Chronic fatigue syndrome leaves the afflicted individual with an ongoing feeling of exhaustion.Under normal circumstances, people withCFS may be able to perform mundane activities.There is no cure for the condition, and there are no medications for it.There are a number of treatment options that can help with the symptoms of CFS.
Step 1: Keep in touch with your doctor or health care provider.
You should create a program that works for you.It can be difficult to deal with general practitioners who aren't familiar withCFS.Approximately 1 in 250 people are afflicted withCFS, which has a low diagnosis rate.It is possible for doctors to misdiagnose the illness as depression, general anxiety disorder, or a psychosomatic illness.Unless the doctor has prior experience and knowledge of chronic fatigue syndrome, appropriate treatment may not follow where the diagnosis is accurate.Work with your doctor to make sure you don't have any other conditions that have the same symptoms.A variety of therapists, counselors, and specialists should be used in your treatment.Some of the symptoms that may require special attention include: A decrease of energy or enthusiasm that interferes with normal daily activities Loss of livelihood, independence, and economic security Feelings of anxiety, anger, or guilt Memory and concentration problems Difficulties with intimacy and sexual relationships Always discuss new and alternative therapies withMany therapies may do more harm than good.
Step 2: Try cognitive behavioral therapy.
The treatment of CFS has been helped by CBT.The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to help you.You may be able to mitigate or better manage your symptoms if you talk through the experience and discover what triggered them.It's a good idea to keep a diary during the week before your session to record your thoughts and experiences.You can refer back to specific examples or situations in which you experienced a period of exhaustion or greater acceptance of your chronic fatigues.
Step 3: You can join a support group or attend group therapy.
Group therapy allows you to share your experience with someone who cares.You can learn from the experiences of others who are also suffering fromCFS.This will give insight into other ways to deal with the illness.A sense of belonging and community can be provided by group therapy.
Step 4: There are opportunities to educate.
Many people are unaware of the causes and symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.Discuss your condition with your friends and family.They are an important source of support.When explaining what you're going through personally and what the medical community has concluded as a whole, be patient but firm.There are many myths about chronic fatigue syndrome, one of which is that it is psychosomatic, an imagined disease caused by an individual's state of mind.Many people believe that people with chronic fatigues can cure themselves by simply adjusting their attitude.Let the followers of this myth know that chronic fatigue syndrome is a serious condition with a firm basis in medical science.
Step 5: You need to rebuild your ability to concentrate.
An inability to concentrate on verbal, written, or visual information is a common characteristic ofCFS.It can become difficult or impossible to follow directions or perform an action that requires a series of steps.Behavioral or Medicial treatments can be used to rebuild concentration levels.Playing word puzzles or games is encouraged by behavioral concentration exercises.The process can be made more fun by playing games.Getting enough sleep can help you focus.
Step 6: Take medication.
Over-the-counter and prescription drugs can be used to reduce pain, cognitive problems, and other symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.If you experience any adverse side effects, talk to your doctor.There is some promise in the use of anti-depressants.Depression can be treated with these medications, as well as reducing pain and improving quality of sleep.There is a prescription drug that can help concentration and remove the veil of brain fog.Ask your doctor if tranquilizers are helpful for you.Stimulants, like the drugs used to treat ADHD, may improve concentration in people with chronic fatigue syndrome.Sleeping pills are often used to treat people with chronic fatigue syndrome since they find it difficult to sleep and feel less refreshed by sleep than before.Alternative treatments can be used with medication.
Step 7: Relieve your pain.
