What Is The Treatment For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
A treatment plan for CFS aims to relieve your symptoms to improve your quality of life. The plan should include:
- a plan for how to manage stress
- a very gentle exercise plan
- a nutritious diet, with regular meals/snacks to keep up your energy
- supplements if your diet lacks a good balance or if your blood tests indicate deficiencies
- a sleep management plan, which may include medication
- physiotherapy to help with pain and good breathing techniques
- medication for pain
- psychological input if you are particularly stressed or depressed.
Graded Exercise Therapy And Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Recommended treatment for CFS may also include graded exercise therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy .
Graded exercise therapy is a doctor-controlled exercise program that starts with very gentle exercises such as 5 minutes of stretching per day and is increased gradually over time as a person gains strength.
Combining a graded exercise program with CBT is recommended because it can help a person become more aware of their bodys capabilities and limits. This is important because overexertion can exacerbate symptoms of chronic fatigue.
More research is needed to prove the effectiveness of these two methods for treating CFS.
Find Out If You Have A Mthfr Genetic Mutation
Methyl-tetra-hydro-folate reductase is an enzyme that your body uses to convert folate into the active form of folate used by the body. This process is methylation.
There are a few common genetic mutations that can influence how effectively your body is able to make this important conversion. Poor methylators commonly experience symptoms such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, fatigue and/or chronic pain. Here are some of the most common versions of the MTHFR genetic mutation, and how much it influences your bodys ability to convert folate from food and supplements into methyl folate, the form that is useable by your body:
- MTHFR C677T = heterozygous mutation estimated up to 40% loss of function
- MTHFR T677T = homozygous mutation estimated up to 70% loss of function
- MTHFR A1298C = heterozygous mutation estimated up to 20% loss of function
- MTHFR C1298C = homozygous mutation estimated up to 40% loss of function
You can also do simple blood work using whole blood histamine to check your methylation status. This can help identify any undermethylation or overmethylation patterns that may be expressing in your body.
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Configuration And Microfabrication Of Assay
The nanoelectronic assay structure consists of two conductive layers with an insulating layer in between. There are two additional protective oxide layers above and underneath the sensors . The nanometer-sized sensing region of the sensor consists of a 30-nm-thin oxide layer sandwiched between two 100-nm-thin gold layers. The top protective oxide layer is intended to prevent the exposure of the top conductive electrodes to the solutions. There is a thermally grown oxide layer underneath the bottom electrodes to electrically insulate the sensors from the substrate. Each sensors width is 3 m to 5 m. A scanning electron microscopy image of a single sensor is shown in . The sensors are designed in 3D format to improve the molecules-to-sensors hit rate and to help diffusion occur in multiple directions. The sensors were fabricated on 4-in silicon wafers following several optical photolithography, deposition, and etching procedures.
Are There Lab Tests For Low Energy Or Fatigue
Yes, the good news is there are a few laboratory tests that can be used to determine what causes you to be tired or have low Energy .
The first test that I recommend is thyroid function. The proper function of your thyroid hormone is vital for normal energy production, proper body temperature, ideal body weight and overall vitality. The tests that are usually ordered are TSH , FT4 , FT3 and the body temperature test. I usually dont endorse the blood tests especially TSH because a lot of people with underlying thyroid conditions may show so called normal results even though they still feel tired. The reason for this is the reference range is too broad and in fact two years ago there was research showing that it should be lowered.
The Body Temperature Test for Thyroid Function:I favour the body temperature test. Take an oral thermometer and put it under your armpit before you get out of bed and repeat this for three straight days. Your temperature range should be between 97.8F to 98.2F. Take the average of the three days to see if it falls within the range. If its below 97.8 then you have hypothyroidism and if its higher than 98.2, than you have hyperthyroidism.
Vitamin B-12:Vitamin B12deficiency is also related with low energy, triggered by anemia or low iron. A simple blood test can be done to see the nutritional status of B12.
Nadeem Aslam, B.Sc. researches and recommends new products for Natures Source.
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Biomarker For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Identified
Stanford scientists devised a blood-based test that accurately identified people with chronic fatigue syndrome, a new study reports.
Ron Davis is the senior author of a paper that describes a blood test that may be able to identify chronic fatigue syndrome.Steve Fisch
People suffering from a debilitating and often discounted disease known as chronic fatigue syndrome may soon have something theyve been seeking for decades: scientific proof of their ailment.
Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have created a blood test that can flag the disease, which currently lacks a standard, reliable diagnostic test.
Too often, this disease is categorized as imaginary, said Ron Davis, PhD, professor of biochemistry and of genetics. When individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome seek help from a doctor, they may undergo a series of tests that check liver, kidney and heart function, as well as blood and immune cell counts, Davis said. All these different tests would normally guide the doctor toward one illness or another, but for chronic fatigue syndrome patients, the results all come back normal, he said.
