Will I Still Be Able To Work With Me/cfs
Research shows that about half of people with ME/CFS work part-time or full-time jobs. For some people with ME/CFS, the ability to work is possible thanks to a supportive employer and certain workplace accommodations, including a flexible schedule, a quiet comfortable place to rest, and memory aids.
But, if you can’t work because of ME/CFS, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits. Learn more about applying for disability through the Social Security Administration.
Talking With Your Healthcare Provider About Your Symptoms
Since chronic fatigue syndrome can be difficult to diagnose, it is helpful to come prepared to your doctors appointment. Think back to when your symptoms first started, and whether they may be linked to a stressful event or an illness. Make a note of all the symptoms you have experienced, even if they do not seem directly related to chronic fatigue syndrome. This can help your doctor rule out other conditions.
You may also want to prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor. Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome tends to focus on managing symptoms through medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Tell your doctor about your preferences regarding activity levels, so they can help establish a treatment plan that works for you. They may need to refer you to specialists for more targeted treatment of certain symptoms.
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Is Long Covid Just Another Form Of Chronic Fatigue
It is estimated that 85% of patients with long COVID experience debilitating fatigue.Gretchen Cuda Kroen
CLEVELAND, OhioAs scientists struggle to unpack the mysteryof long COVID, its hard to ignore that the majority of those who suffer from it share a commonsymptom – debilitating fatigue.
Researchers estimate that as many as 85% of those with long COVID experience a crippling fatigue that renders them unable to work or manage even simple daily tasks. Even showering, report some patients, is simply too taxing.
What many people may not realize, is that long before COVID, some patients reported the same symptoms of persistent, debilitating fatigue, brain fog, muscle pain and intolerance to exercise, following a variety of illnesses, injuries, or infections. Those conditions are collectively referred to asinfection-associated chronic diseases and include myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.But until recently, they had largely been dismissed by the medical community, which devoted few resources to understanding their cause.
Then came COVID, and science began paying more attention.
While the development of long COVID is sometimes framed as novel or mysterious, it is actually a well-recognized phenomenon, Proal said.
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What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Scientists have been researching chronic fatigue syndrome for many years, but they still aren’t sure what causes it.
There may be more than one cause. And the different causes may interact with each other to bring on different symptoms in different people. Experts are studying potential triggers, which include:
- infections: Experts have wondered if infections like measles or Epstein-Barr virus might increase the risk for CFS. The role Epstein-Barr plays in CFS is not clear because studies have not confirmed it as a cause.
- emotional stress
- low blood pressure
Chronic fatigue syndrome can affect people of all ethnicities and ages, but it’s most common in people in their forties or fifties. It’s very rare in kids. A few teens do get CFS, and it affects more girls than guys.
Sometimes different people in the same family get CFS. This may be because the tendency to develop CFS is genetic, but more research is needed to see if this is true.
How To Help Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Rest and sleep in chronic fatigue syndromeRest periods in the daily routine are part of management strategies for all people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Relaxation techniques at the beginning of each rest period can be helpful. Try to balance the need for rest during the day against how you are sleeping at night. Introduce changes to your sleep pattern gradually.
Physical functioning and mobility problems in chronic fatigue syndromeStrategies to help maintain and prevent deterioration of your physical function and mobility need to be carried out in small amounts and spread out throughout the day. Strategies should include joint mobility, muscle flexibility, balance, postural and positional support, muscle function, bone health and cardiovascular health.
Care and support plans in relation to physical functioning and mobility may include bed mobility, moving from lying to sitting to standing, transferring from bed to chair, using mobility aids, walking, joint mobility, muscle stretching, muscle strength, balance, and going up and down stairs.
People with CFS may experience intolerance of changing position, such as when first standing up. This may include postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome . You may need to be refered to a specialist if your symptoms are severe or worsening, or there are concerns that another condition may be the cause.
- Losing weight and at risk of malnutrition.
- Gaining weight.
- Following a restrictive diet.
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatments
There is no known cure for chronic fatigue syndrome but rather remedies are symptoms focused. The treatment is also patient-based meaning that one remedies might relieve one patient symptoms while worsening another patients condition.
As such, the patient will have to work hand in hand with their doctors in order to determine which remedy will work best for their symptoms. This just shows how complex and unpredictable this condition is with symptoms that changes all the time.
More importantly, patient has the right to decide which treatment is best suited for them and to refuse any treatment they dont feel comfortable with. It is highly imperative that patients opt for evidence-based treatment from recently published surveys as information changes all the time dynamically. The treatment gets better with time and with newer publications.
