Chronic fatigue, has it laid you low?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is described by many authorities as a 'mystery" illness as they cannot all agree on the causes, the symptoms and the treatment of the illness. The effect the illness has on sufferers is plain to see.

This complaint is not a single symptom but rather a collection of symtoms. These are unrelenting and weaken the sufferer with a severe and long lasting persistent fatigue. It goes by various names depending upon which country that you are in, these include myalgia encephalomyelitis (ME), chronic fatigue, immune dysfunction syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Although this illness has been known since about 1860 it has only been recognised recently. Attempts to diagnose it correctly and to formulate acceptable treatment regime for the illness are still to meet with success. There is still no test that can be conducted to help in the diagnosis of this illness.

Symptoms that appear to indicate CFS include: -

• widespread muscle and joint pain,
• disabling fatigue which has lasted at least 6 months,
• sore throat,
• short term memory loss,
• tender lymph node,
• headaches,
• unrefreshing sleep,
• terrible mental and extreme physical tiredness which is not relived by resting.

While only about 4 people in a 1000 suffer from CFS, for some unknown reason, the majority of sufferers are women. It appears to manifest itself in people in their 40s and 50s.

Even though there is disagreement over symptoms and treatment of CFS doctors DO agree that it has a huge impact on the health, well-being and quality of life of the sufferer.

Jackie has written a very interesting and helpful page on CFS and its symptoms. To read about and obtain her explanation of the difference between CFS and fatigue click here (Please note that this opens a new window.)

Most cases of CFS start suddenly with patients complaining of a flu-like illness or other respiratory infection that does not go away, while a significant proportion of sufferers report that the symptoms developed within a few months of a severe adverse stress.

Other sufferers report that the illness slowly developed within them; this often leads to confused list of symptoms, which are very difficult to treat.

While a few patients appear to recover it is a long slow process, many do not recover fully, even with treatment.

Settling on a treatment for CFS is a slow process. With the multiple symptoms a lot of other illnesses must be ruled out first before the diagnosis is confirmed and treatment commenced.

As we have said, there is no known cure, or, treatment for chronic fatigue. However, we do know that sufferers who look to their diet and practice a good balanced nutrition lifestyle do show a vast improvement in their health

Other Resources

Refer to the nutrition section for more information in nutrition

back-to-basics-alternative-health.

A site providing easy to understand information for anyone wanting to improve their health with a simple, and natural approach including such things as the benefits of good nutrition and exercise. This site encourages lifestyle changes and suggests ways this can be accomplished. http://www.beat-depression-naturally.com/

Laura has found that many CSF symptoms are improved with her phone sessions for unresolved emotions. She gets results with depression, abandonment issues, panic attacks, anxiety, stress, and relationship issues.