Stop Chronic Fatigue

Posts Tagged ‘chronic fatigue symptoms’

In 1982, a 21-year-old North Hollywood ballerina named Cynthia Toussaint developed her first chronic fatigue symptom following a hamstring injury. She described her pain as “being doused with gasoline and lit on fire.” Muscle spasms contracted her right arm and leg, folding her limbs up and making her feel constantly fatigued. She had trouble keeping her eyes open and frequently fell asleep in chairs. “I was bedridden for a decade and could barely crawl to go to the toilet,” she told www.ABCNews.com. “They said it was in my head — that I had stage fright or tendonitis from Mars. People said I was making it up.” Eventually she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome awareness began in 1984, after several hundred patients developed flu-like symptoms in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Patients complained of extreme fatigue (the primary chronic fatigue symptom), as well as sore throats, mild fevers, headaches, memory loss and confusion. Doctors found most patients had several concurrent viruses, such as cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr and herpes virus 6. At the time, the Centers for Disease Control thought these symptoms were little more than frenzied hysteria.

The most well-known symptom is fatigue. However, this fatigue is nothing like what most folks feel after a challenging workout at the gym or a particularly stressful day at work. The Centers for Disease Control describes it as “severe, incapacitating and all-encompassing.” People with CFS often cannot go to work, attend school, take part in social pursuits or see to their personal needs since they always feel mentally confused and bodily worn out. In the most serious cases, patients never leave their beds or their houses. Lately, it’s been found that the condition may be associated with a chronic fatigue retrovirus called XMRV.

“Life for us is different,” explains Janet Krause, 58, who has been suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome for at least 15 years. “We have to constantly balance what we can do, and people don’t understand that. That’s why a lot of relationships and friendships break up.” Krause experienced her first chronic fatigue symptom in her twenties, when she suffered from skin rashes, sinus problems, chemical sensitivity, migraines, breathing difficulty, sore throats, arthritic pain, eye focus problems and debilitating fatigue. By 2005, she could no longer work in the hospital food service, since she was dropping boxes at work, couldn’t hold a pencil and was ready for bed at 3 pm. Just a small trip to the store would leave her incapacitated for the rest of the day.

Lucy, a chronic fatigue symptom sufferer, has learned to cope with her tiredness syndrome. “Stop before you’re ready to stop. If you go till you’re too tired to do more then you’ll crash,” she warns. “When you think ‘I’ll just do that one or two more things, or visit one or two more shops, or go up one or two more aisles’ — don’t! Thinking this is your cue that you should stop works for me. Keep it simple. Decorate — but not as much; celebrate — but not as much; cook if you can — but not as much.”

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a life altering condition that you have to learn to cope with. There is no real medical cure but you can ease your chronic fatigue symptoms. Find the information you need at Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Help.

Fibromyalgia is a painful, complex and perplexing medical condition. It is a complex disease in which both genetics and environmental causes play a role.Fibromyalgia is characterized by muscle pain, fatigue, lack of energy, poor sleep, headaches, impaired memory or concentration, dizziness, bowel complaints, anxiety and depression.  Fibromyalgia is more prevalent in women of childbearing age. The worst part about fibromyalgia is the pain is not localized to specific joints. Symptoms Of Chronic Fatigue FibromyalgiaThere are many people who suffer from the symptoms of chronic fatigue fibromyalgia but because it is not a well known disease many of these people do not realize that they have it. When the symptoms of chronic fatigue fibromyalgia first appear they are usually little more than a minor annoyance that may come and go for several years before they intensify. When these symptoms become unbearable those who suffer them are forced to miss work, family events and seek relief with frequent visits to their doctor.  Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome share many common features in addition to pain and fatigue there may be symptoms of trouble sleeping or sleep disturbances, recurrent on going depression, morning stiffness, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, painful menstrual periods, numbness or tingling of the extremities, restless legs syndrome, temperature sensitivity, light sensitivity, cognitive and memory problems (sometimes referred to as “fibro fog”), lassitude and post exertional fatigue or a variety of other symptoms.  Seeking relief from the symptoms of chronic fatigue fibromyalgia can be frustrating. Relocating to a warmer climate or finding a job that does not require lots of energy are two ways in which one can reduce the symptoms of this condition. Reducing stress in daily life is one of the best ways to alleviate the symptoms as well. Another known way to deal with the symptoms of chronic fatigue fibromyalgia is eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.  Treatments Of Chronic Fatigue FibromyalgiaSimply put, chronic fatigue syndrome is the condition wherein a person suffers from prolonged fatigue that cannot be associated to a definite cause. Hearing you have chronic fatigue fibromyalgia is not the best news you could hope for, but there are treatments to help and other therapies that can help give you some peace from the pain and discomfort of this disorder. I hope that once the medical community reaches more of a consensus as to what exactly fibromyalgia is, they may in turn come up with more accurate diagnostics for it and eventually better treatments as well.While the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not known, herbal remedies are becoming more and more popular as an effective form of alternative therapy. Nutritional supplements that may help are Vitamin B6 (in the form of pyridoxine hydrocholoride) to reduce platelet stickiness, Vitamin E (400 to 800 IU) daily for some days before and after flying, and Pinokinase, a compound made from fermented extracts of pine bark and soybeans that has shown to be very effective in preventing clots. The one factor that remains the same is the idea that anyone who suffers from chronic fatigue fibromyalgia will have to make lifestyle changes if they are to effectively deal with the disorder. Exercise and massage can be an effective way to loosen muscles and decrease soreness.

