Index to the Fibromyalgia is a Pain T-Shirt and Gift Idea design

Chronic-Illness.org invites you to read Julie Wendell’s Fibromyalgia story:

Living with Fibromyalgia

by Julie Wendell

“Mommy, open this, please?” my 3-year-old son asked as he handed me a cereal bar early one morning.

I tried to tear off the top of the wrapper, but my fingers would not move or grasp the wrapper!

Terrified, I tried opening it again, but to no avail.  I had lost all strength in both of my hands!   As calmly as I could, I asked my 7-year-old son to open the cereal bar for his brother.  But inside, I was panicking because the weakness in my hands persisted for about an hour.

What was happening to me?

Little did I know that the morning of February 10th, 2008 marked the beginning of a myriad of severely painful symptoms.  My life was about to drastically change.

Over the course of the next few weeks, I started to experience alarming new symptoms. In addition to the weakness in my hands, I noticed that the joints in my hands were very swollen and stiff. I even took pictures of my hands from all angles to make sure that their odd shape was not just my imagination. I would often feel sharp zinging pains in my extremities, especially in my hands, wrists, knees, and ankles. My muscles and joints ached like I had the flu. There were times when I would be convinced I had a temperature of at least 101, just to find out it was completely normal every time I checked.

My level of fatigue went from being a “full time single working mother” to feeling like a “full time single working mother who also ran 100 miles a day.” I was physically exhausted from dealing with so much pain every day.

To make matters worse, I started noticing that when I woke up each morning, I would not feel refreshed, even after a full straight 6-8 hours of sleep.  Instead, it felt like I only slept for one hour each night.  So not only was I physically exhausted, I was emotionally drained as well.  The overall level of exhaustion was indescribable, the worst I have ever experienced in my life!  But I was hoping that whatever was plaguing me would just stop on its own.

One afternoon in April 2008, after I got off work and picked up my kids, I couldn’t get home fast enough.  My body was overwhelmed with pain like I never felt before.  As soon as we walked through the door, I immediately headed for the couch, where I spent the next four days. I had to call my mom to help me take care of the kids.  In addition to my existing symptoms, I also suffered from oppressive chest pain, muscles/joints that felt bruised, extreme coldness in my arms and face, and TMJ-like jaw pain.   I also had the sensation that my aching spine and pelvis were going to slide out of my body.

I cried often, because I had no idea how to cope with these bizarre symptoms.

I tried heating packs, ice packs, Tylenol/Advil, but nothing even remotely helped me.

My temperature was still normal at 98.6.

My mom, who is a nurse, thought maybe I had a virus, but most of the symptoms did not even resemble any virus I had ever had in the past, plus I was not running a fever.  Even after the four worst days of feeling severely “sick,” most of my symptoms never fully disappeared.

At this point, I was at my wits’ end, so I finally decided to get some help.  So even though I was terrified of the possible outcomes, I made an appointment to see my primary care physician.

After reviewing my list of symptoms and seeing the pictures of my hands, he thought it was very likely that I had rheumatoid arthritis. He immediately referred me to a rheumatologist, who wanted to test me for not only rheumatoid arthritis, but also lupus, mononucleosis, and multiple sclerosis.

He ordered some x-rays of my hands and a lot of bloodwork.   He also prescribed a week’s worth of steroids to see if that would help.

My daily life started becoming a real chore for me.  Everything and anything I usually did without a problem was now unbearable or overwhelming.  The mornings and evenings were the worst times of day for my pain, fatigue, and weakness.  I tried to stay strong, especially for my children, but there were days where I felt like giving up on everything.

I tried talking to a few friends and family members about how I was feeling, but they would just say that I was complaining too much and/or accuse me of being a hypochondriac. I had never felt so alone in my life.

The results of the blood tests and x-rays came back the following week and were completely normal.  Also, the steroids ended up not helping me at all.  Based on these findings, the rheumotologist suggested that I may have fibromyalgia.  He prescribed an NSAID called mobic to help with my muscle/joint pain and an anti-convulsant/anti-neuropathy medication called gabapentin to help with my nerve pain.

The doctor said that diagnosing fibromyalgia was very tricky because there are no actual diagnostic tools. Instead, the diagnosis is made after everything else has been ruled out.  He also wanted to wait and see how the next few months went with the new medications before confirming the suspected diagnosis.

During the following months, both of the medications had made a difference to where my daily activities became more tolerable.  I still felt very fatigued, but my quality of sleep seemed to be more restorative (due to the gabapentin).  My muscle and joint pain were definitely persistent but they were on more manageable levels (due to the mobic).

