask your doctor about medications that may relieve some of your symptoms.

If you are suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, don't forget to be gentle with yourself. Those of us who are chronically ill often forget to slow down, and give ourselves time to rest. Make sure that you find a doctor (or doctors) that are right for you. If you feel that a doctor is not listening to you, move on. Surround yourself with friends who understand, and people who love you for who you are.

Try not to let your sickness define you; because although it may dictate your life, it doesn't dictate who you are inside.