$Unique_ID{BRK01365}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases, Resources}
$Title{A Special Letter About Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome}
$Subject{chronic fatigue}
$Volume{N-23, R-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


A Special Letter About Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome


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A SPECIAL LETTER:  When I saw the letter to you about Chronic Fatigue Immune
Deficiency Syndrome (CFIDS) I had to write to you.  I am 23 years old and have
had CFIDS for almost 5 years.  It's been difficult but I am getting stronger.
I would like to help the person who wrote in.  1) Don't think you're a
hypochondriac, you're not.  2) You have to know your body better than you
think possible.  Keep a health diary of what you eat and do, what illnesses
you get and how you feel.  Eventually a pattern will develop and you can cut
certain foods and/or activities that trigger a "down" time.  3) Take vitamin
supplements.  They won't work miracles but they will help your body's immune
system, and they won't hurt you if taken properly.  4) have tests run to rule
out other problems such as Lupus, hypoglycemia, or thyroid problems.  5) Find
a support group.  If you are near a larger city, chances are there are
several.  Knowing you are not alone helps immeasurably.  You will also get:
information from fellow sufferers on their trials and successes, names of
doctors that will listen and believe you, and information on the latest
research.  6) There are several books on the market that deal with CFIDS.  If
you don't have the energy for a support group, one of the books will help
almost as much.  Good luck.  It will seem like an eternity, but there is hope.
L.H.

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ANSWER:  I couldn't pass up publishing this letter from a charming young
woman, for it provided the answers that many CFIDS sufferers need to read.
And it is much better coming from someone who has fought and seems to be
winning the battle.  She sounded so up beat when I spoke to her on the phone,
that I knew her message was a sincere and hopeful one.  And it is not a rare
disorder.  Once called "yuppie flu", it was also thought to be the result of
an infection with the Epstein Barr virus at one time.  According to some
estimates as many as 3 million Americans may be afflicted, and there is still
no known cause or cure.  According to the new definition of this syndrome,
sufferers have a quick onset of fatigue that decreases their activity level by
fifty percent for at least six months and have no other conditions diagnosed
that can explain the symptoms.  Other symptoms may include a mild fever,
muscle weakness, headaches, joint pain, sore throat and sleep disturbances.
With no definitive treatment the symptoms are treated with aspirin for muscle
and joint aches and pains, sleeping pills to help sleep disturbance and low
dose anti-depressants to help overcome the general stress that accompanies the
ailment.  And there are many resources for more information about the current
state of knowledge of the disease, as well as the availability of local
chapters and support groups.  Interested readers can contact one of these
national associations:  Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Society,
Box 230108, Portland, Oregon 97223; Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction
Syndrome Association, Box 220938, Charlotte North Carolina, 28222; and the
National Chronic Fatigue Association, 919 Scott Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas,
66105.  All of the associations publish newsletters about the disease, have
information about other informative publications, and support and know the
locations of local patient support groups.  While there were no support groups
back in 1980, there are now literally hundreds all over the country to provide
needed help and information.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
