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Doctor insights on: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Indefinitely: Unless a medical evaluation and lab work reveal an underlying cause that can be treated and corrected, it usually lasts indefinitely. ...Read more

Yes: There is a fair amount of overlap between chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and chronic daily headache syndromes. Patients with of them commonly report headaches and difficulty falling asleep. ...Read more

Multi system: This condition, perhaps as a sequel to a viral illness, causes tiredness, muscle aching, joint pain and mental fatigue. More common in women, it can affect all age groups, responds poorly to medication, and in extreme cases leaves the patient mostly bedridden. There is no laboratory testing that makes the diagnosis. There are strong psychological underpinnings. ...Read more

Chronic fatigue: Are you depressed? What other symptoms do you have? Sounds like you might want to chat with a clinical psychologist. These are not usually associated with cfs. ...Read more

Varied: There are many different reasons for a person to suffer from fatigue: anemia, hypothyroidism, and many of the autoimmubne diseases. It is generally a diagnosis of exclusion. So lab work should include routine studies such as blood counts, liver and renal function and thyroid function studies. Only if all of these are normal would I pursue further studies. ...Read more

No: Testing is done to rule other causes of fatigue but there is no specific test for cfs. ...Read more

Get evaluated: First get a good evaluation to rule out underlying causes for your fatigue. A complete history and physical along with appropriate tests, including cbc, chem, thyroid tests including thyroid antibodies, cpk, rf, ana, parvo, ebv, and lyme. Depending on your history and risk factors additional studies may be ordered. Treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis. ...Read more

Ask your doctor: I would suggest a second opinion if your doctor cannot gave you a cause and initiate appropriate treatment for your fatigue. ...Read more

No tests.: Tests are only run to see if another condition which is treatable is causing your fatigue. There is no test for cfs. ...Read more

Many tests: You need to be evaluated for sleep pattern disruptions, metabolic abnormalities, immune system dysfunctions, inadequate nutrition, chronic infections, insufficient hormone levels, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, psychological issues and many more. It's difficult to evaluate and treat. There are many things that can help. ...Read more

Chronic fatigue: Scientists don't know exactly what causes chronic fatigue syndrome. It may be a combination of factors that affect people who were born with a predisposition for the disorder. Some of the factors that have been studied include: viral infections, immune system problems and hormonal imbalances. ...Read more

Fatigue limits activ: Thisis a term where fatigue is so overwhelming people can't perform daily activities. There is a lot of controversy with this daignosis. The exact cause is not known. It could be viral or other. The fatigue lasts more than 6 months. There is no specific test to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment can include sleep correction, psychologic support, exercise to name some. ...Read more

Many things!: Exercise. Most chronic fatigue patients are whoefully deconditioned. It makes no difference: chicken or egg. Exercise has been shown to lessen fatigue. Sleep regular hours, but do not over sleep. Finally, your doctor can prescribed low dose Nuvigil or provigil. ...Read more

Chronic fatigue: Acyclovir and some form of guaifenesin. For a good book on the subject, read from fatigued to fantastic! By dr. Jacob teitelbaum. ...Read more

Find & Rx cause: Yes, chronic fatigue syndrome is a multifactorial consequence of hormonal, immune system and nervous system dysfunction resulting from genetic predispositions and dietary and environmental insults. These factors impair the patient's ability to produce energy and they end up chronically fatigued. There are numerous internal & external stressors that can contribute to this syndrome. Find & rx. ...Read more

Controversial: Some docs think that cfs does not exist. Others say it exists but we can prove you have it. No test proves you have it. Just about all adult humans will test positive for epstein barr virus, so that is not proof either. No great treatments exist as far as medications are concerned. Diet, exercise and stress reduction are remarkably effective when you do all three. ...Read more

Treat the DISEASE: Chronic fatigue syndrome is exactly that -- a syndrome. There is a specific disease behind every syndrome. Treat the disease. ...Read more

Evaluation: First someone with fatigue should get a complete evaluation to rule out causes for their fatigue. Including tests for anemia, thyroid, infections and autoimmune. An integrative approach addressing lifestyle, diet, exercise and stress. A whole food antinflammatory diet, exercise and stress reducing techinigues are a good place to start. Supplements and medications may also be indicated. ...Read more