How Is Cfs Diagnosed
CFS is a very challenging condition to diagnose.
According to the Institute of Medicine, as of 2015, CFS occurs in about 836,000 to 2.5 million Americans. Its estimated, however, that 84 to 91 percent have yet to receive a diagnosis.
There are no medical tests to screen for CFS. Its symptoms are similar to many other conditions. Many people with CFS dont look sick, so doctors may not recognize that they indeed have a health condition.
In order to receive a CFS diagnosis, your doctor will rule out other potential causes and review your medical history with you.
Theyll confirm that you at least have the core symptoms previously mentioned. Theyll also ask about the duration and severity of your unexplained fatigue.
Ruling out other potential causes of your fatigue is a key part of the diagnosis process. Some conditions with symptoms that resemble those of CFS include:
- sleep disorders
The side effects of certain drugs, such as antihistamines and alcohol, can mimic symptoms of CFS as well.
Because of the similarities between symptoms of CFS and many other conditions, its important to not self-diagnose. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. They can work with you to get relief.
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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.
Who Is At Risk Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
This is a syndrome that affect both young and old people, in all continents. Reviews have shown this condition to be something with a higher prevalence and that is a worrying factor. It is estimated that 17 million people globally are suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.
Of the worldwide stats, UK have a staggering 250 000 patients, and Scotland is sitting at about 20 000 patients according to the National Health Information Service .
These numbers are inclusive of children and adults from diverse social and ethnic groups. Women are said to be more susceptible to chronic fatigue syndrome than men. More studies might need to be done to investigate why.
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Dietary Modification For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Although diet alone cannot cure chronic fatigue syndrome, eating certain foods are known to worsen or ease the symptoms of the condition. Patients with CFS are prone to weight problems. Due to physical inactivity caused by tiredness and muscle pain these people may gain weight
Commonly, chronic fatigue syndrome patients may feel they need to eat more in order to gain more strength to control the tiredness. Some medication can also increase peoples appetite. All these factors contribute to weight gain which is not a desired outcome as it might lead to other diseases.
However, some people may lose weight as a result of appetite loss, nauseated feeling, inability to buy or cook food. Moreover, irritable bowel symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain can further contribute to weight loss.
How Is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosed
Your doctor diagnoses ME/CFS by performing a mental and physical examination. Doctors will ask about your medical history and order blood and urine tests to check for infection. In many cases, doctors refer people with suspected ME/CFS to other specialists to rule out other illnesses that could be causing symptoms.
For your doctor to diagnose ME/CFS, you must have these 3 symptoms:
- Severe fatigue lasting at least 6 months that does not improve with rest or sleep
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue that gets worse after mental or physical exercise
Additionally, you must have at least 1 of the following symptoms:
- Orthostatic intolerance
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When To See Your Doctor
If your shortness of breath is accompanied by fever, chest pain, tightness in the throat, and wheezing, then you could be experiencing angina or a heart attack. These combinations of symptoms require immediate attention.
In general, if you are experiencing shortness of breath for no obvious reason like exercise, or it is on-going and frequent, speak with your doctor right away. Uncovering and treating the underlying cause will be the only way to correct the shortness of breath.
In This Article
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Omicron: Gp Explains Overwhelming Science Behind Vaccines
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Covidvaccination is no silver bullet but it greatly reduces the severity of symptoms. It’s important to understand this distinction because it tempers your expectation of what to expect from vaccination. Yes, Covid is far more likely to result in a milder illness post-vaccination but it’s still possible to experience symptoms.
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How To Treat It
Consult your physician before buying over-the-counter remedies for allergens. Some products may worsen your reaction and make it even harder to breathe. You may need a prescription-strength medication to control your allergies. Allergy medicine often contains decongestants, antihistamines or steroids. For some allergies, you may need immunotherapy treatment. When you have an intense allergic reaction that obstructs your airways, you may need an epinephrine injection.
Only a medical professional can diagnose and treat your asthma or allergies, and you should use prescribed medications exactly as directed for the best results. However, there are steps you can take to make your environment more comfortable.
Why Should You Care
Even survivors with mild initial symptoms can have persistent symptoms that last for a month or more after infection with COVID-19.
Top 5 Symptoms of Long COVID
If you are experiencing lingering symptoms after being infected with COVID, or you feel worse or develop any new symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider. The American Lung Association has also launched a Long COVID online community to offer additional support.
