Might have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

You guys know how I'm always tired and have a headache? Looks like I found the diagnosis.

Six months of unexplained persistent or relapsing chronic fatigue that is not the result of ongoing exertion; is not substantially alleviated by rest; and results in substantial reduction in previous levels of occupational, educational, social or personal activities.



* self-reported impairment in short-term memory or concentration severe enough to cause substantial reduction in previous levels of occupational, educational, social or personal activities;
* sore throat;
* tender swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck or under the arms;
* muscle pain;
* pain in several joints without swelling or redness;
* headaches of a new type, pattern or severity;
* still feeling tired after sleeping;
* feeling “bad” for more than 24 hours after exercise.

Treatment for CFS should include several different things. Patients with CFS need to learn to pace activities and develop a regular daily routine. They need to avoid excessive activity while still remaining normally active. Modest exercise is important to avoid getting out of shape. For many people, regular walking for a gradually increasing amount of time is often helpful. A specific type of counseling called “cognitive behavior therapy” appears promising. The adolescent and counselor work to enhance the adolescent’s beliefs in his or her own abilities for dealing with stressful situations and managing the disorder. This means learning to think differently about the fatigue and learning how to take control over symptoms. In practice sessions, patients gradually shift their fixed ideas that they are helpless against the fatigue that dominates their lives, to the perception that fatigue is only one negative and manageable experience among many positive ones. Certain antidepressants, like Zoloft, are widely used and seem to help many patients with CFS.

Among the many treatments do not work for CFS are antibiotics, gamma globulin, interferon, allergy injections and large doses of vitamins. Herbal treatments might help because some of them contain natural antidepressants like St. Johns’ Wort. However the amount and type of ingredients in most herbal preparations is not well controlled and some can be very dangerous, even when sold in health food stores. Patients should discuss these supplements with their doctors.

It seems that many adolescents slowly get over CFS, if they don’t give up. Keeping as active as possible, doing things with friends, remaining in school (even if part time) and regular follow-up with a doctor are important. Since you’ve gained some weight and this makes it even harder to keep a positive attitude, you might check into seeing a dietitian to help with healthy eating.