When I went back to the doctor in August 2008, he reviewed all of my test results and evaluated me again, then officially diagnosed me with fibromyalgia, a syndrome characterized by chronic pain, stiffness, and tenderness of muscles, tendons, and joints (definition by MedicineNet.com).

The treatment for fibromyalgia includes pain medication and exercise.  The doctor advised me to continue with the medications I was currently taking and to try doing light exercise when possible.  He also warned me that my medication combination was not always going to be perfect.  He said it may take a few tries with various medications before reaching optimal pain management, and what works for me now may not work for me in a few years.

I was completely devastated, knowing that I was going to live with unrelenting complicated pain and severe fatigue for the rest of my life.

Sometimes, in addition to medication and exercise, doctors recommend a gluten-free diet to help alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms.  Coincidentally, I had already been on a gluten-free diet for 4 years already, due to having an auto-immune digestive disorder called Celiac Disease.  Unfortunately, being on this diet did not stop me from having fibromyalgia nor had it eased its symptoms.  My doctor said that I’m one of the unlucky fibromyalgia patients who was not positively affected by a gluten free diet.  Sometimes I like to think that being gluten free has stopped my fibromyalgia symptoms from becoming uncontrollable.

A diagnosis of fibromyalgia carries a negative stigma in society because the symptoms are very vague and are not so clear-cut as other diseases/conditions.  I have actually heard people say that there is no such thing as fibromyalgia, or that the symptoms are fake and they are all in the person’s head.

It is also widely believed that people who have fibromyalgia just want attention and/or medication.  There are many doctors do not recognize fibromyalgia as an actual medical condition.  Therefore, people who do have fibromyalgia usually have to see numerous doctors before receiving a diagnosis.  Luckily for me, reaching a diagnosis for my symptoms only took 6 months and involved seeing only 2 doctors.  Some people suffer for years before finding an answer.

Since my diagnosis, additional symptoms have added themselves onto the original list, such as hypersensitivity to stimuli.  For example, if there is too much light or sound, I start feeling very overwhelmed and need to remove myself from the situation.

There are times where I cannot be touched, when even my clothes feel like too much overload on my skin and receiving a hug actually HURTS.

I also started becoming sensitive to the weather patterns, especially low pressure systems.  I jokingly call myself the “human barometer” because I seem to predict rain better than the weatherman!  During periods of damp or cold weather, my muscles and joints heavily protest, and in turn, the pain increases substantially.

I found that I have a low tolerance for any kind of exercise, it makes me feel worse rather than making me feel energetic and refreshed.

I have also developed difficulty with my short term memory and concentration (ie-”fibro-fog”), which has affected all aspects of my life, especially work.

Today, it remains difficult for me to deal with the pain and fatigue that I experience every day with fibromyalgia.  My doctor has changed my pain reliever from mobic to tramadol, which is a bit stronger, so my pain is at a tolerable level most of the time.  But I definitely have my share of bad days.

On a positive note, I have learned a few things from my experience with fibromyalgia.

I’ve learned not push myself to do more than I can handle, but I’m still learning that it’s okay to ask for help.

I have also learned to prioritize what is actually important and to just take things one day at a time.

Having fibromyalgia has made me realize it is so important not to take anything for granted.

After my diagnosis, my rheumatologist had pointed out to me that fibromyalgia is not a deadly or destructive disease, which is very fortunate.  However, living with chronic pain and fatigue is still a difficult challenge, no matter what the cause.

Yes, fibromyalgia is REAL.

My Fibromyalgia Story: Living with Fibromyalgia by Julie Wendell is a post from: Chronic Illness.org

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It’s better to be slow going than to be not going at all!

t-shirt and gift idea designs.

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Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by:

• musculoskeletal pain
• fatigue
• weakness
• tenderness in localized areas of the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips sometimes referred to as tender points or pressure points
• muscle spasms
• sleep disturbances
• irritable bowel syndrome
• and other body disturbances.

Index to Fibromyalgia is a Pain
T-Shirt and Gift Idea Design

For more information on Fibromyalgia, read: What is Fibromyalgia (FM, FMS)?

For additional Fibromyalgia Information and Resources, see:

Chiari Syndrome and/or Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Information on surgery that corrects a problem that causes some forms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia Personal Stories

Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis Study

Addressing the Realities of Fibromyalgia Pain

Fibromyalgia Newsletters

Fibromyalgia Support Groups

Is There a Foot-Fibromyalgia Connection?

Hormones and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Fibromyalgia

Or visit these resources:

*

FMS-Help.com

Dominie Soo Bush’s personal site on which she gives details about how she copes with her Fibromyalgia and CFIDS.