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Fatigue And Mental Health
Both fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome may be tied to mental illness. Some mental health conditions that may either cause or turn up as symptoms of fatigue include:
- Addictions or substance abuse: Fatigue can be a symptom during the withdrawal process of many substances, including caffeine, alcohol, and opioids.
- Grief: Grief has been known to affect the body physically, often increasing a persons risk for health problems. Symptoms of grief may mimic those of depression, and a common product of grief is fatigue.
- Depression: Depression and fatigue often co-occur, and fatigue can be a common symptom of depression.
- Anxiety: Fatigue caused by lack of sleep has been shown to worsen symptoms of anxiety, and anxiety may cause tiredness due to insomnia or fatigue from remaining in fight or flight mode.
- Eating disorders: Obsessive thoughts related to food that accompany many eating disorders may cause fatigue. Unhealthy eating habits brought on by eating disorders, such as binging, purging, or starvation can also physically weaken the body or lead to weight loss or gain, causing fatigue.
- Burnout: Having a high-stress or demanding career such as being a surgeon, pilot, or athlete may lead to burnout, which comes hand-in-hand with fatigue.
- Stress: Situations that cause psychological stress such as moving, divorce, and becoming a new parent are also known to cause fatigue.
References:
- Client referrals
How Will Me/cfs Affect My Quality Of Life
Not everyone will experience the same symptoms so itâs important not to compare people with ME/CFS. People with ME/CFS can have very different experiences of the condition and how long their symptoms last.
The impact of symptoms can be:
As symptoms change over time so does the impact they have on peopleâs lives.
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Limit Your Exposure To Allergens
Once you know which allergens are causing your symptoms, you can reduce your exposure to them. For example, if youre allergic to pollen, you can try to stay indoors on days when pollen counts are high.
You can check online with your local weather station to find your local pollen report. You should try to keep your windows closed if you have air-conditioning. If you do spend time outside, its important to bathe and change your clothing as soon as you come inside.
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Causes Of Pollen Allergies
For all allergies, the immune system reacts to specific allergy trigger molecules . Your immune system produces antibodies that detect the allergen and cause inflammatory reactions and the release of a chemical called histamine. Histamine causes hay fever symptoms, such as itchy and watery nose and eyes, and sneezing.
In Victoria, inland areas tend to have higher pollen counts and northerly winds can bring pollens from inland regions to the coastal areas, including Melbourne. In contrast, the east coast of Australia often has less pollen, because winds tend to blow in from the sea and the Great Dividing Range protects the coast from inland winds. In South Australia and Western Australia, levels of pollen in the air vary, depending on wind direction.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Symptoms of CFS often mimic the flu. The following are the most common symptoms of CFS. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- Sensitivity to light
- Low-grade fever
The symptoms of CFS may look like other medical conditions. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
How Is Me/cfs Diagnosed
There is no single test to diagnose ME/CFS. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, and how long you have had them, and might do some tests to rule out other possible causes.
You can only receive a diagnosis of ME/CFS after you have had symptoms for 6 months or more.
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Take Your Allergy Medication In The Evening
Antihistamines are a common and effective way to manage seasonal allergies, and modern allergy medicines are less likely to cause drowsiness than older antihistamines. However, some people may still feel tired after taking an allergy pill, especially if they havent taken one in a while.
To help reduce drowsiness and feel more alert during the day, take your daily antihistamine in the evening rather than first thing in the morning.
Consistency is also key to reducing the drowsiness caused by antihistaminesthe longer you take a daily allergy medication, the more easily your body will be able to tolerate those side effects.
Not all antihistamines are intended for daily use, so talk with your doctor before starting or changing any allergy medications to make sure its a good fit for you.
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Your Medication Is Wiping You Out
Zyrtec Allergy Relief Tablets + Itch Relief Stick
Zyrtec Allergy Relief Tablets + Itch Relief Stick
Certain allergy medications, including first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine can make you feel tired, says Stanley Schwartz, M.D., Ph.D., division chief of Allergy-Immunology-Rheumatology at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Antihistamines block the receptors for histamine in the body, and there is a receptor for histamine in the brain that keeps you alert, he explains. When certain antihistamines reach your brain, they can make you feel sleepy as a result. Thats why Dr. Monteleone says she often encourages patients to use second-generation antihistamines like cetirizine . Theyre non-sedating and tend to have less of that fatigue-causing property, she says.
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