Copyright (c) 2008 Hailey Harris

Chances are you have heard of Chronic Fatigue but like most people, understanding this condition can be a bit confusing. Over the years, information about Chronic Fatigue has increased with a number of efforts made to educate the public about something very debilitating. Since 1994, experts researching Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have worked hard to define the symptoms so a proper diagnosis would be possible.

The results from years of research include two firm criteria for having Chronic Fatigue.

1.The individual would have for or more of the defined symptoms, which include, difficulty with concentration, sore lymph nodes, joint and muscle pain, swelling within the joints, headache, problems sleeping, sore throat, and fatigue after any type of physical exertion lasting 24 hours or more.

2.A person would have severe symptoms for a minimum of six months, coupled with other diagnoses medical conditions.

The key in diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is that symptoms have to be recurring for six months or longer. Fatigue with this condition is far beyond the normal feeling of being tired that most people experience. With Chronic Fatigue, the level of fatigue is almost unexplainable, as if a wash has come over the person making normal function difficult, if not impossible. In addition to the abovementioned symptoms, people living with Chronic Fatigue have reported several other symptoms. For example, intolerance to alcohol consumption, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, and night sweats are just a few. Additionally, a large number of people suffer from some level of depression simply because the syndrome is so consuming.

Current statistics tell us that approximately one million people in the United States alone struggle with the symptoms associated with Chronic Fatigue. Unfortunately, the number of occurrences is well beyond that of ovarian or lung cancer and MS. Because the numbers continue to rise, significant money has been poured into research to better understand Chronic Fatigue so a cure can be found. Even so, the number of women with Chronic Fatigue is four times greater than with men. In addition, for some reason, this syndrome strikes individuals in their 40s and 50s. While some cases of Chronic Fatigue have been confirmed in children, it is rare although teenagers are at higher risk than the younger children are.

You will also discover that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome does not care about race or ethics, hitting all groups much the same with the exception that the Hispanic and African American populations have the lowest number of diagnosed cases. Interestingly, it is relatively common for more than one member of a family to develop Chronic Fatigue, leading some researchers to think some type of genetic link may factor in. Although tremendous research is still needed to fully understand this condition, we have seen some remarkable advances over the years, providing hope that in the near future, a cure could be developed.

If you suffer from any of the symptoms noted and have concern that you might be living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, it is vital that you talk to your doctor for a confirmed diagnosis. Although frustrating, with medical help, you can find relief to live a more normal life. Rather than just deal with the symptoms associated with this condition, you need to take action so you can regain control over your life.

Copyright (c) 2008 Hailey Harris

Because Chronic Fatigue Syndrome remains somewhat of a mystery, it is often misunderstood and therefore, misdiagnosed. This illness affects people, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, or social status.

While both men and women can develop Chronic Fatigue, it typically affects women four times greater than with men. Additionally, this illness is most prevalent in people between 40 and 50 but again, it can affect children, although rare. With the numbers of cases growing, research is at full speed to find a cure.

Talk to a Doctor

If you suspect that you might have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the best thing you can do is talk to your doctor so a firm diagnosis can be made. The reason this is so critical is that the symptoms associated with this illness are found in many other diseases. Therefore, you need to have other and more serious illnesses ruled out so proper treatment of Chronic Fatigue can be made.

