Chronic fatigue syndrome

Meadbh · 03-30-2008, 12:00 PM

One of my friends has recently been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. There is a consensus in the literature that this is a real entity, occurs in approximately 4 per 1000 people, and is distinct from other diseases. Unfortunately, despite a ton of research, a specific cause has not been found, no specific treatment seems to help and most people apparently don't recover.

This is all very depressing. My friend has been unable to work for months. She certainly has many potential stresses in her life. I'm at a loss as to what I can do to support her, apart from chicken soup and kibbutzing.

Has anyone had CFS, or dealt with it in a friend or family member?

oma · 03-30-2008, 12:17 PM

Website:
The CFIDS Association of America

Patient Ed:
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: How to Help Yourself - March 15, 2002 - American Academy of Family Physicians

American Acad of Family Physician's medical article:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Evaluation and Treatment - March 15, 2002 - American Family Physician

haha · 03-30-2008, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meadbh

One of my friends has recently been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. There is a consensus in the literature that this is a real entity, occurs in approximately 4 per 1000 people, and is distinct from other diseases. Unfortunately, despite a ton of research, a specific cause has not been found, no specific treatment seems to help and most people apparently don't recover.

Is the diagnosis solely clinical, or is there a consistent configuration of Lab results?

Ha

spncity · 03-30-2008, 02:39 PM

Any chance she has Lyme disease? Any other weird (sometimes come-and-go) symptoms?

Rambler · 03-30-2008, 04:45 PM

A buddy of mine was diagnosed with CFS in college. He just rested for a few months and was back in the saddle and did fine after that. That has been over 20 years ago though, and I haven't really kept up with him, so I don't know how he is doing today. I don't know if the diagnostics for CFS have changed either, over that period of time. At the time, I believe it was still a rather new diagnosis/disease/whatever we call it.
R

simple girl · 03-30-2008, 06:37 PM

My sister has CFIDS. She's been diagnosed for oh, I'd say maybe 15 years or so now. It certainly is a disabling disease. She no longer works and is on disability.

One thing that the doctors recently discovered is she also has severe sleep apnea. Since she has been on a bi-pap (sp?) machine, her energy level has changed significantly. She still is very tired but nothing like she was. It's like she's a new person. I would definitely have your friend get a sleep study done, if appropriate in her case.

I would also suggest she join a CFID support group on-line.

**Martha** · 04-04-2008, 06:24 PM

My sister has a friend with chronic fatigue. For her the severity seems to come and go. When she is in a bad spot just having my sister around to be entertaining and take her mind off her illness is helpful.

So, be a friend and spend time with her not talking about illness but about other things.

Dog · 04-04-2008, 06:30 PM

I have a good friend that was diagnosed with CFS and fibromyalgia. She is able to still work but she cannot exercise or do anything too strenuous or it wipes her out for the next few days. Gentle yoga and mild pilates are about the best exercise for her. She has tried massage, acupuncture and other types of treatments, but cannot any longer due to cut backs in her health plan. One doctor told her that her adrenal gland was shot and that was why she lacked energy.
I really feel for her - I don't know what I would do if I couldn't have an active life.

03-30-2008, 12:00 PM	#1
Meadbh Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 1,515	Chronic fatigue syndrome One of my friends has recently been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. There is a consensus in the literature that this is a real entity, occurs in approximately 4 per 1000 people, and is distinct from other diseases. Unfortunately, despite a ton of research, a specific cause has not been found, no specific treatment seems to help and most people apparently don't recover. This is all very depressing. My friend has been unable to work for months. She certainly has many potential stresses in her life. I'm at a loss as to what I can do to support her, apart from chicken soup and kibbutzing. Has anyone had CFS, or dealt with it in a friend or family member?

03-30-2008, 06:37 PM	#6
simple girl Full time employment: Posting here. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: mississippi Posts: 666	My sister has CFIDS. She's been diagnosed for oh, I'd say maybe 15 years or so now. It certainly is a disabling disease. She no longer works and is on disability. One thing that the doctors recently discovered is she also has severe sleep apnea. Since she has been on a bi-pap (sp?) machine, her energy level has changed significantly. She still is very tired but nothing like she was. It's like she's a new person. I would definitely have your friend get a sleep study done, if appropriate in her case. I would also suggest she join a CFID support group on-line. __________________ simple girl less stuff, more time (40, married, no kids, work part-time, DH full-time. Hoping to both semiretire in 5 years...)

04-04-2008, 06:24 PM	#7
Martha Moderator Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: minnesota Posts: 9,789	My sister has a friend with chronic fatigue. For her the severity seems to come and go. When she is in a bad spot just having my sister around to be entertaining and take her mind off her illness is helpful. So, be a friend and spend time with her not talking about illness but about other things. __________________ . Do not rely on the information provided--my posts are not to be taken as legal advice. Needless to say you must consult with your legal representative. I am not responsible for errors. If I offended you with cya I apologize. If I did not, I tried.

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03-30-2008, 12:17 PM	#2
oma Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bavaria, Germany Posts: 168	Website: The CFIDS Association of America Patient Ed: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: How to Help Yourself - March 15, 2002 - American Academy of Family Physicians American Acad of Family Physician's medical article: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Evaluation and Treatment - March 15, 2002 - American Family Physician

03-30-2008, 02:39 PM	#4
spncity Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 124	Any chance she has Lyme disease? Any other weird (sometimes come-and-go) symptoms?

03-30-2008, 04:45 PM	#5
Rambler Full time employment: Posting here. Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 717	A buddy of mine was diagnosed with CFS in college. He just rested for a few months and was back in the saddle and did fine after that. That has been over 20 years ago though, and I haven't really kept up with him, so I don't know how he is doing today. I don't know if the diagnostics for CFS have changed either, over that period of time. At the time, I believe it was still a rather new diagnosis/disease/whatever we call it. R

04-04-2008, 06:30 PM	#8
Dog Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 235	I have a good friend that was diagnosed with CFS and fibromyalgia. She is able to still work but she cannot exercise or do anything too strenuous or it wipes her out for the next few days. Gentle yoga and mild pilates are about the best exercise for her. She has tried massage, acupuncture and other types of treatments, but cannot any longer due to cut backs in her health plan. One doctor told her that her adrenal gland was shot and that was why she lacked energy. I really feel for her - I don't know what I would do if I couldn't have an active life.

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