Dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is debilitating to those who suffer from it. But there are simple steps that can be taken to alleviate the pain. For example, moderate exercise lessens fatigue and improves functioning in 75 percent of people with CFS.

An obvious suggestion, of course, but you shouldn't assume that you have CFS. Chronic fatigue can be a symptom of other illnesses such as hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, cancer, and certain autoimmune conditions, so it's important to rule out other health problems (be patient, as this may take a while). Forty percent of people who report symptoms of CFS have another serious, treatable medical or psychiatric condition.

If your doctor isn't very familiar with treating chronic fatigue syndrome, or doesn't believe in it, ask for a referral to someone who can help you. If you have trouble finding a suitable doctor, ask a local CFS support group for a recommendation. Check with local clinics and hospitals to find one.

Find out as much as you can about CFS and how it's likely to affect you. In addition to the information you get from your doctor, you should consult applicable government agencies and non-profits. These groups can steer you to the latest research, information on complementary therapies, and support groups in your area.

There are no specific tests that definitively diagnose CFS. The bulk of people with CFS are in their forties and fifties and wrestle with extreme fatigue, trouble sleeping, memory and concentration problems, headaches, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, achy muscles and joints, and difficulty recovering from exercise. If you have any four of these for six months or more, you may have CFS. Irritability, anxiety, low blood pressure, and allergies may haunt you as well.

People with CFS are also more likely than the norm to have had some kind of childhood trauma. You may also experience depression.To add insult to injury, there are some doctors who, when they can't find out what's wrong with you, will hint that you're not really sick. That's your signal to find another doctor.

Though you want relief now, impatience will only add to your stress and frustration. Working with your doctor to manage symptoms such as pain and sleeplessness may initially be a game of trial and error, as you figure out what medication and activity levels work best for you. Slowly, you will be able to put together a plan that tackles CFS from several directions, lessening your pain and increasing your energy.