Fibromyalgia Network Online

The Web site for the publisher of the (print) Fibromyalgia Network Newsletter, this site is also a resource for educational materials on Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Fibromyalgia Research

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases maintains this site of information on current Fibromyalgia research.

Questions and Answers About Fibromyalgia

Another National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases page.

WebMD – Fibromyalgia Health Center

I Hurt All Over

A “Psychology Today” article by Mirinda J. Kossoff about fibromyalgia. The article covers the estimated number of people in the United States who suffer from the disease, the nature and symptoms of the disease, and the research being conducted to understand the disease.

Disabling Realities of Fibromyalgia

In Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) — a brochure from the Fibromyalgia Network, it says: “Overall, studies have shown that FMS can be equally as disabling as rheumatoid arthritis.” Information is available on the FM Network about the actual research that backs up that statement. You can learn how to get an informational packet about Fibromyalgia on the Fibromyalgia Network Web site or by calling 1-800-853-2929.

aboutFIBRO

Fibromyalgia (and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) information site hosted by Kent Holtorf, MD.

Fibromyalgia Directory

Fibromyalgia Directory provides links to a number of online organizations, support groups and informational sites for Fibro patients.

The Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Center

This is the Web site for the Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers (FFC). Founded by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia patient Dr. Kent Holtorf, these centers use a holistic approach to treatment for these conditions.

Fibromyalgia: Resources for Families

This site bills itself as one to help you “understand fibromyalgia in the context of family life.”

The American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association

A non-profit fibromyalgia syndrome association, located in Arizona.

The pain from fibromyalgia is real, researchers say

An article about how University of Michigan doctors say widespread evidence verifies validity of condition, and say patients need to be taken seriously.

Fibromyalgia Information is a post from: Chronic Illness.org

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(Revised)

Many who cope with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and other chronic illnesses must also deal with sleep disturbances. Getting enough rest is essential to good health and well-being, so many must rely on sleep medications.

Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia: “A Prescription For Sleep”

An article on drugs have shown promise in assisting sleep for patients with CFS/CFIDS/ME.

Mayo Clinic “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Treatment and Drugs” page

This article cites that “[t]here’s no specific chronic fatigue syndrome treatment,” but does include a discussion of some of the treatments. (They cite that “[r]esearch has proved that gradually increasing exercise can improve the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome,” but fail to mention that for those with exercise-intolerant Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the opposite has been proven to be the case: For those with exercise-intolerant Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, exercise exacerbates the symptoms. For more information, refer to Dr. David S. Bell.) The page does cite some sleep assistance protocols and experimental therapies.

CDC – Toolkit: Sleep – Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page concentrates more on “good sleeping habits,” or what they refer to as “sleep hygiene,” than on sleep medications. (Keep in mind that historically [hysterically?] the CDC has chosen to consider CFS a psychosomatic condition rather than a physical illness. According to this page, that’s reflected in the NIH annual per-patient research funding: AIDS/$2700; Asthma/$300; CFS/$4.)

Lifestyle changes and the right medications can help ease fatigue and restless sleep from fibromyalgia.

A WebMD article. (Note that while many patients with Fibromyalgia also have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, there is a difference between “chronic fatigue” and “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.”)

Medication Use by Persons with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Results of a Randomized Telephone Survey in Wichita, Kansas

Results of a 2003 survey.

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Index to Fibromyalgia Sucks t shirt and gift ideas design

(Revised)

Fibromyalgia Support Groups

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by:

• musculoskeletal pain
• fatigue
• weakness
• tenderness in localized areas of the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips sometimes referred to as tender points or pressure points
• muscle spasms
• sleep disturbances
• irritable bowel syndrome
• and other body disturbances.

For more information, read: What is Fibromyalgia (FM, FMS)?

There are support groups throughout the U.S. and the world who help those who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and/or Fibromyalgia learn ways to cope with those devastating conditions. The sites mentioned here provide contact information for those groups.

For Parents of Sick and Worn-Out Children

Web site maintained by Frank Albrecht, Ph.D. on bluecrab.org that offers support and resources for parents whose child or children have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Support Groups in the United States

This page provides links to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome support groups in the United States.

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Support Groups in Canada

This page provides links to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome support groups in Canada.

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Support Groups Outside the United States

Links to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome international support groups (i.e., support groups outside of the United States and Canada).

