The Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

I have been thinking about how difficult it is to get a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Basically doctors exhaust every other possible condition before giving the diagnosis of CFIDS. You have to be sick for at least 3 months but usually longer for a doctor to even consider a CFIDS diagnosis.

Here are the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as reported on by the CFIDS Association of America.

incapacitating fatigue- experienced as profound exhaustion and extremely poor stamina

poor concentration and short term memory

flu like symptoms such as pain in the joints and muscles, unrefreshing sleep, tender lymph nodes, sore throat, and headache

a worsening of symptoms following physical or mental exertion occuring within 12-48 hrs of the exertion, and requiring an extended recovery period

word finding difficulities, comprehension inabilities, impairment of speech and/or reasoning

visual disturbances (blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain)

psychological problems (depression, irritability, anxiety, panic attacks, personality changes, mood swings)

chills and night sweats, dizziness, shortness of breath, sensitivity to heat and cold, irregular heartbeat, irritable bowel, low grade fever, numbness, dry mouth

chest pains, rashes, ringing in the ears, allergies, sensitivies to noise/sound, chemical sensitivities, weight changes without change in diet, mental fogginess, muscle twitching, and seizures

If you suspect that you might be suffering from CFIDS, or any other auto-immune disorder (which also have symptoms like the ones listed above) go see your doctor immediately.