Akemi's Heart, Mind, and Soul: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome...an invisible illness.

Chronic Fatigue an Invisible Illness

Along with the Fibromyalgia Darla has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). She is always tired. Some days to the point of pure bone crushing exhaustion. She wonders what causes the fatigue to occur since she didn't go hiking, or clean and scrub the entire house. However, this kind of fatigue is different. No matter how much sleep she gets Darla awakes more tired than ever before. She also has muscle pain and an aching throughout her body. In addition to that, there are times that she cannot concentrate. When she tries to focus on one thing she describes a fog like feeling that comes on and she only gets a part of what she is trying to concentrate on. This further affects her ability to remember things. Chronic Fatigue shares many symptoms with Fibromyalgia and Irritable Bowel, both of which Darla has been diagnosed with (there are others too.) These illnesses have interfered in her ability to work outside the home as well as in her home. It took ten years for Darla to find a doctor that would diagnosis her with CFS and Fibromyalgia. She and her doctors have tried many different things to deal with the symptoms. Some of which have helped and others did nothing. Each person is an individual and along with that comes different symptoms for different people. This makes it hard for some to believe that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is truly real. . It is an invisible illness. People have called Darla lazy, slob, hypochondriac, and a slew of other names. She does not allow others' opinions affect her because she knows how she feels. Darla believes that it is necessary to speak about these invisible illnesses so that the general public can educate those that do not believe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome along with other invisible illnesses are real.

But what exactly is the cause of Chronic Fatigue?

There is no research to state exactly what causes CFS. Scientist theorize that it can be from an infection, many different viruses including Epstein Bar , and several different herpes viruses, genetics as some may be more susceptible, and neuroendocrinology meaning the interaction between neurotransmitters and hormones. Some scientist also believe that it could be the result of physical trauma. If one has tried everything to help themselves feel better and nothing works, it is time to visit the doctor. Early diagnosis helps one to maintain and live with the invisible illness better.

What does it take to be diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue?

When one is diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue he or she must have severe fatigue that lasts more than six months. Doctors will check for other causes such as hypothyroidism, sleep disorders and other illnesses that fatigue is a symptom. In addition of having severe fatigue that lasts more than six months a person must have at least four of the following symptoms:

"Sore throat

Difficulty with concentration or short-term memory
Sore-to-the-touch lymph nodes

Muscle pain

Pain in more than one joint, but without redness or swelling

Unusual (for you) headaches

Sleep that fails to refresh you

A feeling of being more unwell than usual — malaise— for about 24 hours after exercise."
(Vann :Everyday Health: Beyond Exhaustion-Thompson:Everyday Health: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Is It Real?)

For those diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue the majority of individuals struggle at fifty percent energy levels (E. H. Vann.) and trudge their way though the day. Darla stated that she would work all day and as soon as she got home she would take a three or four hour nap and wake up just as tired.

individuals struggle at fifty percent energy levels (E. H. Vann.) and trudge their way though the day. Darla stated that she would work all day and as soon as she got home she would take a three or four hour nap and wake up just as tired.

Most patients will feel flu-like symptoms before the fatigue, however the fatigue is usually the first complaint most patients will report. . "CFS can be associated with other diseases, such as,hypothyroidism, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, Lupus, Lyme Disease, or anxiety." These other diseases must be ruled out before diagnosing CFS.” (E. H.-Thompsona & Vann)

As stated above, an early diagnosis means a better chance of improving your symptoms. (Vann: Everyday Health: What Chronic Fatigue Feels Like

Glossary:

malaise:
1.a condition of general bodily weakness or discomfort, often marking the onset of a disease.
2. a vague or unfocused feeling of mental uneasiness, lethargy, or discomfort. [Dictionary.com]

References:

1. Thompson Dennis, Jr.:Everyday Health:Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ; Is It Real? (Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH.) 9/22/2010.

2. Vann, Madeline, MPH: Everyday Health: What Chronic Fatigue Feels Like.

3. Vann, Madeline, MPH: Everyday Health:Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & A Complicated But Important Process. (Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH), 03/04/2010.

Interview:

1. Beamon, Darla. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Invisible Illnesses. 4/12/12.