Daily Strength Fibromyalgia Support Group and Forum

MDJunction Fibromyalgia Online Forum

WebMD Fibromyalgia Community: Support Group

We are FMily Message Board and Chat

Yahoo! Fibromyalgia Support Groups

Fibromyalgia Support Groups is a post from: Chronic Illness.org

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(Revised)

These sites have Fibromyalgia support newsletters:

The Fibromyalgia Support (monthly) newsletter archives

Note: Not all links within the archived issues work, but this site does have a search feature that appears to work, so you can search for the misdirected articles by title.

The FMS Community newsletter

Fibromyalgia Alternative News (FAN)

BellaOnline Fibromyalgia and CFS Newsletter Archive

The National Fibromyalgia Association’s newsletter:

Previous issues included the articles mentioned below; however, they’ve updated their site which involved moving pages to new URLs and their search function isn’t working so all links to the articles have been removed.

• NFA’s FM Online Newsletter: Vol. 6, No.6, Advocacy, Activism, and Activity Issue:
  Be a Better Advocate for the FM Community: Q & A with Karen Lee Richards and other articles
• NFA’s FM Online Newsletter: Vol. 5, No.9, Pain and Pain Management Issue
• The focus of Vol. 5, No.13 of the National Fibromyalgia Association’s NFA’s FM Online Newsletter is on Fibromyalgia and Work. Articles include:
  Fibromyalgia on the Job
  To Work Or Not to Work — Is That Your Question?
  Is Having a Career Still an Option? Consider the Possibilities!

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(Revised)

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by musculoskeletal pain; fatigue; weakness; tenderness in localized areas of the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips sometimes referred to as tender points or pressure points; muscle spasms; sleep disturbances; irritable bowel syndrome; and other body disturbances. The overlapping allergies, sensitivities, and symptoms from other conditions that can make diagnosis difficult also affect how these symptoms are treated. These resources provide information about the treatments available for Fibromyalgia:

Is There a Foot-Fibromyalgia Connection?

Prozac – A Problem Drug or a Scapegoat?

Mayo Clinic Fibromyalgia Treatment and Drugs

WebMD Fibromyalgia Treatment and Care

Compare the Medical Conditions of Gulf War Veterans to CFS, Other….
Information on a completed Department of Veterans Affairs clinical trial comparing the medical conditions of Gulf War veterans to non-deployed veterans. Comparisons were made between Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, other conditions, and general health status.

Fibromyalgia Network Treatment and Research News

Holistic Fibromyalgia Center
The Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Center is the Web site for the Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers (FFC) founded by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia patient Dr. Kent Holtorf. These centers use a holistic approach to treatment for these conditions.

Fibromyalgia Support

The Fibromyalgia Treatment Center (last updated in 2009)

xxx

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(Revised) There are lots of diet plans to choose from. Each has its own claims to fame — or at least its promise of a more healthful eating lifestyle. Part of the problems with those diagnosed with syndromes and conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia (FM) is that not everybody experiences exactly the same symptoms. For example, some with Fibromyalgia have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS); others do not. Therefore, the same as not every treatment plan works for everyone diagnosed with CFS or FM, there isn’t a “one size fits all” eating regimen either. Many find they must match their diet with their (for lack of a better word) form of their disease, syndrome, or condition.

Details on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet™
by Bernie Standish

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet™ (SCD™) is a grain-free, lactose-free, and sucrose-free diet that was originally designed for Celiac Disease. Today the SCD is also used for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Candida, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticulitis, Cystic Fibrosis, and Chronic Diarrhea. The SCD™ is proving helpful to many with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia as well. [Read more....]

The Anti-Inflammation Diet

Citing Jack Challem, author of The Inflammation Syndrome, this article by Catherine Guthrie explains the dietary steps to stamp out inflammation leading to high c-reactive protein (CRP) levels associated with the elevated risk of heart disease, arthyritis, fibromyalgia, and other disorders.

May the (Organic) Source Be With You

Most experts agree that organic and all natural foods free of chemical additives and preservatives are the healthiest food choices.

Diabetes and Diabetic Diets:

CookingWithPam.com Diabetic Cooking Section

Chronic-Illness.org Diabetes Section

The Everything Writing Well Cookbook recipe index

Special Diet Web Sites:

Enabled Cooking

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(Revised)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which is sometimes also referred to as Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E. or ME), is an illness characterized by prolonged, devastating fatigue. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is often also characterized by overlapping allergies, sensitivities, and symptoms from other conditions. The same factors that can make diagnosis difficult also affect how these symptoms are treated. These resources provide information about the tests and treatment protocols available for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the Placebo Effect

Prozac – A Problem Drug or a Scapegoat?

New Study Shows Promise that “Skin Tests” May Be Able to Provide a Definitive Diagnosis for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The Grand Challenge for Research

Learn how despite hundreds of millions being spent on AIDS research and more than $100 million on MS research, despite that in 2004 only $3.9 million for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome research, the NIH is imposing further CFS research funding cuts which has put researchers in a difficult position….

