How to Deal With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome can be a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, the patient (who has been exhausted and ill for months) is thankful that there is a medical explanation for his or her symptoms. On the other, there is little that can be done to treat them. Here are suggestions to help patients cope with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Instructions

• 1

  Control your illness before it controls you. If you've been suffering from symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) for months (or even years) you've probably felt helpless and out of control. Regain control of your illness by spending time at your local library or searching online to learn more about how you can proactively treat your symptoms on your own. There are countless numbers of books, websites and healthcare journals devoted to helping CFS sufferers find relief.

• 2

  Take control of your healthcare. Don't be afraid to challenge your doctor or ask for a second opinion. If your doctor does not specialize in immune system dysfunction, find one who does. Most important, whenever you visit your doctor take notes, ask questions and don't be afraid to ask for alternative or cutting-edge treatments.

• 3

  Discuss the benefits of an exercise program with your doctor. For most CFS patients the idea of getting out of bed (much less spending time at the gym) is unthinkable. That being said, recent studies have demonstrated that daily mild exercise can improve many of the physical and emotional symptoms of CFS.

• 4

  Find a local or online support group. One of the most common complaints of CFS sufferers is that no one understands what they are going through. The best way to cope with chronic fatigue syndrome is to network with people who've "been there, done that". The Centers for Disease Control website (see Resources below) has a nationwide directory of support groups near you.