Because Chronic Fatigue Syndrome remains somewhat of a
mystery, it is often misunderstood and therefore,
misdiagnosed. This illness affects people, regardless of
age, ethnicity, gender, or social status.
While both men and women can develop Chronic Fatigue, it
typically affects women four times greater than with men.
Additionally, this illness is most prevalent in people
between 40 and 50 but again, it can affect children,
although rare. With the numbers of cases growing, research
is at full speed to find a cure.
Talk to a Doctor
If you suspect that you might have Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome, the best thing you can do is talk to your doctor
so a firm diagnosis can be made. The reason this is so
critical is that the symptoms associated with this illness
are found in many other diseases. Therefore, you need to
have other and more serious illnesses ruled out so proper
treatment of Chronic Fatigue can be made.
You also want to work with a doctor who understands and
supports this illness. Since Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
cannot be diagnoses using any type of laboratory test
marker, the physician will base the diagnosis, at least at
first, on examination findings. From there, the doctor may
investigate the illness, using other testing options such
as MRI, hormonal balances, and so on.
Diagnosing Criteria
Typically, the doctor will begin with a physical
examination, coupled with you and your family's medication
history. From there, the doctor will likely have a number
of blood tests done, again to rule out other illnesses.
Most importantly, the medical professional will use
specific criteria to diagnosis Chronic Fatigue, which
includes persistent and ongoing fatigue lasting longer than
six months, as well as four of the following:
1.Sleep problems
2.Joint pain with no redness or swelling
3.Concentration impairment
4.Muscle pain
5.Sheer exhaustion following mental or physical exertion
6.Tender lymph nodes
7.Sore throat
8.Headache
Once diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Lyme Disease,
Lupus, and others have been eliminated, the doctor would
begin to focus his/her attention on Chronic Fatigue.
Unfortunately, we see too many people reading up on Chronic
Fatigue and thus, providing self-diagnosis.
Although you might have indication that you are suffering
from this problem, you should never rely on your own
findings. Again, you might have something such as cancer
being the underlying problem and if ignored, you could find
yourself in serious trouble, which is not to dismiss the
intensity that Chronic Fatigue has on a person's body and
life but with proper diagnosis, it can be treated.
Additionally, this illness is not terminal, although at
times, you might think so.
Misunderstood Condition
Remember, some doctors simply do not understand this
condition and because of this, will provide a misdiagnosis
or just not provide the medical and emotional support you
need. Therefore, do not be afraid to seek out other
medical assistance if the first doctor is not helping.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a very real illness, affecting
over one million people in America alone. If left
untreated, the condition can wreak havoc on a person,
literally destroying a career, marriage, and self. The key
with Chronic Fatigue, or any illness for that matter, is
early diagnosis and treatment. You can start to feel better
and have the energy you desire.
----------------------------------------------------
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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