Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

by Douglas Hanna

Unfortunately, there is no single Chronic Fatigue Syndrome treatment or medication that can provide total symptom or pain relief or improved function.

Instead, most doctors recommend a combination of drugs and non-drug therapies.

One of the most helpful non-drug ways to cope with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is through a change in lifestyle. This can include reducing stress and overexertion, changes in diet, gentle stretching exercises, and the use of nutritional supplements to treat sleep, pain and other specific symptoms.

It is possible that a carefully-supervised program of physical therapy may also help, but with no strenuous physical activity. Most CFS experts counsel a very moderate approach to exercise and activity management to avoid over-activity which can mean additional stress to your body.

One of the most important parts of treating CFS is the diagnosis. Many doctors are hesitant to to give a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for various reasons. The Centers for Disease Control cautions that it's important to get an appropriate and accurate diagnosis of CFS so your doctor can provide treatment and further evaluation.

It is also thought that delays in diagnosis an treatment may be associated with poorer long-term outcomes. In other words, the longer it takes to be diagnosed with CFS, the lower are the chances you will be able to find long-term relief. For example, the Centers for Disease Control's research has shown that those who have CFS for two years or less were more likely to improve.

Helping yourself

There are ways you can help yourself if diagnosed with CFS. For example, you could keep a daily diary to identify those times when you have the most energy and can get the most done.

As noted above, you should keep up some level of activity within your abilities. Your doctor should be able to help you plan an exercise program to help maintain your strength at whatever level is possible. Exercise can definitely help both your body and your mind.

You should also give yourself permission to recognize and express your feelings such as sadness, anger and frustration. It is okay to grieve for the energy you have lost.

Don't be shy or timid about asking your friends and family for support. You might also look for support groups in your area.

If you find your memory an concentration are affected, learn to keep lists and write notes to remind you of important things. Be sure to give yourself more time for activities that require concentration. There is also medication available that may help you sleep better, which might help you with your short-term memory and concentration problems.

Douglas Hanna is the editor and publisher of the web site, http://www.chronic-fatigue-advisor/ He is also the author of more than 125 articles on a variety of subjects.

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