Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatments

I was originally diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome back in 2007. This terrible illness – the constant feeling of being tired and ‘brain fog’ affected me very badly; it disrupted my life and work. I tried to address it from practically every aspect I could think of. Furthermore, I’ve done a lot of research online and saw several specialists, and consequently, kept coming with more possibilities as to what might be causing or making my symptoms worse (I’ve not even shared everything on this site yet).

 
Now, three years later, I am much better. It is hard for me to point at one treatment that ‘made the difference’. I’m quite certain that the weekly B-12 shots and supplements helped. I also believe that my mercury poisoning, even though it didn’t cause chronic fatigue by itself, certainly made it much worse. Once the mercury was out of my body I felt much better. Finally, dealing with my sleep apnea helped. There’s another factor which I have not mentioned in any of the articles on the website, frankly, because I am unsure whether it played a part.. though it might’ve.

 
When I launched my site, my idea was that I could help others benefit from my experiences (since I had so many). Based on the steady increase in the site’s visitors, I’d like to think this has been a success. However, I would like to hear from you. Do you have any experiences and success stories to share? Any attempts that worked, or unfortunately, didn’t work? I would be very happy to hear, and if you allow it, publish it on this site.

Being constantly tired is debilitating. It’s something that’s very hard to live with. As you can tell by website, I researched a great number of solutions for this health issue and tried most on my own.

One of the resources I tried was this book: Get Rid Of Tiredness & Sleep Less. This book took a methodical approach towards trying to diagnose my fatigue.

It examined what I eat. For example, certain food allergies can cause fatigue. In my case, I am apparently lactose intellorant – something I was not aware until recently (though as my doctor explained, being sensitive to dairy can develop late in life as the body doesn’t need dairy anymore).

It examined what I drink. Do I drink too much caffeine?

It examined chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia – including tests, symptoms and treatments.

It discussed sleep apnea.

It examined some common causes for fatigue like iron deficiency, B12 deficiency, etc.

It examined Hypothyroidism: the situation where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones

It even suggested ways of improving the quality of my sleep.

In short, it was a very valuable resource which I highly recommend. If you want to check out this eBook, here’s the link: for the book. This type of book comes with a moneyback guarantee, so you can always take a look and return it if you’re unhappy.

There are a number of different types of immune disorders that are caused by viruses such as the well known HIV, as well as other types. Sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) experience a wide range of symptoms – one of the most pertinent of which is excessive tiredness and a lessened ability to perform at times even simple tasks due to this overwhelming fatigue. The pathology for this disease has not yet been discovered to its full extent but it is well-known that the immune system can affect neural pathways in a similar way to that which MS sufferers experience and when the immune response has been lowered both CFS and MS sufferers seem to have worsened periods of exacerbated symptoms.

 
Direct correlation
Doctors have been looking into this for years and researchers can show firm statistics that demonstrate a correlation between a weakened immune system and these worsened symptoms. There is no real treatment method that addresses this weakened immune system. The best that medicine can offer are general treatments that try to strengthen the body’s defenses.

 
The dangers of having lowered body defenses may mean that all kinds of other diseases and infections can take a hold and cause all types of complications – a most unwelcome prospect for the sufferer of CFS who probably already has enough on their plate to deal with. The best approach to trying to strengthen a weak immune system for someone who suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome might include Herbal remedies – some of these have shown to help reduce stress and subsequently improve the immune response. One way of doing this is by using taking natural supplements that can boost the immune system. For example, Omega 3-6-9 has been tremendously useful in achieving this goal. This has been one of the methods – in addition to other methods (I also took B12 shots) – I used in order to fight CFS. To receive a free bottle, go here.

 
Stress management
Stress has been shown time and time again to be a relating factor when diagnosing patients have weakened immune responses. Lowering stress levels can have a huge effect on the course of a chronic disease. Getting away from high stress situations can really mean the difference between severe symptoms presenting themselves and a much more gentle form of the illness. If you need ways of combating anxiety, this book suggests a four step useful technique for stopping anxiety. An additional method is described in this book.

 
Supplements
There are many vitamins and minerals are suitable to add to the diet that can help improve the immune function, including vitamins A and E and anything that contains plenty of antioxidants, an important way of removing free radicals which cause inflammation. If there is information present in the body the immune system can be overactive and cause just as much of a problem as an inactive immune system. As stated, B12 shots or Omega 3-6-9 can do this as well.

