How to Cope with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

More than one million Americans suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and debilitating. Many factors can contribute to the severity of the condition. However, regardless of the triggering factors, any person suffering from it will want to take the following steps to get the most out of life while coping with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Accept the fact that you have chronic fatigue syndrome and your limitations. It is not being negative. It is being realistic. You won't be able to do as much as before, and it’s OK. Chronic fatigue patients need to pace themselves, as pushing themselves will only worsen the symptoms.

2. Take more breaks, even if you don’t feel fatigued at the moment. It will ensure that you do not overexert yourself.

3. Recognize your mental limitations. Mental exertion can have the same affect as physical exercise or physical activity. Additionally, be positive as much as possible. Your emotions can impact on how you feel physically. Stress will make your chronic fatigue symptoms worse, even if it’s not the root cause.

4. Schedule time for yourself and don't feel guilty about it. It's important that you spend time engaging in relaxing activities.

5. Realize that chronic fatigue syndrome is a real illness. It goes beyond feeling tired or fatigued. It can affect every system in your body.

6. Cope with chronic fatigue successfully by avoiding confrontations with people that don't understand your condition. Confrontations require mental exertion, and as a CFS patient, you need your energy to heal.

7. Discuss with your physician the need for supplements such as magnesium and calcium for your muscles. Calcium cause muscles to contract while magnesium relaxes them. In addition, chronic fatigue patients benefit from regular, moderate exercise and drinking plenty of water, which can greatly reduce muscle aches, cramps and heaviness in the legs.

8. Consider anti-fatigue mats if your work requires standing for extended periods of time. Anti-fatigue mats are also beneficial if you spend time in the kitchen baking or cooking. For example, The Cook's Warehouse.com carries a variety of mats, including the GEL Pro Anti-Fatigue Mats. CFS sufferers many benefit from using a gel anti-fatigue mat since it provides a cushion for the sole of their feet and helps the muscles relax.

9. Eat regular meals. Many chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers also experience hypoglycemia (spikes in their sugar levels). Plan to have a mini-meal every 2 to 21/2 hours. Include some protein and vegetables in your. It will help keep your sugar levels stable and give your muscles the protein they need to generate energy.

10. Enlist support from others. If you do not have a supportive group of friends or family, look for support groups in your area or online. Take advantage of sites like ProHealth.com to find support groups locally. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention also provides helpful information on how to choose a support group. Feeling that you are not alone is critical to your healing.

Tips & Warnings

• If you suspect that you have chronic fatigue syndrome, you may want to consult more than one doctor. Not all medical professionals understand this condition.
• Do a search on the Internet. Conventional doctors won't tell you about alternative methods that can treat or alleviate chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.
• Some patients are having positive results with Chinese medicine, acupuncture, magnetic therapy and many other forms of alternative medicine.
• Although the gel anti-fatigue mats are more expensive, using one may allow you to spend more time engaging in your favorite activities or hobbies, which will have a therapeutic effect on your overall health.
• Although chronic fatigue syndrome is not life threatening, over time, it can weaken your immune system and lead to complications.

Resources

• GEL Pro Anti-Fatigue Mats
• ProHealth.com
• CDC

[cinderbug1]

on 8/15/2009 This illness is so difficult. Your article is much better than most on this site regarding CFS.

[Codebreak]

on 2/19/2009 Great article! I have a few friends with this.

[lynnhsmomof2]

on 2/10/2009 I have this and sometimes it can get really difficult. It's hard not to feel guilty and feel like you aren't making excuses. Great article!!! 5* and adding to my favorites.

[Susanh]

on 2/10/2009 Chronic fatigue is a very real illness. You've done a good job of outlining how to cope.