| Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disease that | | | | So far, there is no known cure for CFS, and the |
| causes a person to become so fatigued that | | | | medications used are generally for treating |
| normal daily function is impaired. The tiredness | | | | symptoms such as sleep problems, and muscle |
| that is experienced is so severe that mental and | | | | aches. If you're experiencing depression or |
| physical activity or movement make this condition | | | | anxiety, you may be prescribed an |
| worse, and rest usually doesn't diminish the | | | | anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication as well. |
| fatigue. | | | | Even though there is no cure, most symptoms |
| This disease is a difficult one to diagnose and | | | | improve with time. In the meantime, there are |
| treat because symptoms are sometimes very | | | | some effective self-treatments you can use. You |
| general, which may lead to confusion when trying | | | | can help yourself by keeping track of times of |
| to find a correct diagnosis. The major symptom | | | | the day when you have the most energy and |
| used for diagnosis is chronic fatigue that has | | | | planning for activity during those times. |
| lasted longer than six months. | | | | Try to keep some activity and exercise in your |
| People with chronic fatigue may experience the | | | | life, even if it isn't as much as you would like. You |
| following symptoms:o Headacheo Sore throato | | | | can also find a chronic fatigue syndrome support |
| Pain or tenderness in neck and armpitso | | | | group in your area. And make sure you ask your |
| Unexplained muscle sorenesso Joint paino Difficulty | | | | friends and family for support while you're finding |
| with concentrationo Trouble sleepingo Extreme | | | | ways to recover your lost energy. |
| exhaustion after exercise that lasts for more | | | | If memory and concentration are problems, |
| than 24 hours | | | | become a note and list writer so you don't forget |
| Unfortunately, the causes of CFS aren't well | | | | important tasks and appointments. CFS is not well |
| understood. The immune system may not be | | | | understood, hard to diagnose, and impossible to |
| functioning well, or viruses may play a part. So | | | | cure easily at this time. |
| how is this disease treated when there are so | | | | However, with the help of your doctor, you can |
| many unknowns? | | | | find ways to deal with the symptoms while time |
| First, consult with your doctor. If you're | | | | takes its course in improving them. Be sure to |
| experiencing a combination of the symptoms | | | | find support in the form of family, friends and a |
| listed above, and have been for awhile, you need | | | | support group, and give your body the time it |
| to get a proper diagnosis and begin a treatment | | | | needs to ease the symptoms. |
| plan. | | | | |