Treat Your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Testing for chronic fatigue syndrome is definitely recommended and certainly helps to diagnose the condition. After testing is completed, a few different treatments can be used, including medication, getting plenty of rest, and natural remedies. To learn more about this condition and treatment options available for you, contact us at Medical Transformation Center in Louisville, KY today.
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Investigate Your Viral Levels
Before you think fatigue is all in your head, request a viral panel from your doctor to make sure your immune system isnt bogged down by a virus. Everyone has viruses living inside their body, but its often hard to tell if they causing active problems or not.
Once you have a virus in your body, it never goes away. In healthy individuals the virus or viruses often stay dormant, but when health falls below par or you have prolonged stress, antibiotic overuse, vaccinations, toxic lifestyle, and/or surgeries, a virus can be reactivated. A classic example of this is when you or someone you know gets a cold sore when theyre under a lot of stress, as cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Another example of this is when someone who had the chickenpox in childhood gets shingles later in life, its just a reactivation of the chickenpox virus.
A virus works by invading healthy normal cells and take advantage of them, using them to multiply. By living inside your cells, they are protected from typical medicines that swim around in your bloodstream, making them hard to treat.
The most common viral signs are fatigue, night sweats, fever, and painful joints. If these symptoms are familiar, its time to consider checking in with a doctor or naturopath that can get you tested. Here are just a few things to consider testing for, although your doctor should know exactly what you need:
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Next Steps To Consider
If you feel like you’ve tried everything for your own fatigue but gotten nowhere, I hope this post helps you get to the bottom of the issue. I’ve found these tests invaluable on my own health journey include most of these in my comprehensive 3 and 5 month programs.
Have any of these tests helped you uncover the root cause of your own fatigue? Please share in the comments!
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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
When Will A Diagnostic Blood Test For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Be Available
Although a pilot study published in 2019 showed promise for a potential CFS blood test, theres still no singular test that can help diagnose this condition. However, scientists across the globe, such as those involved in Stanfords Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Initiative, are working hard to find new diagnostic and treatment options for CFS.
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Recent Research Into Brain Inflammation Could Also Bring Hope For Me/cfs
Fortunately, recent research breakthroughs in brain inflammation offer promise in not only validating ME/CFS but also its treatment.
Brain inflammation is more common than previously realized and is increasingly linked to myriad conditions other than ME/CFS, including depression, anxiety, childhood brain development disorders, and Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease.
Immune cells in the brain outnumber neurons 10 to one and are vastly more important than previously realized. They are responsible for maintaining neuronal health and function and removing debris and plaque from the brain. However, when the brain is impacted by inflammation from dietary or lifestyle factors or a brain injury, the brains immune cells must abandon their jobs of supporting neuronal health and instead go into persistent warrior mode, damaging brain tissue in the process. Unlike the bodys immune system, the brains has no off switch.
There are no drugs to tame brain inflammation, however, it has been shown to respond to certain botanical compounds and functional medicine protocols that include dietary, lifestyle, and health interventions.
Ask my office for more advice on how we can help you with fatigue.
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What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome , sometimes referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis or systemic exertion intolerance disease , is a chronic condition thats characterized by severe chronic fatigue.
CFS can be so severe that makes it difficult for a person to perform their day-to-day activities. They may not be able to fulfill work or school obligations, engage in social activities, or even perform basic tasks like cooking a meal or taking a shower. In severe cases, they may not even be able to leave bed.
When people with CFS do attempt to perform these activities, they often experience a worsening of symptoms called post-exertional malaise . During PEM, other symptoms of CFS, like sleep difficulties, cognitive impairment, and chronic pain, can flare up.
Researchers are not entirely sure what causes CFS. However, according to the
Currently, theres no blood test that has been approved to help diagnose CFS.
A pilot study from 2019 explored a blood test that would allow doctors to screen for certain cellular markers related to ME/CFS. In this study, the researchers used an ultrasensitive blood test to determine if there were any notable cellular differences in participants with CFS.
