Today, it is estimated that more than one million people in
America live with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. However,
centers that work with disease and statistics also estimate
that for people with this condition, 80% are not even
diagnosed.
In other words, in addition to the one million, more people
are struggling through daily life, feeling fatigued,
experience sleep disturbances, feeling muscle and joint
pain, and having no idea there is something wrong.
Complex Syndrome
Because Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a complex illness, one
that is often misunderstood, it is difficult to diagnosis.
While healthcare professionals are dedicated to making a
correct diagnosis and forming the right treatment, many
overlook Chronic Fatigue.
Keep in mind, that while some illnesses can be compared
with diagnostic laboratory tests or some type of biomarker,
Chronic Fatigue cannot be. Additionally, many of the
symptoms people deal with are also symptoms associated with
other illnesses such as MS, Lupus, and even some cancers.
Known as the "invisible illness", Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
is not only frustrating for the individual but doctors as
well.
Typically, a person walking around with this condition
looks normal. In fact, with Chronic Fatigue, it is common
to have days where no symptoms exist whereas other days,
the illness is debilitating. All of these factors combined
make Chronic Fatigue Syndrome a challenging illness, for
diagnosis and treatment.
Good News in Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The good news is that in 1994, a study was conducted in
which a reliable algorithm for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was
developed in adults. While children can also end up with
Chronic Fatigue, although rare, a firmed diagnosis in this
case is near impossible simply because children are not
able to vocalize symptoms as an adult could. In cases of
children, diagnosis is slightly different.
One of the main criteria for diagnosing Chronic Fatigue is
the individual having symptoms of fatigue for six
consecutive months or longer. As you can imagine, the
person needing to wait six months only adds to the
frustration but this time helps distinguish Chronic Fatigue
from another illness.
From there, the doctor will review specific symptoms in
addition to fatigue to include flu-like symptoms such as
body aches and pains and memory problems. Taking the
symptoms and getting a solid medical history certainly
helps in the diagnosis.
Depending on what the doctor finds, he or she may request
blood work be done, looking for hormonal imbalances,
decreased levels of serotonin, and so on. Additionally, a
urine sample will likely be taken, which again would help
the doctor rule out other causes for your symptoms, or lead
to a conclusion of Chronic Fatigue. Once other illnesses
have been eliminated as a possible cause, chances are the
doctor would then turn his/her attention to Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome.
Because this condition can mask other symptoms or cause
confusion, a confirmed diagnosis is very challenging.
Doctors want desperately to find an answer so they can
provide accurate treatment. However, getting to the
diagnosis is tough in many cases.
Your best bet is to do your research to find a doctor who
works with other Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients, someone
who will be aggressive in his/her approach so an accurate
diagnosis can be made. Or look for solutions with
alternative approaches to recovery.
----------------------------------------------------
Hailey Harris is an expert in dealing with Chronic Fatigue
and Fibromyalgia symptoms after suffering for more than 8
years with health problems. She is now symptom free and
living a pain free life. She developed Ridfatigue.com found
at http://www.ridfatigue.com to help others learn to do the
same. To receive tons of info, tips, and healing strategies
for free visit http://www.ridfatigue.com/how.html .
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