 
Diet
The food we eat can make a big difference to our health in general; eating food that contains a proper balance of nutrients that our body needs can assist substantially in reducing symptom levels caused by a weak immune system.

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also called ME, has been studied extensively over the years its history. Its history of medical discovery dates back to the 1700s and is often treated skeptically by onlookers; however, it has now been shown that this is a real disease with real symptoms and real chronic debilitating effects. The exact science behind this disease is not fully documented as yet, but major inroads have been made into investigating how it can affect people, and ways to combat the tiredness, and invasive fatigue that CFS brings with it. It is thought to be an immunological disorder that affects the ability of motor nerves somehow in a way that the brain interprets as tiredness and debility. Similar diseases that have been identified properly include multiple sclerosis, whose eventual symptoms can be much more obvious and disabling but may include the same symptoms that sufferers of CFS might experience, especially before a firm diagnosis has been made.

 
Spirals of anxiety
A link between the trigger point for these types of you immunological/neural disorders has been established by researchers, with CFS and MS sufferers both enduring more severe bouts of symptoms during or following periods in which stress and anxiety have been noticeably increased. A typical example might be where a patient has been working; battling daily growing fatigue from CFS and in a spiral of stress-related anxiety which is increasing the more the patient feels unable to adequately complete their daily work. This can soon become an all-consuming anxiety that can produce severe symptoms of CFS and almost seal the deal for an impending job loss.

 
It is a very frustrating situation of those on the brink. Trying to balance a chronic illness with a normal life is tiring enough in itself. Balancing a working life with a chronic illness is also a difficult prospect; particularly where the symptoms of illness can easily be confused with laziness, a not especially desirable asset for an employee. Taking time off work with an explanation of tiredness does not go down well with many employers and many medical professionals have not added positively to the situation either. It’s no wonder that CFS sufferers are under stress and anxious under this pressure.

 
Researchers have discovered direct links between a number of neural diseases and stress. The science is still not understood but it is thought that stress reduces the immune response to such an extent that inflammation of nerve axons produces the symptoms that for CFS sufferers, includes headaches, chronic fatigue, depression, memory dysfunction (“brain fog”) and in some patients, sore throats and lumps in the armpits/tender lymph glands.

 
Finding Peace
Avoiding stressful situations is all very easy to suggest but going about it is not so easy. Methods of stress reduction for CFS patients are much the same as for any other person seeking to be calmer. For some this may be enjoying company, others in contrast like to meditate – it’s a personal thing but whatever make you feel peaceful, whether its feeding the ducks in the park or getting some Zen, bringing down the stress levels reduces anxiety and definitely reduces CFS symptoms

 
Some additional methods for dealing with anxiety can be found in these two books. The first suggests a 4 step useful technique for stopping anxiety. Similarly, the second, offers a natural way of overcoming anxiety.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is one of those illnesses that its effects aren’t truly appreciated by people who do not suffer from it. I have heard more than once “what, you are tired again? You already slept so much!”. It doesn’t help to remind that I suffer from a condition and I’m not just being lazy.

 
The fact is, suffering from this condition and still leading an ordinary life requires changes to one’s routine. Moreover, at times this might even be impossible. The following suggestions may help.

 
I can’t claim that I found the best solution to dealing with this, but here are a number of tips that have been greatly helpful to me. Also, although this book – “Stop Tiredness Today” – was not written specifically to people who suffer from CFS, I found several of the tips to be quite useful.

 

1. Avoid pushing myself. One of the things that makes me particularly tired – and I know it is a known factor – is exercise. At times even mild exercise can really have a serious effect. In this case, as well as other aspects that cause my condition to worsen, I simply factor that into my routine and expect being tired. By doing so at least I am prepared and can avoid my plans from being disrupted.
   
    

2. Live in a central location. This might not be possible for everyone, particularly if you own the place you live in, but if you rent an apartment or a house, it might be worthwhile to live close to where your main activities take place even if it means sacrificing some things. Not only this prevents wasting valuable time on commute but it also conserves energy. My own example: a while ago I made the mistake of renting an apartment which was about 15 minutes from the train station. These 30 extra minutes of walking every day have had a much more pronounced effect on me than they should’ve… but that’s how it is. I now know that it is better for me to live in a smaller and more cramped place but at least know I have more time and energy every day to do what I need.
   
