Dr. MJ Bazos MD, Patient Handout
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

How do I know if I might have chronic fatigue syndrome?
If you answer yes to any of the questions listed below, you may have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which is also called chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS).

1. Have you been tired (fatigued) for a long time—more than 6 months—even though you are getting enough rest and are not working too hard?

2. Has your doctor been unable to find illnesses that could explain your symptoms?

3. Are you able to do less than half of what you used to do, because you feel tired?

4. Have you had recurrent or persistent problems for 6 months or more with any of the signs and symptoms listed below?

• Mild fever or chills
• Sore throat
• Unexplained muscle aches or weakness
• Headaches that are different from the kind you usually get, or headaches that make your whole head hurt
• Confusion
• Trouble thinking and concentrating
• Feeling very tired for more than 24 hours after exercise that didn’t bother you before
• Trouble sleeping

What causes chronic fatigue syndrome?
No one is certain about what causes CFS. The symptoms may be caused
by an immune system that isn’t working well. Or they may be caused by
some kind of virus. Researchers are looking for the cause of CFS.

How is chronic fatigue syndrome treated?
The first step is to see if there is a medical cause for your fatigue. Your doctor will probably want to review your symptoms and medical history, and give you a physical exam. Your doctor may also want to do some blood tests, but lab testing is not often helpful. Some of the symptoms, such as muscle aches, sleep problems, anxiety and depression, can be treated with medicine. The medicine is intended only to reduce your symptoms and allow you to be more active, not to cure the fatigue. So far, there is no medicine that cures the entire syndrome. Most patients improve with time.

How can I help myself?

• Keep a daily diary to identify times when you have the most energy. Plan your activities for these times.
• Keep up some level of activity and exercise, within your abilities. Your doctor can help you plan an exercise program to maintain your strength at whatever level is possible. Exercise can help your body and your mind.
• Give yourself permission to recognize and express your feelings, such as sadness, anger and frustration. You need to grieve for the energy you have lost.
• Ask for support from family and friends. Look for support groups or counseling in your community. Your doctor is another important source of help. Emotional support is important in coping with a chronic health problem.
• If your memory and concentration are affected by chronic fatigue, keep lists and make notes to remind yourself of important things. Also, give yourself more time to do things that take concentration. Medicine may also help you sleep better, which might improve your memory and concentration.

How can my doctor help?
Your doctor can work with you to provide symptom relief and to help you find ways of coping with the changes CFS makes in your life. Chronic fatigue affects you physically, emotionally and socially. When you address all of these factors, you have the best chance of adjusting to your illness and feeling more satisfied with your life. If you have CFS, a good long-term relationship with your doctor helps. This relationship is the key that helps you feel less frustrated.