QUESTION: I am desperate for some easy to understand information about my condition.
I believe I have "chronic fatigue syndrome" but can find little material that makes much sense to me.
I don't want to go on this way, but find little help in what my own physician tells me.
Will you please provide some answers? I know you will help many people if you do.
ANSWER: This syndrome is certainly one of the more perplexing situations that physicians have to deal with.
It's called a syndrome because as yet there are no identifiable causes, and therefore no specific treatments available. The working definition shows our lack of precise knowledge about the ailment. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is defined as fatigue that occurs fairly acutely in an otherwise healthy individual, reduces their ability to carry on their normal routines by more than 50%, and is of at least six months' duration.
Before a physician can make this diagnosis, a large number of other possible causes must be ruled out, including acute infections, inflammatory diseases, adverse drug reactions and significant psychiatric disorders, particularly depression.
Patients present with a wide variety of symptoms, including headaches and sleep disturbances, confusion and loss of memory, irritability, difficulty with concentrating and performing mental tasks such as arithmetic.
There can be numbness and tingling sensations, muscle weakness, muscle aches and pains (myalgias) and joint pains (arthralgias).
In addition, a low grade fever is present, along with a sore throat and enlarged lymph glands in the neck area or armpits.
Unless nearly all the subjective symptoms are present, at least two of the three physical signs must be present before the diagnosis of CFS can be made.
Despite previous theories, infection with the Epstein Barr virus does not seem to be associated with this ailment. Recent studies seem to indicate that there may be a connection between CFS and fibromyalgia, another condition that is difficult to diagnose and treat. While blood tests may be performed, they are more useful in finding other causes for the fatigue than for diagnosing CFS.
Treatment is pretty much a case of treating the symptoms, with antidepressants used when depression is severe.
The outlook is not promising either, as most patients do not return to their previous levels of energy, but must accept life at a reduced pace, unless a cause and cure can be discovered.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
