Pacing Activity For People With Me/cfs
Pacing, or keeping within your available energy, is a self-management strategy to help people with ME/CFS make sure that they dont overdo activity or exercise. It reduces the likelihood of triggering PEM and can help reduce symptoms. Pacing is not a cure for ME/CFS and does not treat the underlying, physical cause of the disease.
The goal of pacing is for activity to be sustainable, so that the person can have some stability in their symptoms and what they can do each day. Pacing should be used in conjunction with rest.
The most challenging aspect of pacing is that PEM is very often delayed by as much as 24-48 hours, which can make it difficult to recognise when youve done too much. Using tools like an activity diary or heart rate monitor help you learn about your body and how much activity you can safely tolerate.
Suggestions on how to pace yourself include:
Treatments Involved In Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome doesnt have a specific treatment. Although, you may want to look for answers on questions such as doctors specialising in chronic fatigue syndrome near me, its not a simple task. It may take many therapy sessions, such as sleep therapy or acupressure. These alternative treatments can help your body physically by introducing new ways to sleep soundly. Acupressure or chiropractic techniques open opportunities for non-intrusive care. However, people that receive medications need additional attention. Likewise, other issues to consider in chronic fatigue syndrome is who often gets them. Studies show that people that have chronic fatigue syndrome are higher in women than men.
Give The Healthcare Providers A Check
Once youve compiled a list of healthcare providers in your area, you can verify their credentials at the American Medical Associations DoctorFinder website. Also, see which ones are covered by your insurance plan and who accepts Medicare/Medicaid .
Next, you can call the offices of healthcare providers still on your list and talk to the office managers. Tell them you have chronic fatigue syndrome and ask what kind of experience the practitioner has diagnosing and treating it. You may also want to ask how long it will take to get an appointment, and whether youll be able to speak to the healthcare provider when you call with problems or questions.
Youll also want to find out whether the healthcare provider is accepting new patients, if the office will accept your insurance , and whether payment or co-pays are due at the time of your appointment.
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Treating Cfs By Strengthening The Immune System
Image: Lingzhi mushroom on Wikipedia
Among Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients certain parts of the immune system tend to be weak. Strengthening these weak parts might be of benefit. An important test for immune system weakness is called Natural Killer Cell Function. NK Cell functional testing is a difficult test to do. For selected patients we send out this test. However, whether or not NK cell functional activity is low, strengthening the CFS immune system could likely be useful. One powerful immune stimulant, AHCC, a form of Shitake mushroom, has been shown to suppress HHV-6 virus levels in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Reishi mushroom might have similar good effects. Thus AHCC and Reishi mushroom might be considered as natural additional treatments for Epstein Barr or HHV-6 viruses.
Treat The Worst Symptom First
Start by listing your worst symptomsthe ones that make it hardest to get through the day. With your doctor, focus first on treating those symptoms. Decide whether a specialist might be helpful for any of them.
The most common ME/CFS symptoms can also be the most treatable.
- Symptoms worse after activity .
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Learning how to manage your activity can help you be as active as possible without causing your symptoms to get worse. This includes:
- Estimating how much energy you have on a given day. This is sometimes called your “energy envelope.” You spend only that much energy, and not more.
- Estimating how much energy an activity takes and how long you can do that activity. You stop when you reach that time, and then take a break.
- Not pushing yourself to get more done on days you feel well.
- Adapting activities to make them easier. One example is sitting down while doing the dishes.
- Sleep.
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Good sleep habits can help improve the quality of your sleep. If you also try medicine for sleep, it’s best to start on a low dose. Certain antidepressants help with sleep, mood, and chronic pain, so your doctor may suggest trying one.
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Treatment For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome In Leesburg Va
Individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome do not suffer from any sort of underlying medical condition, yet experience extreme tiredness after physical or mental activity that is not resolved with any amount of rest. This disorder is also often referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis or systemic exertion intolerance disease .
Dr. Seth Tuwiner provides comprehensive testing and treatment for chronic fatigue at his offices in Leesburg and Dulles, VA. Learn more about your treatment options and call the Virginia Center for Neuroscience today at.
What To Expect From Your Doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:
- What are your symptoms and when did they begin?