This test has yet to be approved as a diagnostic blood test for CFS. However, the
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Conditions That Exclude A Diagnosis Of Cfs
Alcohol or other substance abuse, occurring within 2 years of the onset of chronic fatigue and any time afterwards. Severe obesity as defined by a body mass index equal to or greater than 45. Note: BMI values vary considerably among different age groups and populations. No normal or average range of values can be suggested in a fashion that is meaningful. The range of 45 or greater was selected because it clearly falls within the range of severe obesity. Any active medical condition that may explain the presence of chronic fatigue, such as untreated hypothyroidism, sleep apnea and narcolepsy, and iatrogenic conditions such as side effects of medication.
Any active medical condition that may explain the presence of chronic fatigue, such as untreated hypothyroidism, sleep apnea and narcolepsy, and iatrogenic conditions such as side effects of medication.
Any past or current diagnosis of a major depressive disorder with psychotic or melancholic features bipolar affective disorders schizophrenia of any subtype delusional disorders of any subtype dementia of any subtype anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
Any unexplained abnormality detected on examination or other testing that strongly suggests an exclusionary condition must be resolved before attempting further classification.
Insights From Metabolites Get Us Closer To A Test For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
A study led by researchers at the Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia Universitys Mailman School of Public Health has identified a constellation of metabolites related to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome . Combining this data with data from an earlier microbiome study, the researchers now report they can predict whether or not someone has the disorder with a confidence of 84 percent.
The research team analyzed blood samples provided by 50 patients with ME/CFS and 50 controls matched for sex and age who were recruited at four clinical sites across the United States. Using mass spectrometry, a laboratory technique used to identify molecules by measuring their mass, the scientists found 562 metabolitesmicroscopic byproducts of human and microbial processes such as sugar, fat, and protein molecules. They excluded molecules related to antidepressants and other drugs patients might be taking.
When the researchers combined biomarkers from both the microbiome study and the new metabolome study, they reported a .836 predictive score, indicating an 84 percent certainty as to the presence of ME/CFSbetter than with either study alone.
This is a strong predictive model that suggests were getting close to the point where well have lab tests that will allow us to say with a high level of certainty who has this disorder, says first author Dorottya Nagy-Szakal, MD, PhD, a researcher at CII.
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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.
Check Your Calcium And Potassium Levels With Hair Analysis
High calcium can be a true driver of fatigue, as it slows down your body. The average American today gets far too much calcium relative to potassium. Typically, this isnt because one is in too much calcium from food sources per say , but instead from calcium supplements, calcium fortified food, and/or increased calcium absorption from taking high dose vitamin D3. Part of vitamin Ds job is to tell your body to absorb more calcium from your food, pushing calcium levels even higher in the body, and pushing potassium levels lower. Pair that with a chronically low intake of potassium from fruits and vegetables, and you have yourself some powerful nutritional forces messing with your thyroid hormones ability to do its job. This often manifests with symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, low body temperature, blood sugar issues , and sluggish digestion.
Luckily, you can find out what your calcium and potassium levels are with hair analysis. By assessing the ratio of your calcium to potassium levels, you can see how well your thyroid hormones are doing their job. Then, if needed, make supplemental and dietary adjustments to bring the ratio into better balance, supporting healthy thyroid function naturally.
If youre curious if vitamin D supplementation has your thyroid function in hot water by way of high calcium levels, you may want to consider getting a hair analysis, to see how its affecting your mineral levels. You can learn more about hair analysis or get started here.
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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.
Who Is At Risk For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Because the cause of CFS is not known, its hard to know what might put someone at risk for getting the condition. However, certain factors are seen more often in people with CFS. These factors include:
- Gender. CFS happens up to 4 times more often in women than in men.
- Age. CFS commonly affects middle-aged people, but people of any age can get it.
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Impact And Prognosis Of Me/cfs
Pharmacoecon Open.
BMC Public Health.J Chronic Fatigue Syndr.
Br J Occup Ther.