A paper describing the research findings was published online April 29 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Davis is the senior author. Esfandyarpour, who is now on the faculty of the University of California-Irvine, is the lead author.
How Does Me/cfs Affect People
ME/CFS affects different people in different ways, some more severely than others. There are four levels of severity of ME/CFS, which give an indication of the level of disability ME/CFS can create:
- mild: 50% reduction in pre-illness activity
- moderate: mostly housebound
- severe: mostly bedridden
- very severe: totally bedridden and need help with basic activities including nutrition and hydration.
The severity of ME/CFS can vary over time. A person living with ME/CFS could be at one level of severity now, then their disease could either improve or deteriorate over time. For some patients, their disease can worsen significantly with no known cause. Other patients have a fluctuating illness where they have better and worse periods, which last for months or years. It is unclear why this happens.
For most people, ME/CFS is a lifelong disease. Full recovery is rare and estimated at less than 10%. For some people with ME/CFS, as time passes and their disease improves, they will find they can do more, but it is a slow and gradual process. However, this is not the case for everyone. Some people find their disease worsens over time, others may remain somewhat stable. With support and pacing, people can often improve their quality of life.
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How Is The Condition Treated
There are some ways to alleviate the symptoms of CFS/ME.
For some patients, cognitive behavioural therapy is prescribed, which works on the way you think and behave to help you cope with the effects of the condition.
Graded exercise therapy can be used to help sufferers after diagnosis.
Specialist trainers put patients through exercise, which raises the heart rate and helps to establish how much activity your body can cope with.
However this could soon be scrapped when the new guidelines are released, after many patients reported it made their condition worse.
Currently, there is no medication available for those who suffer with CFS/ME.
Over-the-counter painkillers can be used for muscle pain and antidepressants are sometimes useful for those who are battling with any mental symptoms.
What Procedures And Tests To Diagnose Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
There is no single test to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome. The disease is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that all other conditions and illnesses that cause the symptoms are ruled out. CFS may be diagnosed based on the following:
- Certain signs and symptoms must be present.
- Some nonspecific laboratory tests, such as blood tests and tests of the immune system, suggest the diagnosis.
Laboratory tests are used to rule out other fatigue-causing diseases. Also, some laboratory abnormalities are seen in CFS and support the diagnosis.
Your doctor may perform the following tests:
- Tests to exclude other causes of fatigue: Thyroid, adrenal, and liver function tests are useful to rule out disorders that may cause fatigue. In people with CFS, the results of these tests should be normal.
- Blood tests: The most consistent laboratory finding in people with chronic fatigue syndrome is an erythrocyte sedimentation rate at the very low end of normal, indicating a absence of inflammation. If the ESR is elevated or even in the high-normal range, another diagnosis is likely. If any other abnormalities are found on blood tests, your doctor may rule out CFS and begin testing for another condition.
- Antibody tests: Your doctor may order antibody tests to determine whether you have had a prior infection, such as Lyme disease, Chlamydia pneumoniae pneumonia, or Epstein-Barr virus.
Your doctor may perform the following imaging studies:
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Fatigue Panel Blood Test
The fatigue panel test, also known as a fatigue panel blood test and fatigue lab test panel, measures blood levels of markers that might identify an organic cause of excessive fatigue. This fatigue blood test panel includes the CBC blood test, CMP blood test, cortisol test, CRP test, DHEA test, hemoglobin A1c test, iron & TIBC test, testosterone total & free test, TSH test, vitamin B12 test, and vitamin D test.
Fatigue, or feeling tired, is a normal state that tells the body it is time for rest after a period of activity. Unfortunately, when the body is excessively fatigued or tired for abnormally long periods of time, it can cause a major disruption in daily life. In some cases, abnormal fatigue is caused by an underlying medical condition which, when identified, can be corrected with lifestyle changes, medications or supplements.
This fatigue lab test panel checks a number of general wellness markers to ensure that a significant chronic condition like anemia or diabetes is not present. Additionally, several hormone tests will be measured to assess for imbalances or thyroid dysfunction. Specific vitamin levels will also be measure to check for vitamin deficiencies that might be contributing to an overall sense of feeling fatigue.
- A doctors lab order*
- A PDF copy of your test results
- Responsive customer service
Request An Iron Panel From Your Doctor To Check For Low Or High Iron
Did you know that both low iron and high iron levels can cause fatigue?