    

3. Be efficient. This is easier said than done, particularly for a procrastinator like myself, but I’ve learned that when I have energy – I should use it. It is very frustrating to spend time doing nothing of value, only to finally begin my chores and feel myself falling asleep or have brain fog emerge.
   
    

4. Taking naps. At times during the middle of the day I feel tired and/or brain fog sets in. I find that an hour or two can really – at least temporarily – alleviate these symptoms. It’s not a cure, but it helps. I’m not sure this will affect everyone the same way, but at least in my case it does.
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In recent years, it’s become quite common to read about celebrities such as Madonna taking vitamin B12 injections to get more energy. Is there truth to the matter?

It is a known fact that vitamin B12 helps maintain various parts of the body, including the skin and hair, the nervous system and the liver; more importantly, it has been linked to the function of the immune system – which is often a significant component in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – where it is weakened from one reason or another. Consequently, vitamin b12 deficiency symptoms can definitely result in extreme constant fatigue.

Fortunately, vitamin B12 deficiency can be found out through a simple blood test. If indeed your body does not get enough vitamin B12, which could happen from a variety of reasons: not eating certain foods, inability to absorb it properly, etc, then getting vitamin B12 shot may indeed be helpful for you.

In fact, some doctors consider getting vitamin B12 shots to be a crucial component of a treatment for CFS sufferers regardless of their cause, as it is so frequently helpful. These shots can either be administered in the doctor’s office by a nurse (or the doctor himself), or even at home by yourself, after getting some minimal training.

Vitamin B12 can be taken in many forms. You could get it in Liquid form (Vitamin B12 – Liquid, 4 oz), you could get it in sublingual form – that is, under the tongue (B12 w/B6 Sublingual – 30 tab), you can get it as lozenges (B12 Lozenges – 2000 mcg 100 lozenges). Of course, you can also get it in the form of injections.

Personally speaking, this is another one of the treatments I have tried. I’ve taken B12 injections on a weekly basis (though I’ve read online that a bi-weekly shot is recommended). Though admittedly I never gathered the courage to give the shots myself and preferred to have a nurse perform this every time. In addition, I’ve taken vitamin B12 in sublingual form, twice a day (I never really understood why it must be under the tongue – perhaps for quicker absorption?).

Since my improvement occurred roughly during this time, I can only conclude that this is one of the few treatments that has been helpful for me. My own B12 deficiency was pretty bad according to the blood work – probably it was some kind of poor absorption issue.

Although I cannot say I’m cured, my condition has definitely improved. However, I wouldn’t recommend that you just start giving yourself B-12 shots. Discuss this with your doctor and find out whether you have a B12 deficiency. And in this case, work out a plan to treat it – preferably with a specialist who is very familiar with these issues.

On a final note, if you live in New York City, I’ll be more than happy to give you the name of the doctor who treated me (or you can just search for him on the web, you’re likely  to locate him the same way I did).

As always, please keep me – and the readers of this blog – updated whether this has been successful for you.

Summary of options in case you are interested in getting Vitamin B12

• Get Vitamin B12 – Liquid, 4 oz
• B12 w/B6 Sublingual – 30 tab
• B12 Lozenges – 2000 mcg 100 lozenges

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a complex disorder about which little is known. The reasons for onset, etiology or cause of CFS are still largely unknown. In spite of the fact that more than one million individuals suffer from the disorder in the United States alone, physicians are still focused primarily on symptoms, rather than causality. There are no physical signs to alert an individual or your medical practitioner to the presence of CFS, nor are there any conclusive diagnostic laboratory tests designed to diagnose it. The only thing more difficult than diagnosing and treating chronic fatigue syndrome, is living with it!

The onset

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome differs from other chronic illnesses in that about three-fourths of occurrences come with what can only be described as an abrupt onset, often presenting suddenly and, seemingly, out of nowhere. Other instances of chronic fatigue spring up after a long period of mild symptoms, generally triggered by a traumatic event or stress. While suggestive, the link between stress and chronic fatigue remains only that…suggestive.

Etiology or Cause

The research into CFS has been extensive, published virtually around the world and in every scientific journal and magazine you can think of, the interest is intense as the disorder reaches epidemic levels. Every organization, from the National Science Foundation (NSF), to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) have researched this complex and puzzling phenomenon, but to no avail. There are a number of powerful hypotheses but as of yet no solid data to support any of them. While anecdotal, it seems that the disorder only recently, in fact over the past three and one-half decades, has burst onto the scene, peaking the interest of scientists, researchers, and the medical community as a whole.

