The current criteria for CFS is as follows:
Clinically evaluated, unexplained, persistent, or relapsing fatigue that is:
- Of new or definite onset
- Not a result of ongoing exertion
- Not alleviated by rest
- Results in a substantial reduction in previous levels of occupational, social, or personal activity
Four or more of the following symptoms that persist or recur during 6 or more consecutive months of illness & that do not predate the fatigue:
- Self-reported impairment of short-term memory or concentration
- Sore throat
- Tender lymph nodes
- Muscle pain
- Multi-joint pain without swelling or redness
- Headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity
- Unrefreshing and/or interrupted sleep
- Post-exertion malaise (this is a feeling of general discomfort or uneasiness) lasting more than 24 hours.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Active, unresolved or suspected disease that is likely to cause fatigue
- Psychotic, melancholic, or bipolar depression (but not uncomplicated major depression)
- Psychotic disorders
- Dementia
- Anorexia or bulimia nervosa
- Alcohol or other substance misuse
- Severe obesity
Additional symptoms that are not listed with the official diagnostic CDC criteria:
- Pain
- Allergies
- Chemical sensitivities
- Secondary infections, including Candida and viral infections
- Cognitive impairment, including short-term memory loss, difficulty concentrating and doing word searches and math problems
- Digestive disturbances, such as chronic constipation or diarrhea, usually alternating
- Night sweats or spontaneous daytime sweats, unaccompanied by fever
- Weakness, muscle fatigue, and pain
- PMS that worsens
- Sleep disorders, including excessive sleep (hypersomnia), light sleep, or an inability to sleep for more than an hour
- A period of 1 – 3 hours after awakening during which sufferers are too exhausted to get out of bed
- Cystitis, particularly Interstitial Cystitis in which urine cultures are negative
- Vision and eye problems including sensitivity to light, dry eyes, tunnel vision, night blindness, and difficulty focusing
- Dizziness
An initial office exam by a physician may also find the following signs:
- Low blood pressure, particularly on standing
- Slightly elevated oral temperatures, but less than 100 degrees F which are part of persistent flu-like symptoms
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- A positive Romberg test (unsteadiness when standing with eyes closed)
Other symptoms that I have found that are common:
- Low Cortisol levels
- Low Pregnenalone levels
- Hypothyroidism
- Chronic active levels of Epstein Barr Virus
- HV6 (Human Herpes Virus 6) – active levels
- Low functioning levels of NK (Natural Killer) Cell Activity
As you can see from this huge list, CFIDS is a very complex disease – can you see why I so want the name officially changed? It is so much more than just “Chronic Fatigue”.
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