Chronic Fatigue, despite its reality remains a mystery to health professionals today

Much research still needs to be done about this often debilitating disease. Meanwhile some natural treatments can help to manage the symptoms

Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is a debilitating and complex disorder characterised by profound fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and that may be worsened by physical or mental activity.

People with CFS most often function at a substantially lower level of activity than they were capable of before the onset of illness. In addition to these key defining characteristics, patients report various non-specific symptoms, including weakness, muscle pain, impaired memory and/or mental concentration, insomnia, and post-exertional fatigue lasting more than 24 hours.

In some cases, the condition can persist for years. The cause or causes of CFS have not been identified and no specific diagnostic tests are available. Moreover, since many illnesses have incapacitating fatigue as a symptom, care must be taken to exclude other known and often treatable conditions before a diagnosis is made.

A number of illnesses have been described that have a similar spectrum of symptoms. These include fibromyalgia syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis, neurasthenia, multiple chemical sensitivities, and chronic mononucleosis. Although these illnesses may present with a primary symptom other than fatigue, chronic fatigue is commonly associated with all of them.  In addition, there are a large number of clinically defined, frequently treatable illnesses that can result in fatigue.

Diagnosis of any of these conditions would exclude a definition of CFS unless the condition has been treated sufficiently and no longer explains the fatigue and other symptoms. These include hypothyroidism, sleep apnea and narcolepsy, major depressive disorders, chronic mononucleosis, bipolar affective disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, cancer, autoimmune disease, hormonal disorders, subacute infections, obesity, alcohol or substance abuse, and reactions to prescribed medications.

In addition to the eight primary defining symptoms of CFS, a number of other symptoms have been reported by some chronic fatigue patients. The frequencies of occurrence of these symptoms vary from 20% to 50% among patients. They include abdominal pain, alcohol intolerance, bloating, chest pain, chronic cough, diarrhea, dizziness, dry eyes or mouth, earaches, irregular heartbeat, jaw pain, morning stiffness, nausea, night sweats, psychological problems (depression, irritability, anxiety, panic attacks), shortness of breath, skin sensations, tingling sensations, and weight loss.

People of every age, gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic group can have CFS. It affects women at four times the rate of men.  Research indicates that it is most common in people in their 40s and 50s.  Although it is much less common in children than in adults, children can develop the illness, particularly during the teen years.  Since there is no known cure, the aim of any treatment is symptom relief and improved function. A combination of drug and non-drug therapies is often recommended.

Natural alternatives include getting a body immune booster through:

• Learning how to laugh for health

• Pain relief with EFT

• Natural pain relief using a herbal product called Eazol

• Healing through deep relaxation

Lifestyle changes, including prevention of overexertion, reduced stress, dietary restrictions, gentle stretching and nutritional supplementation, are frequently recommended in addition to drug therapies used to treat sleep, pain and other specific symptoms.

Carefully supervised physical therapy may also be part of any treatment. However, symptoms can be exacerbated by overly ambitious physical activity. A very moderate approach to exercise and activity management is recommended to avoid overactivity and to prevent deconditioning.

Although health care professionals may hesitate to give patients a diagnosis for various reasons, it’s important to receive an appropriate and accurate diagnosis to guide treatment and further evaluation. CFS affects each individual differently. Some people remain homebound and others improve to the point that they can resume work and other activities, even though they continue to experience symptoms.

Article source: http://www.tenerifenews.com/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12039:fighting-the-fatigue-of-cfs-&catid=36:health-and-beauty&Itemid=124

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I started a new treatment plan yesterday. It’s the one by Dr. Rich Van Konynenburg that I mentioned in a previous post. The official name of the treatment is “Simplified Treatment Approach Based on the Glutathione Depletion

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Over the last 22 years of treating over 3000 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, I have developed a programme of treatment which I believe all patients must do as the foundation before proceeding to other treatments.

What is your experience of fatigue and do you know anyone suffering from this debilitating condition?

Please share your experiences by making a comment below

Your sharing is valuable and  appreciated

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