$Unique_ID{BRK00944}
$Pretitle{Mental and Emotional Conditions}
$Title{What is "The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome"?}
$Subject{chronic fatigue description CFS}
$Volume{E-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is "The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome"?


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QUESTION:  Would you please discuss a condition called "The Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome"?  I am sure that is killing my daughter, but I have yet to find a
doctor who understands just how serious this is or how to treat it.  With all
your research, you must surely have found out something that can help us.
Please?

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ANSWER:  I can understand your frustration and anxiety, for this syndrome, is
just as perplexing and difficult for physicians as well.  To start with a
"syndrome" (rather than a "disease") merely refers to a group of symptoms that
occur together, rather than a defined disease with a known cause and
hopefully, a cure.  For the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) the symptoms
usually consist of tiredness and fatigue, that may vary in severity or
duration, fever, joint and muscle aches, problems with memory, swollen glands,
sore throat and headaches.  All of these symptoms are very common, in fact
fatigue or tiredness, is probably one of the most common complaints patients
bring to their physicians.  In addition not all patients who are diagnosed as
suffering from CHF possess all the symptoms I've outlined.  For some time,
this syndrome was linked with infection by the Barr-Epstein Virus which causes
mononucleosis, but recent studies have failed to confirm this relationship.
Many patients with CFS have no sign of the virus, while others with no
complaints at all show laboratory evidence of previous viral infection.  The
syndrome seems most common in women between the ages of 30 and 50, and can be
severe enough in some patients, to disrupt their professional and personal
lives.  While the medical literature contains conflicting reports, many
physicians now find that their patients improve when placed on medications
(tricyclic antidepressants), and when appropriate medications for pain,
headaches and muscles aches are prescribed.  Patients also do better when they
understand that the syndrome is not a fatal or progressive disease, and when
they continue to work with the physician.  Your problem seems to be in finding
a considerate and concerned physician, who understands the problems of CFS and
is willing to work with the patient.  Keep searching, for I can assure you,
many such physicians do exist, and will help your daughter overcome.
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.
