Everyone
feels fatigued at times. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) isn’t just about being
tired. It’s a new state of fatigue that can be so severe that it gets in the
way of your normal daily activities at home and at work. You tend to awaken
almost every morning feeling as if you did not get enough sleep. A major problem with CFS is that people who have the
condition sometimes feel like no one believes them. They’re often told it’s all
in their heads.
You can have trouble concentrating and multi-tasking. When you stand upright from a sitting or lying position, you can feel lightheaded, and your heart can beat rapidly. After you are on your feet for a while, you can feel terrible, and need to lie down flat. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS). It tends to cycle through flare-ups and remissions, good days and bad days. Although on the good days, you are not back to normal. There isn’t any known cure, but different treatments can help the symptoms. Below are more need-to-know facts about CFS:
CFS is often difficult for
doctors to diagnose-There’s no lab test or biomarker for the disorder, nor are
the severity, number, and type of symptoms the same from person to person. And
because people receive a CFS diagnosis only after their doctors rule out other
medical conditions — like anemia, an underactive thyroid, sleep disorders, or
kidney and liver problems — the diagnostic process can take a long time. If
your fatigue has lasted longer than six months in a row and is accompanied by
several of the symptoms listed above, it’s possible that you may have CFS. An
estimated 84 to 91 percent of people with CFS haven’t been diagnosed yet.
Some people are more likely to
have CFS than others-CFS is four
times more
common in women than in men. Though the average age
of onset is 33, CFS can affect people of all ages. This disorder affects all
walks of life. Patient as young as 3 years old have been treated for CFS. CFS
can also be seen in members of the same family. (That seems to suggest there’s
a genetic component to the illness, but more research needs to be done to
confirm this connection.) Finally, trouble managing stress may also contribute
to the development of CFS.
Like many “invisible illnesses,” CFS often comes with a social
stigma- Many people simply don’t understand the disorder, so they
may think that those living with it are faking it, or that the illness is not
as bad as the person makes it seem. It’s not uncommon for people with CFS to
have to limit the amount of work they do, and the social activities they once
enjoyed. Some are even temporarily bedridden. So it’s no surprise that that
people with CFS often feel isolated and depressed. It’s important to remember
that the disorder doesn’t define you. It’s not who you are.”
There is no cure for CFS-Since
researchers are still trying to understand the nature of CFS, no specific
treatment has been found. That doesn’t mean that there’s nothing you can do to
alleviate your symptoms. Doctors should develop an individualized treatment plan
for you, which ideally will have a medical team that can include rehabilitation
specialists, mental health professionals, and physical or exercise therapists. Scientists
are still trying to pinpoint what causes CFS. Some experts think that multiple
triggers may bring it on; infections, immune disorders, stress, trauma, and
toxins have all been studied as possible culprits. No single cause has been
identified as being the most likely one.
Lifestyle changes can help-Though
there is no cure for CFS, certain behavioral changes can also help alleviate
your symptoms. Getting a good night’s sleep (ideally eight to nine hours per
night) is important as inadequate sleep can worsen symptoms. Eating a
well-balanced diet and exercising can also help prevent CFS symptoms. A
strategy called “pacing” or scheduling activities in an appropriate manner is
useful. Many people living with chronic conditions find that the more they can
plan their lives (which they may not have had to do before) the easier it is.
They can still manage to get things accomplished in a more measured way. Don’t
underestimate the power of a strong support system. Be more willing to ask for
help. It doesn’t mean you can’t work or do the things you love to do. It just
means doing them differently.[i]
“Fatigue
is different [from being]
tired. When you are tired you know that after some rest, you will feel better.
Fatigue is when you need a rest after taking your morning shower.” (Notsorosy)[ii]
[i] Not all foods provide the
long-lasting energy for a CFS person needs. When it comes to CFS, it’s
important to look at what you shouldn’t eat. Here are foods to eliminate from
your diet: caffeine, sugar (sweeteners), fried foods, white rice and
pasta, alcohol, and hydrogenated oils.
[ii] Sources used:
·
“10
Essential Facts about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” By Ashley
Welch
·
“5
Foods to Avoid if You Have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” By Rosemary
Black
·
“Tips for Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” Reviewed by Anthony L. Komaroff
·
“What
is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?” by WebMD
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