CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)

Overview

CFS is also less commonly known as ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis) or SEID (systemic exertion intolerance disease).  The condition is both chronic and complex and the World Health Organisation has classed it as a neurological disorder.  Despite this it can also affect the brain and muscles as well as the immune, cardiac and digestive systems.  The condition is characterised by extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest and cannot be explained by any other medical condition.

CFS can affect both adults and children, male or female but around seventy to eighty percent of sufferers will be females between the ages of forty and fifty.  The condition can affect people in different ways, and some may have more severe symptoms than others.  There are four different levels of severity:

·  Mild which usually results in a reduction of activity of up to fifty percent

·  Moderate which can result in a person becoming mostly housebound

·  Severely which can leave them mostly bed ridden

·  Very severe when they are totally bed ridden and need help with basic things like eating and drinking

Causes and associated risks of developing CFS

Whilst research into the condition has helped identify several biological abnormalities in people who are living with the CFS, as yet they have been unable to find a definitive cause.  Research does confirm however that the condition is a biological one and is not caused by underlying mental health or other physical health conditions. It is believed that either one or a combination of the following factors could be a contributory cause:

·  A persons age or sex – as the condition is more common in women than men and it also tends to affect people that fall in the age group between twenty to forty

·  Energy levels – some people who suffer with CFS have issues with  converting fats and sugars which are two of the bodies fuels into energy

·  Genetics – can play a part as the condition is known to run in families so having a close family member with the condition could increase your chances of developing it

·  Hormones – people who have a compromised immune system or hormone balance are believed to be at higher risk of developing the condition

·  Infections – some people can go on to develop CFS after they have developed a viral or bacterial infection like glandular fever, pneumonia, rubella virus, Epstein-Barr virus or Ross River virus

·  Prior medical conditions – whilst having underlying health problems is not believed to cause CFS research shows that some people who have complex medical conditions such as fibromyalgia or postural orthostatic tachycardia could be more at risk of developing CFS as well

·  Trauma – having suffered trauma such as emotional trauma in childhood, bereavement or loss or  recovering from serious illness or surgery

For some people the condition could also be as a result of extreme stress, having an anaesthetic, exposure to toxins or having had immunisation.

Common symptoms of CFS

Symptoms can vary amongst individuals, both in there frequency and severity which can fluctuate on a daily basis.  Symptoms can include but are not wholly restricted to the following:

·  Sleep disorders which can include poor sleep patterns, insomnia or waking up during the night

·  Still feeling tired or exhausted even after sleeping

·  Feeling so exhausted that it stops you from performing even the simplest of tasks or reduces your ability to perform them

·  Feeling like your symptoms get much worse after you exert yourself, either physically or mentally, sometimes referred to as post-exertional malaise

·  Problems with your memory and concentration, feeling like you have brain fog and are unable to focus or make sense of your thoughts, or you struggle to find words when you are speaking

·  Struggling to recover after you have performed any kind of physical activity

·  Frequently getting sore throats or having tender or swollen lymph nodes in your neck or armpits or feeling like you have flu like symptoms

·  Headaches and aches and pains in the muscles or joints but without any swelling or redness

·  Urinary problems, bloating, constipation or diarrhoea

·  Neurocognitive problems such as muscle twitching or tingling or clumsiness or problems with your vision

·  Changes in your blood pressure, palpitations or an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath

·  Noticeable weight changes either a significant loss or gain

·  Orthostatic intolerance, which is when you go from a sitting or lying position to standing and you feel light headed, faint or dizzy

·  Struggling to deal with changes in the temperature

·  Allergies or developing sensitivity to light, sound, smells, touch, foods, medications or certain chemicals

Diagnosis and treatment

For your doctor to make a diagnosis of CFS, you must have had a significant reduction in your ability to perform your normal daily routine, because of severe fatigue that bed rest has not cured, and for a period of at least six months.  You will also have suffered from post-exertional malaise, caused by performing mental or physical activity that lasted for more than twenty four hours after the activity ceased.  You will also have had severe sleep issues.

CFS can be challenging to diagnose as there are no medical tests to diagnose the condition.  Instead they will have to rule out any other underlying condition that could be causing your symptoms such as:

·  Fibromyalgia

·  Hypothyroidism

·  Lupus

·  Lyme disease

·  Major depressive disorder

·  Mononucleosis

·  Severe obesity

·  Side effects of alcohol or antihistamines which can produce similar symptoms

·  Sleep disorders such as severe sleep apnea or insomnia

A diagnosis of CFS will also include either cognitive impairment and orthostatic intolerance, or both. 

Whilst there is no cure or current medication specifically designed for CFS there are treatments you can try to help you to manage your symptoms.  The specific symptoms of CFS that are mostly likely to be treated are :

·  Concentration and cognitive issues

·  Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression or stress

·  Orthostatic intolerance

·  Pain

·  Sleep problems

However any treatment will be specific to the patients symptoms and needs as they can vary considerably depending on the individual.  Some of the most successful treatments can include:

Activity management or pacing

This form of therapy can be particularly helpful for people who suffer from post-exertional malaise or PEM.  Often carried out by exercise physiologist or rehabilitation specialists, it involves keeping a log of your activities and the affect they have on your energy levels.  Your healthcare specialist will help you to find ways to perform these tasks, in such a way that you conserve energy, so as not to deplete your energy levels as quickly.

CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy)

CBT is a form of talking therapy that helps people to recognise and change their negative thoughts and behaviours.  It helps them to understand and adjust the way they respond to various situations.  It’s more successful for mild to moderate cases, and sessions will involve learning coping mechanisms as well as relaxation techniques.

Lifestyle changes

Small lifestyle changes can help with a variety of symptoms, for instance:

·  People who have high pain levels could try alternative therapies such as massage, acupuncture, physical therapy or hypnotherapy for pain management.

·  People who struggle with cognitive issues could find things such as calendars, organisers or alarms on their watches or phones can help them to keep track of important information or as a reminder to take medication.

·  If they suffer with orthostatic intolerance they might benefit from, drinking more water, increasing their salt intake or wearing support stockings

·  If they are suffering with stress, anxiety or depression alternative therapies such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga or breathing exercises could be helpful in reducing symptoms of these conditions

Medication

Your healthcare professional could prescribe antianxiety or antidepressant medication if your symptoms were severe enough that they thought it would be beneficial.  They could prescribe pain medication, sleeping tablets, or blood pressure medication in cases of orthostatic intolerance.  You might also benefit from diet supplements or vitamin supplements, your doctor can test to see if you have any deficiencies.  Trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, light exercise and avoiding thinks like tobacco, nicotine and alcohol is also important.  Written by Jan, Jeana and Wendy at Barnsley Hypnosis and Counselling (UK). For more free Information click above link.