Wednesday, May 27, 2009

That explains it!

Well, the verdict is in. We think I have CFS or better known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It would sure explain A LOT! Now there is no real diagnosis for CFS. Its diagnosis comes from ruling out everything else by blood and urine tests. When they find there is nothing wrong with you, and they can't explain the symptoms, your left with CFS.

It' s kind of nice having a name for what I've been feeling for the last 2 or 3 years so I don't have to say, "I'm just tired." or "I don't know what's wrong with my brain. I have dementia at 38." Hello. It also explains the complete exhaustion I feel on a daily basis, the insomnia, weight gain, the irregular joint and muscle pain.

"CFS often follows a cyclical course, alternating between periods of illness and relative well-being. Some patients experience partial or complete remission of symptoms during the course of the illness, but symptoms often reoccur. This pattern of remission and relapse makes CFS especially hard for patients to manage. Patients who are in remission may be tempted to overdo activities when they're feeling better, which can actually cause a relapse."

So, this is the story of the last few years for me. Oh well, we all have our problems. My case isn't too severe I don't think. Anyway, I get through it with the help of my beautiful, little family.

5 comments:

Josi said...

I have a good friend who has CFS. She goes through phases, like you said, but it seems like she found a doctor recently that has helped her feel much better. I'll pop her an e-mail--she doesn't live too far from us. I agree it's nice to have a diagnoses, now we can start hoping for recovery :-)

Tash said...

thanks for our chat today :) miss you!! and remember i understand ;)

C.J. said...

Hi, Josi asked me to write to you. First of all--I think the best thing you can do is stay optimistic and not give into this. It isn't who you are. I have so many good good days. And the rest, yeah, well take it at a slower pace and don't feel guilty about it. Although I have both CFS and Fibromyalgia, for me the Fibro seems to be the more persistent or consistent--but then they are almost the same thing, so who knows? Anyway the homeopath who helped me really gain the energy levels back is the Peterson Wellness Center in Logan. They do some weird things, but it's all nutritional/natural and balances your system. The other person I'm trying to make an appointment with is the only doc in Utah who specializes in these chronic illnesses and her name is Lucinda Bateman out of SLC. I have no personal experience but have heard good things. Anyway, I've had this illness for 25+ years and It's very frustrating at times. Hang in there!Oh and also most sleep aids left me feeling more sleepy in the morning than the night before. Melatonin seems to work really well and is a natural hormone. And I have slept better since the wellness center stuff.

Amy said...

It seems to soothe the mind having a diagnosis. I hope you can find more answers now that you have a place to look.

Lisa M. said...

I can only echo what Amy said. I am glad you've found an answer, and with it, I hope for you, will come solutions, guidance and help!