- Mild: mobile and self-caring may continue working but will have reduced other activities
- Moderate: reduced mobility, restricted in instrumental activities of daily living, needs frequent periods of rest usually not working
- Severe: mostly housebound limited to minimal activities of daily living severe cognitive difficulties may be wheelchair dependent
- Very severe: mostly bedridden unable to independently carry out most activities of daily living often experience extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and other sensory input
Am J Epidemiol.Chronic Illn.
Qual Life Res.Disabil Rehabil.Occup Med .
Rehabil Psychol.Front Pediatr.Fatigue.
Conditions That Do Not Exclude A Diagnosis Of Cfs
Any condition defined primarily by symptoms that cannot be confirmed by diagnostic laboratory tests, including fibromyalgia, anxiety disorders, somatoform disorders, non-psychotic or melancholic depression, neurasthenia, and multiple chemical sensitivity disorder.
Any condition under specific treatment sufficient to alleviate all symptoms related to that condition and for which the adequacy of treatment has been documented. Such conditions include hypothyroidism for which the adequacy of replacement hormone has been verified by normal thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, or asthma in which the adequacy of treatment as been determined by pulmonary function and other testing.
Any condition, such as Lyme disease or syphilis that was treated with definitive therapy before development of chronic symptoms.
Any isolated and unexplained physical examination finding, or laboratory or imaging test abnormality that is insufficient to strongly suggest the existence of an exclusionary condition. Such conditions include an elevated anti-nuclear antibody titer that is inadequate, without additional laboratory or clinical evidence, to strongly support a diagnosis of a discrete connective tissue disorder.
Note on the use of laboratory tests in the diagnosis of CFS:
The use of test to diagnose CFS should be done only in the setting of protocol-based research. The fact that such tests are investigational and do not aid in diagnosis or management should be explained to the individual.
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How Does The Test Work
Prof. Davis shares the motivation for his research, saying, Too often, is categorized as imaginary. He goes on to explain that physicians often misguidedly test liver, kidney, and heart function, as well as take blood samples and immune cell counts from people who seek help for ME/CFS.
All these different tests would normally guide the doctor toward one illness or another, says Prof. Davis, but for , the results all come back normal. The issue, he adds, is that none of these tests look deep enough.
Instead, their new diagnostic test looks at how a persons immune cells react to stress. Specifically, the scientists used a nanoelectronic assay, which measures small changes in energy to assess the health of immune cells and blood plasma, to see how the immune cells and blood plasma process stress.
To develop the test, the team took advantage of advancements in micro/nanofabrication, direct electrical detection of cellular and molecular properties, microfluidics, and artificial intelligence techniques.
The test detects biomolecular interactions in real time by using thousands of electrodes to create an electrical current, and by using small chambers that contain blood samples with only immune cells and blood plasma.
Inside the small chambers, the immune cells and plasma interact with the electrical current, altering its flow.
We clearly see a difference in the way healthy and chronic fatigue syndrome immune cells process stress.
Prof. Ron Davis
Guidelines For Diagnosing Me/cfs
Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence say doctors should consider diagnosing ME/CFS if a patient has extreme tiredness that cannot be explained by other causes and the tiredness:
- started recently, has lasted a long time, or keeps coming back
- means you cannot do the things you used to do
- gets worse after activity or gentle exercise, such as a short walk
You must also have some of these symptoms:
- problems sleeping, such as insomnia
- muscle or joint pain
- fast or irregular heartbeats
- doing exercise or concentrating makes your symptoms worse
The GP should consult a specialist if they’re unsure about the diagnosis or if you have severe symptoms.
If a child or young person under 18 has symptoms of possible ME/CFS, they may be referred to a paediatrician.
As the symptoms of ME/CFS are similar to those of many common illnesses that usually get better on their own, a diagnosis of ME/CFS may be considered if you do not get better as quickly as expected.
The diagnosis should be confirmed by a doctor after other conditions have been ruled out, and if your symptoms have lasted at least 3 months.
Page last reviewed: 29 October 2021 Next review due: 29 October 2024
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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.