CDC Chronic Fatigue Treatment Information

Data from the U.S. government Center for Disease Control about non-pharmacologic therapy (physical activity, education,…) and pharmacologic therapy (prescription medication, experimental drugs and treatment,…) and dietary supplements and herbal preparations.

The Marshall Protocol for Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

In this interview, Trevor Marshall, Ph.D. explains why he believes his (controversial) protocol developed to relieve the symptoms of Sarcoidosis patients also works for those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Lyme Disease, and other illnesses and conditions.

Additional reading on the Marshall Protocol:
The Marshall Protocol, STAY AWAY FROM THIS ONE
Marshall Protocol Study Site

Steroid Medication No Help to CFS Patients Who Get that Faint Feeling

A January 2001 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH) press release on a study to determine whether steroid medication would provide relief for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients who experience light-headedness when standing for long periods of time.

Treatment at the Cheney Clinic

A reprint of an article that first appeared in the July/August 1998 issue of “The CFIDS Chronicle” (Vol. 11 No. 4) that details how Chronic Fatigue Syndrome expert Dr. Paul Cheney, M.D., Ph.D. treats his patients, including exercise recommendations such as the Bounce Back chair.

Dr. Paul Cheney on the Clinical Management of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Audio Tape Transcriptions of Paul Cheney, M.D. on the Clinical Management of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, from a workshop held in February of 1999.

Dr. Paul Cheney Treatment Information Radio Interview

C-Cure.org page of a radio interview with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome expert Dr. Paul Cheney about his experience and treatment information associated.

Dr. Paul R. Cheney’s Basic Protocol: 2003 Supplement/Health Aid

A page showing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome expert Dr. Paul Cheney’s 2003 basic protocol for treatment and supplement/health aid recommendations.

Dr. Cheney’s Basic Treatment Plan 2002

Information on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome expert Dr. Paul Cheney’s 2002 Basic Treatment Plan. Includes recommendations for rebound exercise, such as that possible with the Bounce Back Chair; prescription drug and supplements recommendations; and basic diet suggestions.

Cerebral & Systemic Hemodynamics Changes During Upright Tilt in CFS

Abstract and link to full text of a Journal of Neuroimaging article on “Cerebral and Systemic Hemodynamics Changes During Upright Tilt in CFS.” During the “tilt table test,” patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have higher rates of neurally mediated hypotension (NMH) and postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) than healthy controls.

Paul Cheney, M.D.’s Oxygen Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

An explanation of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome expert Dr. Paul Cheney’s method of prescribing oxygen for patients with alkaline venus blood.

Dr. Paul Cheney Discusses the Benefits of Klonopin

An interview with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome expert Dr. Paul Cheney about what he believes are the benefits of treatment with Klonopin and the supplement magnesium because of their neuroprotective qualities.

An Interview With Paul Cheney M.D., Ph.D.

A transcript of the February 28th, 1999 CFS Radio Program Host Roger G. Mazlen, M.D. interview with Dr. Paul Cheney.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Clinical Trials

A search index of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (and other) Clinical Trials.

Compare the Medical Conditions of Gulf War Veterans to CFS, Other….

Information on a completed Department of Veterans Affairs clinical trial comparing the medical conditions of Gulf War veterans to non-deployed veterans. Comparisons were made between Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, other conditions, and general health status.

Orthostatic Intolerance in Adolescent Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The abstract of a New York Medical College study on “Orthostatic Intolerance in Adolescent Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” with links to the full text of the article and to other articles that cite this study.

CFS and the Exercise Conundrum

Lucinda Bateman, MD
A (pdf) article about how one CFS patient was able to restore her muscular strength. Citing the exercise intolerance associated with CFS, the article states:

One thing patients and medical providers agree on is that CFS is characterized by post exertional malaise, a term that often understates a “payback” that varies from escalation of widespread pain, to exhaustion requiring a recovery day in bed, to serious relapse of the entire CFS symptom complex:the
cognitive dysfunction, flu-like achiness, fatigue, low grade fevers, lymph node tenderness and disturbed sleep patterns of weeks or months duration. Post-exertional malaise has always been considered a defining feature of CFS, although we are still uncertain why it occurs (Fukuda).

Holistic Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Center

The Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Center is the Web site for the Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers (FFC) founded by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia patient Dr. Kent Holtorf. These centers use a holistic approach to treatment for these conditions.

Chronic Fatigue Tests, Treatments, and Research is a post from: Chronic Illness.org

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