- Does anything make your symptoms better or worse?
- Do you have problems with memory or concentration?
- Are you having trouble sleeping?
- How often do you feel depressed or anxious?
- How much do your symptoms limit your ability to function? For example, have you ever had to miss school or work because of your symptoms?
- What treatments have you tried so far for this condition? How have they worked?
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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.
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:
- severe obesity
- 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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Tests To Confirm A Diagnosis Of Me/cfs
Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to ME/CFS, so your doctor may do more tests to confirm the diagnosis. These may include:
- Orthostatic testing.
- Tests may be done to see if you have symptoms after being upright for long periods of time.
- Neuropsychological testing.
- This may be done to see if you are having problems with your ability to think, concentrate, or remember.
- Cardiopulmonary exercise test .
- This may be done to see if you recover after physical activity. Often the test is done and repeated about 24 hours later.
Which Doctor Should I See For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
If a person suspects having CFS, it is best to see a GP. The GP will recommend having physical and blood tests done. He or she will also ask about the patients medical history. It is also important to be aware that not all GPs and health care providers have CFS programs in place. It will be best to do some research to find the health care practitioner who can alleviate the CFS symptoms.
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Who Can Diagnose Cfs
It is usual for people with symptoms of CFS to seek help from their GP. In many cases, your GP will refer you to a specialist to eliminate other causes if they are unsure about the diagnosis. Specialists such as rheumatologists can test to see if there are any other illness-causing your symptoms because the symptoms of CFS can be similar to many other illnesses. If your symptoms have been lingering for longer than expected, a rheumatologist can rule out other health conditions and will diagnose CFS.
How Is Me/cfs Treated
Right now, there is no cure or FDA-approved treatments for ME/CFS. But, there are things you and your doctor can do to help ease your symptoms. Because the symptoms of ME/CFS vary from person to person, the management plan you discuss with your doctor may look very different from the plan of another person with ME/CFS.
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What Can I Do To Cope With Me/cfs
Talking about your feelings with a friend or family member can help. Sometimes it also helps to talk with people who are going through the same thing. Consider joining an ME/CFS support group. See the “ME/CFS Organizations” section at the end of this fact sheet for a list of organizations that offer additional information on ME/CFS and can help you find ME/CFS support groups.
How Is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treated
There is no cure for ME/CFS. Treatment goals include managing symptoms and returning you to a higher quality of life. Some people arenât able to regain the level of health and function they had before their diagnosis.
First, your doctor works with you to determine which symptoms cause the most difficulty. Together, you will address those symptoms immediately.
Counseling is helpful for many people with ME/CFS. This type of treatment helps people better tolerate symptoms by changing thoughts and behaviors. Your doctor may prescribe medications, like antidepressants or sleep aids, if your symptoms are especially severe. These medications can relieve symptoms like unrestful sleep for some people living with ME/CFS.
Before prescribing sleep aids, however, your doctor may provide suggestions for improving sleep without drugs. For instance, he or she might suggest that you visit a sleep specialist. Other tips include:
- Develop a regular bedtime routineâgo to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
- Do not nap for more than 30 minutes total during the day.
- Use your bed and bedroom only for sleeping and sex. Take out all electronics.
- Avoid eating large meals before you go to bed also avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Do your exercising at least 4 hours before you go to sleep.
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Treatments For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Since researchers do not yet fully understand the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis and people with the illness can experience a wide variety of symptoms, multiple treatments exist. Treatments are aimed at managing and reducing the severity of CFS/ME symptoms, rather than at curing the illness.
Whats The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that there is no cure available from standard medicine for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Any treatment your doctor can give you is limited to symptom reduction with medications like antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, painkillers and sleeping pills.
If you want to recover from chronic fatigue syndrome you are going to have to take the responsibility for getting better into your own hands and become your own health advocate.
You may think that alternative health practitioners such as naturopaths and functional medicine practitioners carry out some type of weird mumbo jumbo herbal hocus pocus. And, of course as in any profession there are good ones and bad ones.
However, I recovered from 8 years of chronic fatigue syndrome with the help of a skilled naturopath experienced in treating chronic fatigue syndrome patients with all levels of this debilitating illness.
