If you’re reading this, you probably already have a decent idea of what Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is, or you’re living with it every day… but I can’t have a CFS blog without a post about CFS, right?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a very mysterious illness characterized by extreme fatigue and just about every unpleasant symptom you can think of – muscle pain, abdominal pain, headaches, sore throat, insomnia, etc. CFS is not an illness with a known cause, but rather a name given to a set of unexplained symptoms. After being tested for everything else that could possible explain the symptoms (AIDS, Lyme Disease, Lupus, etc) the CFS name is given.
In addition to this already giant burden, CFS sufferers have to deal with the stigma attached to the illness. Since these symptoms are unexplained and cannot be measured, some people (and even some doctors) doubt that his is a real condition “it’s all in your head.” These symptoms are not psychosomatic and it’s very offensive to be told these symptoms are imagined. It implies that the sufferer has some amount of control over his or her illness and chooses to keep suffering. Over the years I’ve learned some techniques to educate the ignorant.
Treatment varies from person to person as there is no common treatment. Personally, I disagree with a lot of the treatment suggestions out there which is partly why I’m writing this. One common suggestion you’ll see is to not push yourself. If never pushed myself, I wouldn’t know what I’m capable of and I wouldn’t have been able to experience my amazing trip to Maine. It’s smart to not go beyond your limits, but you could constantly be challenging your limits. Situations change over time, and you might be capable of something you weren’t last year. You’ll never know if you don’t try.
At first glance, CFS is an illness with no happy endings… but it CAN be done. It’s up to you to take control of our life.
Shaking Off the Chains 