| Help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: CFS | | | | to severe pain under guidance from their doctors. |
| (CFS/ME) also known as chronic fatigue syndrome | | | | Graded exercise therapy |
| or Myalgic encephalitis is incurable, but with the | | | | (GET) is a structured activity programme that |
| right treatment the symptoms can be managed. | | | | their doctors recommend to get them mobile and |
| CFS affects every individual differently, depending | | | | gradually increase activity output using aerobic |
| on the severity of the symptoms so the | | | | exercise, swimming, and walking in a guided |
| treatment will need to be tailored to the individuals | | | | environment. A lot of sufferers find that this |
| needs. Therefore it is essential that Chronic | | | | becomes harder to maintain especially sufferers |
| Fatigue Syndrome, is diagnosed in its early stages. | | | | with moderate to sever CFS/ME as it can make |
| Getting a diagnosis of CFS and advice from a | | | | the symptoms worse. |
| specialist will help deal with the symptoms of the | | | | Studies have shown that (CBT) is more beneficial |
| illness. | | | | that (GET) although there is a higher dropout rate |
| Some sufferers recover enough to lead a | | | | with (GET). |
| relatively normal life while others find that | | | | Pacing |
| balancing their lifestyle with the symptoms such | | | | Is a highly effective way of controlling symptoms |
| as taking rest periods and pacing themselves | | | | of CFS, if you have rest periods and short bursts |
| works well! | | | | of activity your energy levels can remain steady. |
| Treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: | | | | If you boom and bust, which means having a |
| (CBT) Cognitive behavioural therapy | | | | good day with high energy levels and you do lots |
| Cognitive behavioural therapy will help to change | | | | of activity with no rest you are likely to spend |
| the way you think, your daily behaviour and | | | | about 5 days in bed with very low energy and |
| feelings. By talking to a CBT therapist it can help | | | | pain. |
| you focus your thoughts and feelings and the | | | | Other techniques that may help: |
| causes of negative behaviours. Overall CBT will | | | | 1. Take yourself out of stressful situations and |
| help the emotional symptoms of CFS/ME. A lot of | | | | environments. |
| people find that they benefit considerably from | | | | 2. Watch your alcohol intake, switch to |
| CBT as it is very effective | | | | decaffeinated tea bags/coffee |
| CFS Medication | | | | 3. Avoid sugar and sweeteners, additives cause |
| Some people find that antidepressants can help | | | | problems |
| with the depression caused by CFS. | | | | 4. Be aware of food allergies |
| Many people find that painkillers from over the | | | | 5. Eat little and often |
| counter help with mild to moderate muscle and | | | | 6. Plenty of relaxation |
| joint pain, but many patients find that they need | | | | Listen to your body only exercise when your |
| to be prescribed stronger painkillers for moderate | | | | energy levels permit. |