chronic fatigue syndrome help?
355383
What can a person do to cope with CFS? \nWhen you have CFS, learning how to pace yourself and manage or avoid physical and emotional stress is important. Physical activity helps you to feel better not just physically, but emotionally as well. Regular exercise can lessen body aches, joint and muscle pain, and increase energy. But, be careful not to over do it. Too much exercise can end up causing more fatigue. As you build up strength over time, you may be able to increase the intensity of your exercise program. Physical therapists and rehabilitation medicine specialists can help you develop an exercise program and a daily activity plan that won't be too stressful or something you can't handle. \n\nCognitive behavioral therapy is a special treatment that can help you to change the way you think about your condition. It also helps you to develop ways to improve both your daily functioning and quality of life. \n\nYoga, stretching, and self-hypnosis are some alternative treatments that some people report help with CFS. Keep in mind that there are many alternative treatments, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies touted to cure illnesses like CFS, which can end up doing a person more harm than good. Remember to always keep your health care provider informed of the other health care professionals and alternative practitioners you are seeing. \n\nHaving an illness for which there is no cure can cause psychological stress and even depression for some people. It is normal to feel cranky, sad, angry, and frustrated with an illness that causes extreme fatigue and pain. Psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") can help you learn how to manage your feelings about this difficult illness. It may also be helpful to join a support group, where you can talk with other people who are going through the same thing. See the "For more information…" section at the end of this FAQ for referrals to consumer organizations that can help you to cope with CFS. \n\nIf a person becomes so disabled with CFS that they can no longer work, they can contact the Social Security Administration for help with disability benefits. There are two social security programs that have the same medical requirements for disability payments - the Social Security Disability Insurance Program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program. Your prior work history will determine if you can receive Social Security disability. SSI payments are made on the basis of financial need. Contact the Social Security Administration toll-free at (800) 772-1213 or check out their web site,  for more information.
965296
I think all of the previous answers have good suggestions. A product that is little known but WONDERFUL for energy is ACTIVIVE.  It is a dietary supplement promoted for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).  I take it twice a day, and if I forget, I miss it!   It gives me lots of energy and an overall feeling of well-being.  But--it is EXPENSIVE.  Activive.com sells it, but if you do a search for it you might find it on a website for less than its home website.  I think its worth a try.
179032
I have the same problem and I hate it so much. I have had my thyroid checked and its fine I do have night terrors though and sleep aides only help to a point. I have tried everything from pills to taking a hot bath before bed and many other things. I do have a bit of weight to lose not much though less then 20 pounds. I have been working out walking anything I can even changed my diet as well and am losing the weight. I am hoping that my problem is just the bit of weight I have I have no clue as to what your lifestyle is. I understand the need to do something about this. Oh yeah and open windows at night don't have any change in this either it just gets you cold but you still get the sweats.
635862
Hi!I have a huge problem. I would like to be healthy. I'm not to sick but I'm also not in good shape. I'm always very tired and with little energy. IF i walk to school i get tired. If i do to many things at home i get tired as well. I dont want to be tired! What should i do?\n\nYour desperate friend\n\nCarmen
1088939
i just had to get over being so tired after my doctor said that i had to quit cuz of my heart i have Long QT Syndrome (the time in between your heart beats) and i have a heart arrhythmia problem (when your heart has an irregular beat) so Doc said no more caffeine and there was nothing that i could do other than just ride it out cuz i had to quit so that's all the advice that i can give you.....although you might try this site you might find something hopefully it helps you   \n \nwww.medterms.com
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I find diet is a big factor - I know it sucks but cutting back on excess fat/salt/sugar etc and eating lots of raw fruit and veg can help. I also find Brewer's yeast tablets (check the packet to see what it says) very good for tiredness, and cod liver oil capsules too.
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No ,it's not normal. I also had this many years as a teen and up to my 40s. Dr. said you must have had mono back then, so you're immune system is impared. Also took many supplements and extra vitamins. Helped some.Then after nursing my dying mother,moving ,going through lots of emotional,stuff.Found that stress and procastion, seemed to add to my tiredness. New life ,excersise ,be happy, let go of some of,[I've got to].tackle chores you don't like first.Also new Doctor said I have chronic fatique, put me on anti-depression meds,and something pepole with narcolseply take. Feel much better,and I'm a senior. Go to Dr.until they listen to you. ALSO BE LIVING LIFE DOING THINGS YOU WANT TO.Excersize is not an option .Walking is great. It starts with the first step .Fake it till you make it.It's your life ,laugh ,be interested in things you see on walks,and soon you won't have to fake it. Please let me hear from you later on,so I'll know how you're doing.LOVE YOURSELF!!!!
