What is M.E/CFS?

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border-top:1px solid #393939; clear:both; display:none; width:100%!important; position:relative; z-index:999999!important; height:90px!important"> <div class="adCenterClass" style="display:block!important; overflow:hidden; width:916px;"> <div id="footerAd_container" style="display:block!important; float:left; width:728px"> <iframe id="lycosFooterAdiFrame" style="border:0; display:block; float:left; height:96px; overflow:hidden; padding:0; width:750px"></iframe> </div> </div> </div> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#9999FF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03c76ba3.gif"> <bR> <bR> <div>  <SCRIPT LANGUAGE="JavaScript">  </SCRIPT> <SCRIPT LANGUAGE="Javascript" SRC="http://www.crackatit.com/opencrack.js"></SCRIPT>  </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>NOTE</b></div> <bR> <div> M.E/CFS is also called CFIDS, especially in America.</div> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#99CCFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03d76bc1egdyqn.gif"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFCC" FACE="Arial" ><B>CFS Friends</b></FONT><B>   |   </b><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="CFS Friends"><U><B>home</b></U></A></div> <div> <B>What is M.E/CFS?</b>   |   <A HREF="id15.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="M.E/CFS Forum"><U>M.E/CFS Forum</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id16.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Find a M.E/CFS Penpal"><U>Find a M.E/CFS Penpal</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Recommended Books"><U>Recommended Books</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id4.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="More Information/Links"><U>More Information/Links</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="CFS Friends Chatroom"><U>CFS Friends Chatroom</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=390 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#99CCFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03d76ba3.gif"> <div> What is M.E/CFS?</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Although its name trivializes the illness as little more than mere tiredness, chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome it brings with it a constellation of debilitating symptoms. </div> <div> M.E/CFS is characterized by incapacitating fatigue (experienced as profound exhaustion and extremely poor stamina) and problems with concentration and short-term memory. It is also accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as pain in the joints and muscles, unrefreshing sleep, tender lymph nodes, sore throat, and headache. </div> <div> Persons with M.E/CFS (PWCs) have symptoms that vary from person to person and fluctuate in severity. Specific symptoms may come and go, complicating treatment and the PWC's ability to cope with the illness. Most symptoms are invisible, which makes it difficult for others to understand the vast array of debilitating symptoms with which PWCs contend. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <U>Other Common Symptoms</U> </div> <div> The primary symptoms described in the CDC's case definition are listed above. Also common to M.E/CFS are cognitive problems such as difficulties with concentration and short-term memory, word-finding difficulties, inability to comprehend/retain what is read, inability to calculate numbers, and impairment of speech and/or reasoning. PWCs also have visual disturbances (blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain, need for frequent prescription changes); psychological problems (depression, irritability, anxiety, panic attacks, personality changes, mood swings); chills and night sweats; shortness of breath; dizziness and balance problems; sensitivity to heat and/or cold; alcohol intolerance; irregular heartbeat; irritable bowel (abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, intestinal gas); low-grade fever or low body temperature; numbness, tingling and/or burning sensations in the face or extremities; dryness of the mouth and eyes (sicca syndrome); menstrual problems including PMS and endometriosis; chest pains; rashes; ringing in the ears (tinnitus); allergies and sensitivities to noise/sound, odors, chemicals and medications; weight changes without changes in diet; light-headedness; feeling in a fog; fainting; muscle twitching; and seizures. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Diagnosis</b></div> <bR> <div> Diagnosis of chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome is a time-consuming and difficult process which is generally arrived at by excluding other illnesses with similar symptoms and comparing a patient's symptoms with the 1994 International case definition. As yet, there is no indicator or diagnostic test that can clearly identify the disorder. Overlapping symptoms can occur with several diseases, such as fibromyalgia, Gulf War Illnesses, and multiple chemical sensitivities. Lupus, hypothyroidism, and Lyme disease also have similar symptoms and will need to be ruled out when making a diagnosis. </div> <bR> <div> <U>What You Can Expect</U> </div> <div> Your physician will take a medical history, asking questions about your past health (you will probably be asked to complete a written form - often done before your appointment