Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms
I’m feeling tired today, just plain ol’ worn out. The kids and I are visiting my parents, who live in “the city,” and we’ve been on the go — to the pool, the library, and the planetarium. Yesterday, I was able to get to a nearby Curves to work out, so I kept my energy up, but today I’ve crashed.
So a sneaking question begins to assail me. Am I just tired, or is there something more? What’s the difference between feeling tired and having Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)? I’ve discovered Laura’s CFS Squared blog here in the Science & Health channel, so I’ll be keeping up with her updates.
According to emedicinehealth, here are the symptoms:
- Fatigue: People with CFS have long-term fatigue (lasting longer than six months to a year) that cannot be explained by other diseases.
- Cognitive difficulties: A typical complaint of people with CFS is that they have problems with short-term memory but not long-term memory. People with CFS may have problems finding or saying a particular word during normal speech (called dysnomia or verbal dyslexia).
- Postexertional fatigue: Postexertional fatigue may also be a problem for people with CFS. They are excessively tired after doing normal activities that were not difficult in the past.
- Fatigue after sleep: People with CFS also complain of fatigue even after long periods of rest or sleep. They do not feel refreshed after sleeping.
- Depression: People with CFS may become depressed because of difficulties performing at work or home, but depression does not cause CFS.
- Other symptoms that may be seen include headaches, muscle aches, sore throat, and even mild fever
One thing I have to keep in mind is that work (writing) invigorates me, and I’ve had little time to write this summer while my kids are out of school. Exercise has become an absolute necessity as well, so excuse me while I log off and go for a brisk walk, sans les enfants, who are talking to me constantly as I type.
Tags: Chronic-Fatigue-Sydrome, Depression, Exhaustion, MotherhoodRelated Stories
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3 opinions for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms
laura
Jul 7, 2006 at 7:17 pm
Heather,
thanks for putting the word out there to your readers about this illness (and about my blog)…..
I wish I had a quick fix for your loss of energy ~ and other than some quality rest, fresh air, and a whole lot of water - i don’t know what else to suggest.
oh and the cognitive thing is right on. there was a time when i wasnt even able to remember my own name. ahhh but thank goodness, those days are vey far behind me.
i hope you feel better soon…and that you will soon be chasing your kids around in the park!!!
Laura
Heather
Jul 8, 2006 at 9:19 am
Thanks, Laura! It’s nice to know there’s support and information out there — we can encourage each other in our quest for better health.
laura
Jul 8, 2006 at 11:41 am
that sounds like an excellent idea.
oh by the way, here is how i distinguish the difference between regular old being tired, and chronic fatigue syndrome tired…i have no idea if others with CFIDS feel this way, but this is how it is for me.
when the cfids tiredness hits, the fatigue is so completely overwhelming, that i will start crying. not bawling or tantrum like….but i will get teary, and very quiet….and if i am out, i have no choice but to return home….and crawl into bed. it is really strange, because one moment you are fine….and the next minute the world feels like it has come crashing. the only way i know how to deal, is preventative…stop it from coming before it happens. although not always possible.
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