Coping with chronic fatigue syndrome is very difficult, as it’s a complex illness in which symptoms vary over time. Common symptoms include a decrease in stamina that interferes with daily activities, and difficulties with memory and concentration. There is also loss of independence, loss of job or income source, changes in relationships with family, worries about the illness, and confusing symptoms. And there are the constant medical checkups with health care professionals who may not completely comprehend the condition. 

Along with these symptoms comes the resulting feelings of anger, anxiety, and unresolved emotions from having the illness to begin with.

Often, symptoms include sleep problems, muscle pain, joint pain, cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, headaches and sore throat. Many patients also list gastrointestinal complaints, depression, and allergies as symptoms.

As there is no known cure at this time, it is essential to develop coping strategies for the various elements it presents to those who suffer from it. Although CFS may have profound impact on patients lives, it is important to find ways to adapt elements of this condition to your lifestyle so as to manage it to the fullest extent possible.

To better understand the disease, it is helpful to participate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is a form of psychological therapy that brings about relief from symptoms by establishing a positive outlook regarding the condition.  This may sound unbelievable, but CBT has been used for patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.

CBT can be prescribed as part of therapeutic process to help patients learn to manage activity levels, stress, and symptoms, and can help them better adapt to the impact of CFS and improve the quality of life by elevating functional levels.

Alternative therapies such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation techniques, massage and healing touch, and movement therapies like stretching, yoga, and tai chi have also been found helpful for some CFS patients in reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of well-being.

As we all should, most patients with CFS need to exercise; however, vigorous aerobic exercise is not recommended.  Many with this condition are affected by “post-exertional malaise,” which means that their normal symptoms usually worsen 12-24 hours after strenuous activity that can last for days or even weeks.

Having said that, avoiding activity leads to serious de-conditioning and may worsen other symptoms. Therefore, CFS patients must learn the most effective way to pace activities and focus on interval activities or graded exercises, and start an exercise activity plan slowly and increase its pace gradually. 

In summary, CFS is a condition that, with time, support, and patience, can be managed to effectively achieve relief from symptoms with a plan of balancing daily expectations with gentle exercise.  Without giving up, those with CFS must manage their expectations of success to beat the condition, and should not expect to go too far too fast to “get back to normal.”

Fred Farah

Diet for Weight Loss Blog
http://www/dietforweightlossblog.com

Technorati Tags: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, cognitive dysfunction, Coping With Chronic Fatigue, Deep Breathing, Disease Diabetes, Family Worries, Functional Levels, Gastrointestinal Complaints, Healing Touch, Health Care Professionals, Income Source, Joint Pain, Medical Checkups, Movement Therapies, Muscle Pain, Muscle Relaxation, Patients With Cardiovascular Disease, Psychological Therapy, Relaxation Techniques, Sleep Problems, Source Changes, Symptoms of CFS, Techniques Massage