While checking your iron levels for iron deficiency or iron-deficiency anemia is pretty standard when fatigue is present, making sure your iron levels arent too high doesnt get nearly as much attention. Approximately 10 million people in the United States have iron deficiency, including 5 million with iron-deficiency anemia. On the other end of the spectrum is hereditary hemochromatosis or milder forms of iron overload, which impacts approximately 1.5 million Americans. Excess iron acts as a rusting agent in your body and can accumulate in tissues, particularly in the liver, pancreas, heart, joints and the brain. Too much iron also increases the aging process and puts you at a much higher risk for vascular disease, cancer, as well as a shortened life expectancy, making it essential to know your iron status.
From what Ive heard from some in the medical profession, an iron panel is inexpensive and used to be a pretty standard part of annual blood work up until 1997, but no longer is.
To learn more about your own iron levels, you can simply request an iron panel from your doctor, or you can always order one yourself and self-pay from somewhere like this for about $48. Then youll of course want to work with your doctor or naturopath who can guide you on how to interpret the results and direct you as needed.
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If You Complain Of A Generalized Lack Of Energy You Are Complaining Of:
Fatigue refers to a lack of energy. It is different from weakness, which refers to a loss of strength or power, and drowsiness, because you can feel tired without feeling drowsy or sleepy. Although people sometimes use these terms interchangeably, from a medical perspective the symptoms are distinctly different.
Chronic fatigue is one aspect of the specific medical condition myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, but ME/CFS involves more than just fatigue. You can have chronic fatigue without having chronic fatigue syndrome. ME/CFS is extreme, long-term fatigue that is associated with other multiple symptoms. Also, in ME/CFS, other possible causes of fatigue have been ruled out.
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Test Through A Haematologist
The blood test results image here is of my own blood tests done privately through Biolab, London, UK. Read about the tests available below.
Your doctor can and should take blood tests for you.
Early blood tests showed that I had an ongoing viral infection at a time when I no longer had clear symptoms of a virus. These test results were consistent with the theory of a viral cause for CFS.
Two consecutive tests showed a low white blood cell count and I was referred to a haematologist fairly early on in the illness.
Please note that you may not have any positive result from a blood test. Many people with CFS do not. It does NOT mean you are not ill.
I was lucky to be sent to a haematologist who was an inquiring doctor and took my symptoms seriously even though I had no diagnosis at the time.
In 1993 after 18 months of serious illness, I was finally diagnosed with ME . The haematologist then said he had thought that was the illness I had from the blood test results.
I have always pondered on the implication that the blood test results were in some way able to be used as a ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome test by someone with sufficient knowledge.
It reassured me to visit the haemotologist every few years to have blood tests repeated.
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How Do I Know If I Have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Due to there being no specific cause of ME/CFS, there is no specific test used to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome. ME/CFS can be difficult to recognize as many of the symptoms of the illness extreme fatigue, not alleviated by sleep, worsening symptoms after physical or mental effort , and problems concentrating, among other symptoms are also present in other medical conditions.
If you suspect you might be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, it is important to see your doctor. Due to the lack of a specific or direct chronic fatigue syndrome test, such as an antibodies test, your doctors may begin to eliminate other conditions that may explain your symptoms based on a set of diagnostic criteria.
To begin the diagnosis process doctors will check for several key criteria that must be present which include extreme fatigue , which does not improve with bed rest or sleep.
Next, doctors inquire through questions and a physical exam to see if you are suffering from three of the core symptoms of ME/CFS:
- Reduced capacity to partake in usual activities for a minimum of six months due to fatigue
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, and waking up feeling unrested
Along with the three core symptoms, you suffer from at least one of the symptoms below for a diagnosis of ME/CFS:
- Issues with thinking and memory
- Exacerbation of symptoms while standing or sitting upright
Additional common symptoms and co-occurrences in CFS patients:
Intravenous Magnesium For The Treatment Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Furthermore, an UpToDate review on Treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome states that Other modalities that have been tried but have not been successful include amantadine, cimetidine, interferon, magnesium, ranitidine, vitamin B12, bovine or porcine liver extract, dialyzable leukocyte extract, essential fatty acids, evening primrose oil, Biobran MGN-3 , exclusion diets, and removal of dental fillings.
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: What Are The Causes
The root causes of the disease remain unclear, although several theories exist. People with the condition often find it initially manifests as a run-of-the-mill flulike illness, leading many researchers to suspect that CFS/ME may be triggered by infectious disease. Long Covid could fall into this category.
Others believe that the condition could be caused by a change in the persons immune system and how it reacts to infection or stress, through chronic production of cytokines, low functioning natural killer cells or differences in markers of T-cell activation.
CFS/ME may also arise from a faulty hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis , a network that controls the bodys reaction to stress and regulates processes related to immune response, digestion, energy usage and mood.
People with CFS/ME may also have differences in the way the cells in their bodies get energy, while studies done in twins and families suggest that genes and environment might have a role to play too.
