We have all had days when the sun comes too soon and bedtime does not come soon enough. Now, imagine if you felt like this everyday. Patients with CFS struggle daily with responsibilities in the house or at the office. CFS causes drowsy moods and memory loss, ergo, victims usually cannot work more than part-time jobs. In some cases, even part-time jobs are too much to handle and often results in being laid off. "Most patients say that while fatigue is the most incapacitating symptom, mental impairment, such as an inability to concentrate or remember, is the most distressing symptom" (CFS, 2012).
Symptoms
Chronic fatigue syndrome is defined as exactly what the name implies, fatigue. CFS can be identified by eight official symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Loss of memory or concentration
- Sore throat
- Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or armpits
- Unexplained muscle pain
- Pain that moves from one joint to another without swelling or redness
- Headache of a new type, pattern or severity
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Extreme exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise
("CFS" Symptoms, 2014).
Treatments
- Home remedies and lifestyle changes
- Therapy
- Medications
- Alternative Medicine
The treatment for CSF vary because there is no cure and the symptoms vary with each patient. Some have tried home remedies and lifestyle changes such as regulating or eliminating caffeine intake to help with insomnia. Regular sleep routines also help with the insomnia.
There are two types of therapy known to help with CFS patients: psychological counseling and physical therapy. Psychological counseling can help patients deal with the symptoms of CFS and physical therapy help patients maintain a steady pace throughout the day so they will not become fatigued or overwhelmed.
Depression, restless nights, and pain are common symptoms of CFS. Doctors may prescribe medications that aid or numb these symptoms. No medication can cure CFS but they can help the patient feel more comfortable. Some alternative medication include acupuncture, tai chi, yoga, and messages to relieve pain (DiMaria, 2012).
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Feeling tired or fatigued every now and then is normal but if this drowsiness occurs day after day, it may be time to visit the doctor. People do not have to live with the symptoms and signs of CFS. There may not be a cure but there is help.
References
"Chronic Fatigue Syndrome." Symptoms. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/basics/symptoms/con-20022009Chronic Fatigue Syndrome." N.p., 7 Feb. 2012. Web. Retrieved from
http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/prognosis.html
DiMaria, Christine. "CSF (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)." Healthline. N.p., 18 July 2012. Web. Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-fatigue-syndrome#Symptoms5