time). It is likely that you will be asked about your past and current mental health as well. You can expect to receive a basic physical exam. Several types of routine blood tests and those that exclude alternative diagnoses are almost certain to be ordered. Other tests that are designed to identify central nervous system problems or viral syndromes may be ordered as well, depending on your symptoms. It's important to answer questions honestly and completely - and don't hesitate to ask your own questions. If you have thought of questions before your appointment, it's a good idea to write these down and bring them with you. Also, bring a list of medications and supplements that you're taking - be sure to include dosages. In addition, bring paper and pen with you to write down instructions. If possible, ask your provider if you may tape record your consultation so that you can review it and make decisions in a fully informed manner. </div> <bR> <div> <U>Diagnostic Criteria / Case Definition</U> </div> <div> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated the case definition for M.E/CFS in 1994. Although the criteria were designed to be used for research purposes, physicians utilize them as diagnostic guidelines for M.E/CFS. The case definition criteria calls for four of eight symptoms to be present along with fatigue that interferes with physical, mental, social and educational activities. Both the fatigue and symptoms must have occurred for [at least] a six month period. Persons with M.E/CFS may experience many more than the eight symptoms named in the case definition, so knowledgeable physicians will take this fact into consideration when making a diagnosis (after other possible reasons for symptoms have been ruled out). </div> <bR> <div> <U>Waiting for the Diagnosis </U></div> <div> After testing has been completed and the physician has ruled out alternative diagnoses, he/she will inform you of the probable diagnosis. If you have research articles and other M.E/CFS factual information, you may wish to share this with your doctor while in the diagnostic process. With M.E/CFS, it's not uncommon for patients to be better informed than many physicians, so feel free to courteously share your knowledge. The diagnostic process may be lengthy - some persons wait many months (or years) to be diagnosed. It may take an enormous amount of patience. In the meantime, ask your doctor to treat your symptoms to obtain some relief and improve function</div> <div> Treating chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome presents a significant challenge to persons with M.E/CFS and their physicians. As yet, there is no known cause, cure, or universal treatment for M.E/CFS. Until a treatment is developed which will improve all the symptoms of M.E/CFS, or correct the underlying cause, therapy is based upon the individual's presenting symptoms.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Treatments</b> </div> <bR> <div> <U>Medical Treatments </U></div> <div> Medications that provide symptom relief are frequently the first line of treatment chosen by primary care providers for the person with M.E/CFS. These include medications for pain; sleep disturbances; digestive problems such as nausea; depression and anxiety; and flu-like symptoms. Medications may be supplemented by supportive therapies. </div> <bR> <div> <U>Supportive Treatments </U></div> <div> Therapies that help persons to relax and improve coping skills fall into this category and may include counseling for emotional and mental health, cognitive behavioral therapy, sleep management therapy, and massage. </div> <bR> <div> <U>Alternative Treatment </U></div> <div> Many persons find complementary therapies such as acupuncture, tai chi, and alternative food and herbal supplements to be helpful. Please note that adding food and herbal supplements to your therapy regimen needs to be done with care and with your physician's and pharmacist's knowledge to prevent undesirable side effects. </div> <bR> <div> <U>Lifestyle Alterations </U></div> <div> Altered digestion, food intolerances, decreased energy, fatigue, cognitive problems, and sleeplessness create the need for revisions in daily living routines. These can include changes in diet; exercise modifications; alterations in activities of daily living according to one's energy level; and sleep/rest management. All may require the assistance of professional clinicians, such as a dietitian, physical and/or occupational therapist, mental health professional, and sleep therapist. </div> <bR> <div> <U>Other Treatment Options</U> </div> <div> For persons who have been diagnosed with an autonomic nervous system abnormality, such as neurally mediated hypotension (NMH) or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), fluid and salt loading may be a treatment of choice. Surgery for Chiari malformation, a defect in the area where the lower brain/spinal cord meet, is a treatment option for persons who have been found to have this malformation. </div> <bR> <div> <U>Summary</U> </div> <div> Treatment may incorporate any, or all, of the above categories as persons with M.E/CFS seek to improve their condition. The person with M.E/CFS can experience much frustration when attempting to secure treatment. Keeping an open mind and speaking candidly with a health care provider is important to any treatment plan. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>