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Saturday, May 13, 2006

About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an emerging illness characterized by debilitating fatigue (exhaustion and extremely poor stamina), neurological problems, and a variety of flu-like symptoms. The illness is also known as chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS). In the past, the syndrome has beeen called chronic Epstein-Barr virus (CEBV).

The core symptoms of CFS include excessive fatigue, general pain, mental fogginess, and often - gastro-intestinal problems. Many other symptoms will also be present, however they typically vary among different patients. These include: fatigue following stressful activities; headaches; sore throat; sleep disorder; abnormal temperature; and others.

The degree of severity can differ widely among patients, and will also vary over time for the same patient. Severity can vary between getting unusually fatigued following stressful events, to being totally bedridden and completely disabled. The symptoms will tend to wax and wane over time. This variation, in addition to the fact that the cause of the disease is not yet known, makes this illness difficult to diagnose.

Colleagues from the Radboud University in the Netherlands say different factors can predispose people to CFS, trigger the onset of CFS, and perpetuate the syndrome. Some of the factors mentioned, which predispose people to CFS include neuroticism, introversion and inactivity in childhood; however, more research needs to be done in this area. Study authors also say genetics may play a part in the development of CFS, as women are more likely to have CFS than men.

There are a number of things that may trigger CFS, including sudden or severe physical or psychological distress as well as an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Psychological factors appear to be involved in perpetuating complaints among patients with CFS.

Authors say cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches patients to gain control of their symptoms, and exercise therapy are the only two treatments that show success in treating CFS. There are likely many other ways to deal with CFS and it is recommended that a patient with CFS contacts their local association and/or support group.

Patients often find an equilibrium point at which they can function. As in combating any chronic illness, a positive hopeful attitude is essential.

CFS patients must prepared for a possible lack of acceptance from some from whom support is expected. This may be a shock, but as a CFS patient, when you cannot regularly "go bowling" with the gang, or you increasingly depend on being accommodated at home or on the job, and when you have a condition that your doctor may not certify or that other people have already heard of as "that yuppie disease", then your emotional world will become quite different.

If you have CFS, follow these recommendations:

- Find new sources of support. It will be important to create a new family-and-friends support structure. This can be done through CFS support groups, electronic networking, pen pals, and other means.

- You will need to take the time to create a new self image for yourself, to know that your new physical limitations do not limit you as a person, as a soul, no matter what other people are thinking. And take some advice from those who have traveled this difficult road before you -- consider reading from books like those below:

"The Alchemy of Illness" by Kat Duff, 1993, Pantheon Book, New York. $19
"Recovering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Guide to Self-Empowerment" by William Collinge, 1993, The Body Press/Perigee, New York. $13.95

"Living With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" by Timothy Kenny, 1994, Thunder's Mouth Press, New York. $12.95

2 Comments:

Blogger Ellie said...

Many of the statements in this article are incorrect, especially with regards to the predisposing and perpeutating factors in CFS. This article recommends inappropriate techniques (which can in fact be very harmful) for managing CFS.

If you suffer from CFS or would like to know more, a knowledgeable source for information is http://www.cfids.org/

11:38 PM  
Blogger Ellie said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

11:40 PM  

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