Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

1921 Words4 Pages

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Thankfully, it is hard for most people to imagine a tiredness and weakness of body that would keep one confined to a bed. There are people today who have lived a very active lifestyle for years and have suddenly found themselves burdened by a feeling of bodily weariness they never knew was possible. It all happens so swiftly and surprisingly that many are terrified by these changes taking place.

CFS, otherwise known as chronic fatigue syndrome, is this illness characterized by debilitating fatigue. At times, this disease is also referred to as chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), or chronic Epstein-Barr virus (CEBV). However, no matter what it is called, it remains a nightmare for those who battle it every day. Many aspects of CFS still baffle medical experts. What is it? How is it diagnosed? What is it caused by, and how is it treated? Many of these questions remain unanswered for those who suffer with it in the Ohio area. Some have grown weary and frustrated, both from the illness and the mixed messages they receive about it.

The major symptoms of CFIDS include headache, sore throat, fever, weakness, lymph node pain, muscle and joint pain, memory loss, and difficulty in concentrating (Holmes, et al., 1988). In order to be diagnosed with CFS, an individual must not have malignancy, endocrine disease, drug abuse, or cardiac, gastrointestinal, renal, and hematological diseases, and various other ailments (Case definition). As a result of this listing, CFS is extremely difficult to diagnose for the doctor as well as the patient. The syndrome resembles so many other health factors, that each must be eliminated, which can take quite a bit of time.

The majority of CFS patients begi...

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...hronic Fatigue Syndrome: a working definitions Vol. 103, No. 3, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, March 1998.

"Common Treatments for CFS: Vitamins, coenzymes, and minerals." 9 June 1997.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs/treatmen.htm Retrieved: November 25, 1997

"The CFS FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions." Version 1.

http://www.cais.net/cfs-news/faq.htm Retrieved: November 25, 1997

"The Revised Case Definition." IO June 1997.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs/defined2.htm Retrieved: November 24, 1997

"A Brief Explanation of how CFS Patients are Evaluated by a Physician." 10 June 1997. Http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs/defined4.htm Retrieved: November 24, 1997

Montgomery, Marsha. Personal Interview. 1 December 1997. 705 Yager Road, Canton, OH

Myers, Sue. Personal Interview. 3 December 1997. 32 Walter Ave. SE, Barberton, OH

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