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CFS/FM tend to go together. It is also called CFIDS or Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome...and in Europe...Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).
May 12 is International CFIDS Awareness Day. CFIDS is characterized by unrelenting exhaustion, muscle and joint pain, cognitive disorders and other symptoms. Research on CFIDS is being conducted on many fronts, but the cause of the disease remains a mystery.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), CFIDS is characterized by fatigue that is not medically unexplained;lasts at least six months; is not the result of ongoing exertion; is not substantially relieved by rest; and causes a substantial reduction in activity levels.
CFIDS must be accompanied by four or more of the following symptoms:
impaired memory/concentration; sore throat; tender neck or armpit lymph nodes; muscle pain; headaches of a new type, pattern or severity; unrefreshing sleep; relapse of symptoms after exercise; and pain in multiple joints.
Neurally Mediated Hypotension (NMH) is often found in people with CFIDS as reported by the CFIDS Association of America, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, and the Mayo Clinic.
Standing for long periods of time can cause blood pressure to drop. NMH occurs because of a miscommunication between the heart and brain. Normally your body makes adjustments to normalize blood pressure as blood pools in the legs upon standing for extended periods.
In NMH, nerves in the hearts left ventricle actually signals the brain the blood pressure is too high rather than too low, so the brain lessons the heart rate, decreasing blood pressure even further. This causes more blood to pool in the legs and less blood to reach the brain, leading to light headedness and fainting.
There is no proven diagnostic test that identifies CFIDS in all cases. CFIDS is often difficult to recognize because it can resemble many other illnesses including Mononucleosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, and Lyme Disease. Fewer than 10 percent of CFIDS patients have been diagnosed and are receiving proper medical care for their illness.
CFIDS affects each individual differently. Some people with CFIDS remain homebound and others get better to the point that they can resume work and other activities, even though they continue to experience symptoms.
Lifestyle changes, including increased rest, reduced stress, dietary restrictions, gentle stretching and nutritional supplementation, are frequently recommended.
The CFIDS Association of America is the leading organization dedicated to conquering CFIDS and related diseases. The Association has invested $13 million in CFIDS research, education and public policy efforts. The Association publishes the "CFIDS Chronicle," the world's most authoritative source of information on diagnosis, treatment and research for medical professionals. cfids.org
I always order 2 copies of the CFIDS Chronicle and give one to my Physician. It has helped
communication and my treatment for this nightmare of an illness.
Hope this info helps...it did for me. Good luck to you.
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