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CFS Paper
Written by Ashley Reber

A study by DePaul University estimates that as many as 800,000 people in the nation suffer from CFIDS. Chronic Fatigue Immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS) or more commonly called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a disease that causes a person to feel exhausted all the time no matter how much they rest.

To make a diagnosis your doctor must rule out other possible reasons for your fatigue. Some examples of the conditions that cause fatigue are Lyme disease, mononucleosis, and Fibromyalgia. You must also have 6 or more of the following symptoms for at least six months: impaired memory/ concentration, sore throat, tender neck or Armpit lymph nodes, severe headaches, insomnia, Nausea, Fevers, Chills, muscle and severe muscle and Joint pain, Severe exhaustion that lasts for more than 24 hours after exercising at levels you used to be able to tolerate, clumsiness, forgetfulness, muscle weakness and dizziness. There are many other symptoms you may have.

CFIDS can affect people of all races, ages, and economic backgrounds. Research has also shown that CFIDS is three times as common in woman than men. It is also more common than HIV, Lupus and, lung Cancer in woman.

There is no known cause of CFIDS despite research to find the cause of it. Some scientists believe that CFIDS is caused by a virus others believe it is an Autoimmune disorder. There are no known cures for the disease. Research has shown that the condition can last 5-6 years or longer, in some cases. The goal is to treat your symptoms, with medication or physical therapy or both.

I have been suffering from CFIDS for the last 1½ years. Many people who see me think that I look perfectly healthy Inside I am not. CFIDS is often called an invisible disease, since you can’t tell that a person has it or not unless they tell you. CFIDS is not a contagious disease you cannot catch it from me or anybody else. I have found that there are different treatments that help me and others do not. I am currently getting IV Vitamin C therapy every one to two weeks to help my immune system function normally. There is also another treatment called Hyperbaric Chamber oxygen therapy that I also receive. If you feel that you might have this disease please get checked out by your doctor.

It is very important that you find the right doctor and get started on the road to recover. IF you would like to learn more don’t hesitate to ask me or you can visit the website http://www.cfids.org/.