Recognition
of CFS
Let's start with some aspects which are undeniable; |
|
1.
It is NOT just chronic fatigue, so it must not be called
by that name. Fatigue that is long lasting is a feature
of many things, including normal states for people who may
be too busy, or stressed, or who may not be looking after
themselves.
2. Chronic fatigue is a feature of other illnesses, and
so it is vitally important that this aspect be addressed
and appropriately treated.
3. Chronic fatigue syndrome itself is an illness. It is
a syndrome, meaning a group of signs and symptoms considered
together as a characteristic of a disease. The word stems
from the Greek and means literally "running together".
It was classified by the World Health Organisation in 1993
as a neurological illness.
|
How
can it be recognised?
All have a beginning to their symptoms |
| Everyone
with chronic fatigue syndrome has been well, and usually extremely
well, before they became as they currently are. It is vital
to study the features of, and the events surrounding the onset,
to get further understanding. |
| All
are tired |
|
The fatigue found with chronic fatigue syndrome is not only
tiredness, for there are definite features that are to be
noted. It relates not only to its nature, but the timing and
the factors which cause it to be accentuated. |
| There
is usually sleep disturbance |
| A
normal sleep pattern occurs when an individual will fall asleep
soon after they get into bed, who remains asleep until the
proper time for awakening, and then arises refreshed. Sleep
disturbance will be present whenever there is a disturbance
of that pattern. |
| All
have cognitive dysfunction |
| This
refers to the difficulty that one has with thinking processes,
both to the nature and the circumstances under which it will
occur. |
| Mood
changes will invariably develop |
| Mood
disturbances are common, but they are the result of the limitations
that continue to be experienced. |
| There
will be symptoms of neurological origin |
These
will be greater sensitivity of the nervous system, often causing
an amplification of response to sensory stimuli, such as pain
being experienced when only pressure is applied. This feature
involves many other sensations.
There is also usually dysfunction of another part of the nervous
system, known as the autonomic nervous system, resulting in
poor control of, amongst other things, blood pressure and
heart rate. |
| All
have generally sought attention from a variety of sources |
Usually
at presentation, many have already sought, or been offered,
a multitude of explanations and advice, much of which has
been contradictory, transiently beneficial and/or ineffective,
and resulted in low bank accounts.
And worst of all, will be the lack of acceptance shown by
those from whom you have sought or expect help and understanding,
such as from doctors, health professionals, employers, teachers
and peers at work or school. The hardest of all will be family
and friends, and often the progressive desertion of all of
these people. |
|
|