I hope you were paying attention to that last sentence, the clue to getting better is there. You need to find a naturopath experienced in treating chronic fatigue syndrome.
Think of it like finding a specialist in standard medicine. You need to find, not just any naturopath, but one who knows about and has experience treating chronic fatigue syndrome patients.
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Does A Rheumatologist Treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Doctors that specialise in treating CFS include rheumatologists, immunologists and endocrinologists. So yes, you can consult with me about your chronic fatigue symptoms and undergo a set of diagnostic tests that will help uncover the cause of your symptoms.
The main aim of getting a proper diagnosis and the right treatment for CFS is to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life effectively. Many people with CFS can work hold down a job that allows some flexibility.
However, it is essential to manage your symptoms with the best combination of medications, therapy, diet and lifestyle practices to make sure you can live your very best life. This is why it makes sense to work with my team and me to ensure you get the very best support.
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What Causes Epstein Barr
Epstein-Barr virus is transmitted by close contact with another person who is infected. Since EBV is mainly spread through saliva, it can be transmitted by kissing, sharing water bottles or glasses or by sharing personal items such as toothbrushes.
Once a person has been infected they will continue to carry the virus for the rest of their lives and can pass it on to another person at any time, even after their symptoms have subsided. The good news is you can find efficient treatment for EBV at our natural clinic.
Contact LifeWorks
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Find Ways To Relax And Reset Your Mind
For some people, taking 20 minutes during the afternoon to meditate can be enough to recharge. Maybe yoga or deep breathing is your thing. Whatever you do, find time to relax and reset your mind.
Chronic fatigue can impair your health and happiness, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. A chiropractor may help address any interference in your spine that may contribute to fatigue, as well as help manage the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. While it may take some time, and some behavior changes, you can get your energy back and reclaim your health and wellbeing.
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Alternative Or Complementary Medicine
Since there is no standard treatment for CFS/ME, people often consider alternatives to traditional medicine or use non-traditional treatments to complement their other medications. Commonly used alternative and complementary treatments include:
- Mind-body treatments, like qigong, tai chi, and meditation
- Massage
- Trigger point therapy, called myofascial release
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic treatments
Complementary therapies have received mixed results when scientifically studied. Before beginning an alternative or complementary treatment, talk with your doctor to ensure that you arent trying something potentially dangerous.
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British Columbia Specific Information
Many Canadians are affected by complex chronic diseases . CCDs are illnesses that last a long time, require treatment and management, and often do not get better on their own. Fibromyalgia , Myalgic Encephalomyelitis , which is also called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome , and Chronic Lyme Disease are examples of complex chronic diseases.
To learn more about fibromyalgia, myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic Lyme-like disease, visit HealthLinkBCs Complex Chronic Diseases health feature.
How Do I Know If Im At Risk
While there is no explanation as to why a particular person may experience chronic fatigue syndrome, there are several factors that play an important role in influencing someones likelihood of being diagnosed with CFS. These risk factors include:
- Age: Most individuals with CFS will receive an official diagnosis when they are between 40 and 50 years old.
- Gender: Women are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome two to four times more often than men.
- Genetics: It is commonly accepted that certain individuals are born with a predisposition to CFS.
- Stress levels: Inability to effectively manage stress can contribute to the development of CFS.
- Prior health concerns: While there is no clear link, evidence suggests that individuals who suffer from a compromised immune system, abnormal hormone levels, human herpes virus 6, Epstein-Barr virus, or mouse leukemia viruses may be more likely to become affected by CFS.
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Depression Stress And Anxiety
Adjusting to a chronic, debilitating illness sometimes leads to other problems, including depression, stress, and anxiety. Many patients with ME/CFS develop depression during their illness. When present, depression or anxiety should be treated. Although treating depression or anxiety can be helpful, it is not a cure for ME/CFS.
Some people with ME/CFS might benefit from antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. However, doctors should use caution in prescribing these medications. Some drugs used to treat depression have other effects that might worsen other ME/CFS symptoms and cause side effects. When healthcare providers are concerned about patients psychological condition, they may recommend seeing a mental health professional.
Some people with ME/CFS might benefit from trying techniques like deep breathing and muscle relaxation, massage, and movement therapies . These can reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of well-being.