306843
Hi there, try these.\n\nNatural Therapies\n\n\nB group vitamins are of benefit in times of stress when B group vitamins and vitamin C are depleted. For best results choose one with added magnesium which assists in muscle relaxation\n\nHerbs traditionally used for their sedative actions, such as valerian, passion flower and hops may also provide relief of nervous tension, stress and mild anxiety. When taken in a low dose they do not cause day-time drowsiness and are therefore useful for occupational stress, examination jitters and as a relaxant and mild sedative for stress and insomnia\n\nIf you are feeling anxious, try hypericum, which has been clinically proven to improve the symptoms of anxiety.\n\nImportant Notes\nIf you are feeling under stress all or most of the time, chances are your body is feeling it too. Take time out to evaluate your situation and long-term ways to deal with it, and consult your healthcare professional for supportive therapy and advice.\n\nPrevention\nYour body is less likely to be affected by stress when it's in good health. Stop smoking, commence a regular exercise programme and maintain a balanced diet, and you will find that you don't get stressed as easily.\n\nIf you know that you are particularly susceptible to stress, consider taking up meditation or doing a course to develop new problem-solving skills. Sometimes changing the way you look at problems changes the way you react to them. For help in these areas, ask your healthcare professional to refer you to a teacher in your area.\n Hope this helps.\n\nCraig - Naturopath.
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Statistically more women have FMS then men. The fact the men tend not to seek medical help with chronic pain may have something to do with it. There are plenty of men with it, though, so don't feel you are alone in this.\n\nI am glad to hear your employer is willing to work with you and adjust your work assignments. Often that is not the case. Many employers find a way to just get rid of you rather that work with you. (I had that experience).\n\nI, too, had to deal with a spouse totally unsympathetic regarding my FMS (he is now an ex spouse), so I can empathize. Her lack of understanding could be due to a number of things. Unfortunately the myth that FMS is not real and is only a waste basket diagnosis is still prevalent. FMS has been accepted as a real disease by the AMA since the late 1980’s and there is an established way that a trained physician is able to diagnose it. Not knowing your wife or your marriage, there may be other personal issues involved that interfere with her sympathizing with you. \n\nWould it be possible to make an appointment with your physician the sit with you and your wife and have him explain to her that FMS is very real? Are there any FMS support groups in your area? If so, join one, when you feel comfortable and if she is willing, bring her to a meeting. See if there are any support meetings for couples or for significant others that live with an FMS partner. This would give her an opportunity to share any fears, concerns, etc she may have and get support from others that are in her shoes. \n\nAs I already touched on, don’t forget your need for support. If attending support groups is not feasible, there are online support groups. Here is a small list:\n\nhttp://fibrohugs.com/\n\nhttp://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Fibromyalgia-CFS/\n\nhttp://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Fibromyalgia_Support_Group/\n\n\nHere are some web pages you could share with your wife if she is willing to look at them:\n\nhttp://www.sover.net/~devstar/sheets.htm\n(Click on “A Guide for Relatives and Companions”. It is PDF so you will need Adobe Reader to be able to open it)\n\nhttp://www.fibrohugs.com/article.php?story=20040126180431359\n\nhttp://notdoneliving.net/foothold/openletter/\n\nhttp://fmscommunity.org/lettertonormals.htm\n\nHere is an online support site that she may find helpful for herself:\n\nhttp://www.wellspouse.org/\n\nSome personal favorite sites for me:\n\nhttp://www.sover.net/~devstar/\n\nhttp://www.guaidoc.com/\n\nhttp://fmaware.org/fminfo/brochure.htm\n\nhttp://www.fmnetnews.com/pages/basics.html\n\nhttp://www.myfibrosite.com/\n\n\nI have my email feature activated on my profile. You are welcome to email me that way if you have any other questions or need any clarification.
