Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a term that is well understood by those who have the illness and misunderstood by (what seems like) almost everyone else. To diagnose CFS, first determine what you do not have. That is the approach that the medical world suggests that you use, in other words a diagnosis of exclusion.
Catch a great explanatory video here. (Later on when you get a chance, please share it with others!)
Factor #1 professional medical people use a diagnosis of exlusion: because there are no clear-cut laboratory tests, x-rays or even specific bio-markers that one can point to and say, “See there. This person has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.” That makes figuring out the presence of CFS in anyone quite challenging. (Note: there is a cluster of symptoms associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the presence of quite a few of them suggests that someone may be sick with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.)
Recently reported at the…
BMC Medicine website:
At present, and despite much effort, there are no investigative tools or physical signs that can confirm the presence of CFS and it remains a diagnosis of exclusion.
Factor #2 they use the diagnosis of exclusion: because neither scientists nor doctors have come up with any clear-cut methods for getting you well from CFS. Some specialists can get you on the road to health a bit faster, albeit at a high cost, but the average general practice doctor would rather treat you for any other condition which is technically and actually treatable!
Yes, there are a few medicines around to help ease symptoms like depression and pain. But what is the reasoning for having you take prescription drugs? To cure you? No. Hopefully the drugs will help you to feel better. During that time period, you will be giving your body the time it needs to heal itself, if possible. And that is a clear picture because, in the end, your body does all the hard work of getting well.
To most people correcting the symptoms and physical problems caused by CFS can be confusing at best, often impossible to achieve and/or a totally unaffordable and discouraging pursuit for many!
After you view the video, check out the answer for healing yourself that is located at the Get Well Health website, a sister blog and resource to the Health Matters Show. No matter how you go about it, getting well is up to you. I’m betting that you want all the help you can get.
Thank you so much for joining me today on the Health Matters Show. Please take the time to share your healing experiences and how you got diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by leaving a comment.
Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show
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