Pain is the most disabling aspect of the disease.Whether you experience headaches, sensitivity to being touched, or aches in your muscles and joints, treating your pain should be a top priority.Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and other medicines can help manage your pain.It is possible to improve circulation and reduce pain with a therapeutic massage.It is possible to block out pain with deep breathing exercises.Pain can be reduced by breathing in a deliberate, focused way over a long period.In a seated position, keep your eyes closed, hold the breath, and exhale slowly for thirty breaths.Hot water bottles, hot packs, warm baths, or heated mattress pads are included in heat treatments.These can help relieve pain and relax muscles.Cold treatments include applying ice packs or bags of frozen vegetables.Cold treatments should only be applied to a single location.According to some chiropractors, spine manipulation can improve energy levels and reduce pain.Depending on the severity of the pain, acupuncture may have benefits.
Step 8: You should get physical.
Thirty minutes of light exercise each day is what you should aim for.Swimming, bike-riding, or walking are good options.Do not overexert yourself when exercising, but make sure your workout is vigorous enough that you gain the healthful benefits.
Step 9: You should adjust your diet.
A diet rich in fiber, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables may reduce symptoms.Foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat should be avoided.You should aim to eat at least five portions of fruits and vegetables a day.Modest portions of meat, soy, fish, or another source of nutrition should be included in two of the three daily meals.Chunks of food with a low glycemic index can be added to your meals.They may include bread, cereals, potatoes, and rice.In addition to the traditional three meals a day, try to eat several small portions more often.Food cravings are helped by a snack every three to four hours.Don't eat because take care not to over eat.Patients with chronic fatigues believe they can increase their energy levels by consuming more food.Many medications are taken with food.Excess weight can easily be gained by these conditions.Don't forget to drink water with every meal.You should drink at least eight glasses a day.Limit the amount of beverages you drink.A full night's sleep can be disrupted by the effects of caffeine.Coffee and soda should be avoided.Alcohol depresses the body's immune system.The immune systems of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome are operating at less than optimal performance.Alcohol can push the already compromised body to the breaking point, with toxic alcohol spilling into the bloodstream and even more depressed levels of energy.
Step 10: You should pace yourself.
The act of dividing a day's work into manageable chunks is called pacing.Do only those which you have the most energy for.You can intersperse periods of exertion with rest and avoid sudden physical or mental collapse by pacing your daily schedule.If you feel exhausted or worn out, set aside your unfinished tasks and work on them the next day.It's a good idea to schedule periods of downtime and rest.After working for a week or so with a regular schedule, decide if you can add more tasks to your daily routine.Schedule your week based on your energy level.You should keep a record of your energy expenditures.Staying alert to changes in your energy level can help you pace yourself and build a sense of accomplishment, while also helping you chart your recovery in the fight against CFS.Where possible, take energy shortcuts.If you want to wash the dishes by hand, run them through the dishwasher.You can ride a bike instead of walking.Large tasks should be divided into manageable portions.Instead of cleaning the house, try to clean the kitchen today, the living room tomorrow, and the bedroom the next day.
Step 11: Take supplements and herbs.
There are a number of herbs and supplements.It's a good idea to speak with your doctor before you try supplements.The supplement industry is not regulated and there is no guarantee that you will get what you pay for.It's known that magnesium can be used to boost energy, but should be incorporated slowly into your vitamins regimen.Omega 3 can be found in nuts, seeds, and fish.There is a naturally occurring chemical called NADH.The same effect can be achieved by taking an NADH supplement.DHEA regulates the production of hormones and helps the body deal with stress.Individuals withCFS tend to have low levels of DHEA, which leads to fatigue, brain fog, and low blood pressure.There are supplements that can correct low DHEA levels.You need a doctor's prescription to get DHEA.Melatonin regulates sleep.Serotonin levels decline when the body prepares for sleep.melatonin production is disrupted but can be corrected with a melatonin prescription
Step 12: Get plenty of sleep.
General exhaustion and sleep deprivation are hallmarks of the disease.Getting enough sleep is important for recovery.You should aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night.You should not drink or eat within three hours of sleep.Make sure your bed is big enough for you.It's a good idea to set a sleeping schedule.Go to bed at the same time each day.If you can't get a full night of sleep, try sleeping pills.