Transmission

No solid conclusions have been drawn pertaining to transmission of chronic fatigue. In fact there is no evidence at all to support the proposition that CFS may be contagious. Nevertheless, multiple cases of the disorder have been diagnosed in the same family. There does seem to be powerful suggestive evidence that chronic fatigue may indeed have a genetic component, however, the jury is still out. More research is needed to prove or disprove the suggestion that CFS is or is not genetic.

Symptomology

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is categorized by incapacitating, debilitating, and even totally disabling fatigue. CFS presents with a myriad of symptoms, many resembling other illnesses. Symptoms of CFS mimic those of several other disorders, making it extremely difficult to properly diagnose. Chronic fatigue symptoms are similar to those of Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, multiple sclerosis, mononucleosis, and even Lyme disease. The symptoms are widespread, and are usually broken down into three categories, they are listed below.

General or physical symptoms:

Many sufferers of CFS find it nearly impossible to perform any sort of physical exertion. When engaged in physical activity, such as exercise or any sort of physical labor, the CFS sufferer may experience shortness of breath, light-headedness, and even blackouts. While some individuals are able to conquer the work week, usually exerting tremendous effort to do so, many more are bedridden, forced to rely solely on others, totally disabled. Problems compound in the ear, nose and throat area, appearing to be endocrine driven symptoms (glands and hormones). Sore throats and swollen lymph nodes occur, perhaps suggestive of an infection (antigen/antibody reaction), as when the body attempts to fight off a foreign body or when the body is undergoing an extreme stress reaction. While allergies develop and symptoms become more severe, fevers often present as a symptom as well. Additionally, CFS sufferers will experience night sweats, weight change with little or no apparent change in dietary habits, and they will often suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and bladder dysfunction. Interestingly, many of the conditions listed above are often present during periods of exaggerated stress.

Neurological symptoms:

Sleep disorders are a common symptom of CFS and it has been suggested that increased pain sensitivity may contribute to the restlessness and sleeplessness many experience. Chronic fatigue sufferers often experience difficulty with their senses, mainly in the form of vision changes and sensitivity to bright light, olfactory changes (odor perception) and sensitivity to certain chemicals have been documented. Disorientation may also occur with CFS, while some suffer with problems of balance and spatial perception. Trouble with concentration and memory have also been reported, seeming to present along with impaired word usage during a phenomenon called "brain fog." Some living with CFS are even subject to seizure-like episodes and unusual and disturbing nightmares.

Emotional problems:

Depression is often connected with chronic fatigue syndrome. Along with depression, CFS sufferers experience suicidal ideation, anxiety (with or without panic attacks), anger and rage issues, and mood swings ranging from pronounced manic episodes to suicidal depression. The depression experienced alongside CFS may be chemically induced, due to a serotonin and norepinephrine imbalance, as well as a consequence of external events, such as severe pain, disability, and hopelessness due to lack of treatment options.

CFS varies in degree and expression, type and severity, from one patient to the next. In the same individual, chronic fatigue may wax and wane from one day to the next, even hour to hour. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms may be mild to acute, fleeting to chronic, in the same individual and from day-to-day.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome crosses all barriers and touches individuals from all walks of life. There are no clear ethnic, socioeconomic or age-related factors…anyone may be affected. However, there does seem to be a gender issue, with twice as many women as men presenting with the disorder, particularly women between 30 and 50 years of age. Of the known cases of CFS, those with verifiable diagnoses, at least twice as many women have the disease as men. It also appears to affect pregnant women at a much higher rate than the rest of the population. The reason or reasons for the gender discrepancy, like the difficulty with the initial diagnosis, is problematic and requires more research. The complexity of the disorder, combined with a lack of any sort of diagnostic standard, results in a medical community that is reactive, required to treat symptoms, with little or no real idea of etiology (cause). The impact of chronic fatigue on the lives of those suffering from this debilitating and disabling disorder is unfathomable to those who aren’t living it on a daily basis. Like Chronic Pain Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome creates a constellation of secondary and tertiary consequences, some as bad if not worse than the original condition. Until etiology (cause) is established, CFS sufferers deal with, on a daily basis, one of the most debilitating of all disorders. While their load may be lightened with an individually designed and implemented treatment strategy, the ultimate treatment, a cure, still appears elusive.