You also want to work with a doctor who understands and supports this illness. Since Chronic Fatigue Syndrome cannot be diagnoses using any type of laboratory test marker, the physician will base the diagnosis, at least at first, on examination findings. From there, the doctor may investigate the illness, using other testing options such as MRI, hormonal balances, and so on.

Diagnosing Criteria

Typically, the doctor will begin with a physical examination, coupled with you and your family’s medication history. From there, the doctor will likely have a number of blood tests done, again to rule out other illnesses. Most importantly, the medical professional will use specific criteria to diagnosis Chronic Fatigue, which includes persistent and ongoing fatigue lasting longer than six months, as well as four of the following:

1.Sleep problems

2.Joint pain with no redness or swelling

3.Concentration impairment

4.Muscle pain

5.Sheer exhaustion following mental or physical exertion

6.Tender lymph nodes

7.Sore throat

8.Headache

Once diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Lyme Disease, Lupus, and others have been eliminated, the doctor would begin to focus his/her attention on Chronic Fatigue. Unfortunately, we see too many people reading up on Chronic Fatigue and thus, providing self-diagnosis.

Although you might have indication that you are suffering from this problem, you should never rely on your own findings. Again, you might have something such as cancer being the underlying problem and if ignored, you could find yourself in serious trouble, which is not to dismiss the intensity that Chronic Fatigue has on a person’s body and life but with proper diagnosis, it can be treated. Additionally, this illness is not terminal, although at times, you might think so.

Misunderstood Condition

Remember, some doctors simply do not understand this condition and because of this, will provide a misdiagnosis or just not provide the medical and emotional support you need. Therefore, do not be afraid to seek out other medical assistance if the first doctor is not helping.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a very real illness, affecting over one million people in America alone. If left untreated, the condition can wreak havoc on a person, literally destroying a career, marriage, and self. The key with Chronic Fatigue, or any illness for that matter, is early diagnosis and treatment. You can start to feel better and have the energy you desire.

Copyright (c) 2008 Hailey Harris

Today, it is estimated that more than one million people in America live with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. However, centers that work with disease and statistics also estimate that for people with this condition, 80% are not even diagnosed.

In other words, in addition to the one million, more people are struggling through daily life, feeling fatigued, experience sleep disturbances, feeling muscle and joint pain, and having no idea there is something wrong.

Complex Syndrome

Because Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a complex illness, one that is often misunderstood, it is difficult to diagnosis. While healthcare professionals are dedicated to making a correct diagnosis and forming the right treatment, many overlook Chronic Fatigue.

Keep in mind, that while some illnesses can be compared with diagnostic laboratory tests or some type of biomarker, Chronic Fatigue cannot be. Additionally, many of the symptoms people deal with are also symptoms associated with other illnesses such as MS, Lupus, and even some cancers.

Known as the “invisible illness”, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is not only frustrating for the individual but doctors as well.

Typically, a person walking around with this condition looks normal. In fact, with Chronic Fatigue, it is common to have days where no symptoms exist whereas other days, the illness is debilitating. All of these factors combined make Chronic Fatigue Syndrome a challenging illness, for diagnosis and treatment.

Good News in Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The good news is that in 1994, a study was conducted in which a reliable algorithm for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was developed in adults. While children can also end up with Chronic Fatigue, although rare, a firmed diagnosis in this case is near impossible simply because children are not able to vocalize symptoms as an adult could. In cases of children, diagnosis is slightly different.

One of the main criteria for diagnosing Chronic Fatigue is the individual having symptoms of fatigue for six consecutive months or longer. As you can imagine, the person needing to wait six months only adds to the frustration but this time helps distinguish Chronic Fatigue from another illness.

From there, the doctor will review specific symptoms in addition to fatigue to include flu-like symptoms such as body aches and pains and memory problems. Taking the symptoms and getting a solid medical history certainly helps in the diagnosis.

Depending on what the doctor finds, he or she may request blood work be done, looking for hormonal imbalances, decreased levels of serotonin, and so on. Additionally, a urine sample will likely be taken, which again would help the doctor rule out other causes for your symptoms, or lead to a conclusion of Chronic Fatigue. Once other illnesses have been eliminated as a possible cause, chances are the doctor would then turn his/her attention to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Because this condition can mask other symptoms or cause confusion, a confirmed diagnosis is very challenging. Doctors want desperately to find an answer so they can provide accurate treatment. However, getting to the diagnosis is tough in many cases.

Your best bet is to do your research to find a doctor who works with other Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients, someone who will be aggressive in his/her approach so an accurate diagnosis can be made. Or look for solutions with alternative approaches to recovery.