311074
Try sublingual vitamin B12, available in most health food stores and on the internet.  B12 is considered the "energy vitamin" and may help with the fatigue and dizziness.  I have T minor, and B12 helps a lot.  Regular B12 tablets (the kind you swallow) aren't as effective.  The sublingual B12 (the kind you dissolve under your tongue) gets into your blood stream more efficiently, and you'll benefit more from it.
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My best friend that i chat with online has a 5 yr old daughter with CF and was diagnosed when she was only 2.  I have heard my friend talk about the sweat test but cannot remember what she had said about it, sorry.  If you leave your e-mail address i will get her to e-mail you when she returns back home the beginning of June.  She is a great person and knows ALOT about CF because she reads everything she can about this disease and how to help her daughter.
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You might try discussion groups online, such as that linked below.\n\nIf you do check it, I think there are lots of people taking part in the discussions (and chats) who are actual sufferers, and should be able to offer some helpful ideas.\n\nLike anything else on the Web, it's important when reading posts in groups, or taking part in chats, to be aware that some people are trying to sell something.  And some people may challenge the idea that there is any such thing as FMS. Just ignore anyone who isn't being helpful -- don't get yourself worked up by trying to argue with them.
820611
Discontinuing Fosamax shouldn't make you tired.  You should be taking something for your osteoporsis though.  When was the last time you saw your doctor?  Maybe you're due for a blood count or other lab that can help determine the cause of your fatigue.  Sounds like you're a "go-getter" and it would be great if you can remain active!  Good luck and be sure to check with your doctor!!
823679
id say alot of herbal supplements. You can usually ask them at the vitamin stores.I expierience the same exact condition, and have tried that route. Unfortunately it diddnt word for me! I take a pill called kolonopin .05mg. Its the least strongest of the dose and works fine. I dont get groggy, and it helps take the edge off. Maybe if the natural method doesnt work for you , you can talk to your dr. There are alot of medicines tha dont make you feel like your on another planet! or drowsy! I even tried yoga. but i have 2 kids, im 26, and just got into 2 car accidents that limit my mobility. No dancing for me lately! and this is vegas!! good luck. And dont let it make you think your crazy, just overwhelmed at the moment!!
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It could be Mononeucleousis = Glandular Fever\nIt could be Depression\nIt could be Chronic Fatigue Syndrome\nIt could be due to early pregrancy\n\nEither way it doesn't simply sound like you're feeling just a bit tired, it seems your energy levels and completely rock bottom even if you sleep well (oh boy afraid to say can I relate to this)...\n\n...the reasons could be several.  If due to your new medication; maybe it's a permanent side effect of them but as you are quite new to them then maybe it's just the adjusting time?  Hopefully it's that because if it is it will soon balance itself out.  Most medications make us feel tired first (antibiotics for example; when I have to take them I feel worse in first few days and completely exhausted but that's always the case, body just needs to adjust).\n\nEither way - DO talk to your Doctor about it and seek advice; help and support - as it's not easy being exhausted all of the time, it affects your quality of life in general.\n\nGood luck\n\n:-)\n\nHannah
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Tens units work for some people, but not everyone.\nExercise also can help some people, but not all.\nMassage helps for a time, but the relief doesn't last long.\nAccupunture/Accupressure are said to help, but not effective for me.\n\nAdequate sleep/rest is essential!\n\nFood and chemical allergies/sensitivities are what I have found to be the key to my FM. \n\nSwitch to organic & natural food products, and eliminate ready-made food products. Also eliminate anything 'white' - rice, bread, pasta, etc., switch to whole grain or 'brown' foods to replace them.\n\nI switched from store & brand-name cleaners to Melaleuca (all-natural) cleaners (both personal & household) and got major improvement! \n\nTaking supplements containing BOTH calcium and magnesium helps immensely as well. \n\ne-mail me if you'd like more info re: Melaleuca products
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sounds like either chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia.\nOr could be depression or hypothyroidism.\nActually that is what I had before I got diagnosed with hypothyroidism.\nYOu can and should order the blood test for this at \nhttp://www.healthcheckusa.com\n\nWhat you describe is hypothyroidism, under active thyroid gland and ten percent of all people in the US have it, especially women. VERY common and causes what you are describing but doctors donot check for it much for some reason. YOu can order the TSH test for it yourself at that link I gave you.It also runs in families so if your daughter and sister had it I do believe it is hypothyroidism.