Author: John Zajaros

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Stress tends to set off major physical reactions that create chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia (many do not differentiate between the two). Fibromyalgia is a common syndrome that involves chronic fatigue, generalized muscle aching, and stiffness. According to the 2000 American College of Rheumatology Fact Sheet, two percent of the United States population, primarily women of childbearing age, are affected by this syndrome.

Although criteria for the classification of fibromyalgia have been established, controversy exists as to whether this diagnosis represents a unique syndrome. The cause is unknown and no pathologic characteristics have been identified that are specific for the condition.

Treatment consists of attention to the specific symptoms reported by the patient. Some nursing aids may be used to treat the diffuse muscle aching and stiffness.

Tricycles antidepressants are used to improve or restore normal sleep patterns and individualized programs of exercise are used to decrease muscle weakness and discomfort and to improve the general deconditioning that occurs in these individuals.

Managing Treatment

Typically, patients with chronic fatigue syndrome have endured their symptoms for a long period. They may if feel their symptoms have not been taken seriously. Nurses need to pay special attention to supporting these individuals and providing encouragement as they begin their program of therapy.

Patients support groups may be helpful. Careful listening to patient’s descriptions of their concerns and symptoms is essential to helping them make changes necessary to improve their quality of life.

The first step to minimizing fibromyalgia, is to develop an awareness of when and how the condition affects you. Then, take time to learn a few relaxation techniques and deep breathing. To facilitate healing, take time to perform these simple treatments.

1. Catch an afternoon nap

Experts say that people who get the afternoon swoon to put the phone on voice mail, turn the ringer off, and steal a 20 to 30-minute snooze.

The later in the day you nap, the more likely you will enter deep sleep, so it is better you nap in the early or midafternoon. The longer you sleep, the greater the chance you will enter deep sleep and wake up groggy and worse than before.

Personally speaking, this is actually effective. But unfortunately it’s quite hard to take a nap when you’re at work.

2. Watch your meds

Staying energized means paying close attention to everything that goes into your mouth, medications included. Antihistamines, high blood pressure drugs, and cough suppressants can all make you tired. But plenty of other common medicines can also leave you feeling lethargic.

Many people assume that their fatigue is coming from headache, arthritis, or whatever and do not realize that it is really coming from the medications. If you are taking medicine and often find yourself feeling groggy or low on energy, it is highly recommended that you should talk to your doctor about the side effects of medications and asking for alternatives to drugs that may be sapping your energy.

Again, this too I have felt. From my experience, medications that make people drowsy have a much stronger effect on people suffering from CFS. Not much we can do about it though.

3. Break out boredom

It is all about exercise that is refreshing versus exercise that is not. That is why it is important to find some exercise that is enjoyable or challenging. Taking regular breaks throughout the week to engage in some exercise or other physically demanding, but interesting, activities should help prevent chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia.

It is important to note that some doctors say that execrise may actually make CFS worse (temporarily) for some peolpe. So be wary – if you feel noticably more tired after exercise, consult with your doctor.

4. Feed the machine

Often, even the modest calorie restriction can lead to marginal vitamin levels. And if you are short on vitamins, you may feel tired as a result.

Consuming fewer than 1,800 calories per day is a risk factor for low-nutrient intake simply because nutrient intake is tied to calorie intake. Most health experts advices dieters who eat fewer than 1,800 calories per day must learn to take multivitamin or mineral supplement.

Fibromyalgia is a medical emergency necessitating early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to eliminate the causative factor; otherwise, the joint may be destroyed relatively quickly.

So the next time you feel stressed out, never hesitate to ask for a rest. The treatment of fibromyalgia is focused on the physiologic mechanisms that must be understood in the context of the body as a whole. The person, as a living system, has both an internal and an external environment, between which information and matter are continuously exchanged.

Hence, the goal of treating and managing chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia is best achieved within the interaction of the body’s subsystem to produce a dynamic balance or steady state. In this way, all subsystems are in harmony with each other and the probabilities of developing fibromyalgia are lessened.

Although the following book may be somewhat exaggerated How to Reduce Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Using Natural Medicine (though I don’t know, I haven’t tried all the methods myself), it has some useful tips that are helpful.

Author: Lee Dobbins

Lee Dobbins writes for http://chronicfatigue.topicgiant.com where you can learn about causes, symptoms and treatments for Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia.