| It can be very difficult to diagnose CFS (Chronic | | | | joint pain, headaches, muscle pain, insomnia or |
| Fatigue Syndrome). This is because CFS has | | | | poor sleep, and "post-exertional malaise" (which |
| many different possible causes, depending on the | | | | means feeling exhausted for 24 hours after |
| patient. Doctors must diagnose it in an | | | | vigorous exercise). |
| exclusionary fashion. What this means is that if | | | | If the fatigue and at least four of the other eight |
| the doctor suspects CFS, he or she will try to | | | | symptoms are present, the doctor may conclude |
| eliminate other possible causes of the symptoms. | | | | that CFS is the culprit as long as there are no |
| Once every other possibility has been eliminated, | | | | other reasons for the symptoms. |
| that leaves CFS as the diagnosis. | | | | For many years, doctors were unfamiliar with |
| This must be the process because many of CFS' | | | | CFS and wouldn't diagnose it. Others were familiar |
| symptoms resemble those of other conditions. | | | | with it but did not consider it a real syndrome, but |
| Often the CFS sufferer reports 'flu-like | | | | more of a psychological condition. Even today, |
| symptoms: aches, pains, fatigue, fever, and chills. | | | | because of the conditions vague origins and lack |
| Other times, the symptoms seem like clinical | | | | of a specific cause, some doctors are reluctant to |
| depression (although there is a key difference: | | | | diagnose it and consider it a true "syndrome." This |
| Physical exercise usually helps people with | | | | frustrates sufferers of CFS, who insist their |
| depression, while exercise for CFS sufferers | | | | condition is medical, not psychological. |
| generally worsens their symptoms). | | | | Part of the problem is the inclusion of the word |
| Once a doctor has ruled out any other potential | | | | "fatigue" in the syndrome's name. Everyone feels |
| causes of the symptoms, he or she looks for the | | | | tired at times. Some people even feel tired MOST |
| primary CFS indicators. First and foremost is | | | | of the time, due to having a demanding job or a |
| incapacitating fatigue. This must be constant | | | | very active social life. Calling that a "syndrome" |
| exhaustion that is new (i.e., has not existed since | | | | seems "wimpy" to some people. It's important to |
| birth), cannot be explained by other conditions or | | | | note that while fatigue is certainly the most |
| diseases, has lasted for at least six months, and is | | | | prevalent symptom of CFS, it's not the only one. |
| not improved by sleep or rest. | | | | The 'flu-like symptoms are a major component, |
| Continue reading for more information on other | | | | too, and no one would argue that 'flu-like |
| CFS symptoms that need to be present before a | | | | symptoms aren't a legitimate medical condition. |
| diagnosis can be given and sign up for the free | | | | So there remains some stigma with CFS, and the |
| newsletter below, which offers tips and | | | | medical community has not reached a consensus |
| suggestions for overcoming CFS naturally. | | | | on its causes or treatments. If you feel you are |
| If those conditions are met, the doctor then looks | | | | suffering from CFS, it's important to find a |
| for more. At least four of these eight symptoms | | | | physician who understands and who will take your |
| must be present: poor short-term memory and | | | | health seriously and provide appropriate diagnosis |
| concentration, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, | | | | and treatment. |