Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Getting a Firm Diagnosis

Because Chronic Fatigue Syndrome remains somewhat of a mystery, it is often misunderstood and therefore, misdiagnosed. This illness affects people, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, or social status.

While both men and women can develop Chronic Fatigue, it typically affects women four times greater than with men. Additionally, this illness is most prevalent in people between 40 and 50 but again, it can affect children, although rare. With the numbers of cases growing, research is at full speed to find a cure.

Talk to a Doctor

If you suspect that you might have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the best thing you can do is talk to your doctor so a firm diagnosis can be made. The reason this is so critical is that the symptoms associated with this illness are found in many other diseases. Therefore, you need to have other and more serious illnesses ruled out so proper treatment of Chronic Fatigue can be made.

You also want to work with a doctor who understands and supports this illness. Since Chronic Fatigue Syndrome cannot be diagnoses using any type of laboratory test marker, the physician will base the diagnosis, at least at first, on examination findings. From there, the doctor may investigate the illness, using other testing options such as MRI, hormonal balances, and so on.

Diagnosing Criteria

Typically, the doctor will begin with a physical examination, coupled with you and your family's medication history. From there, the doctor will likely have a number of blood tests done, again to rule out other illnesses. Most importantly, the medical professional will use specific criteria to diagnosis Chronic Fatigue, which includes persistent and ongoing fatigue lasting longer than six months, as well as four of the following:

1.Sleep problems
2.Joint pain with no redness or swelling
3.Concentration impairment
4.Muscle pain
5.Sheer exhaustion following mental or physical exertion
6.Tender lymph nodes
7.Sore throat
8.Headache

Once diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Lyme Disease, Lupus, and others have been eliminated, the doctor would begin to focus his/her attention on Chronic Fatigue. Unfortunately, we see too many people reading up on Chronic Fatigue and thus, providing self-diagnosis.

Although you might have indication that you are suffering from this problem, you should never rely on your own findings. Again, you might have something such as cancer being the underlying problem and if ignored, you could find yourself in serious trouble, which is not to dismiss the intensity that Chronic Fatigue has on a person's body and life but with proper diagnosis, it can be treated. Additionally, this illness is not terminal, although at times, you might think so.

Misunderstood Condition

Remember, some doctors simply do not understand this condition and because of this, will provide a misdiagnosis or just not provide the medical and emotional support you need. Therefore, do not be afraid to seek out other medical assistance if the first doctor is not helping.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a very real illness, affecting over one million people in America alone. If left untreated, the condition can wreak havoc on a person, literally destroying a career, marriage, and self. The key with Chronic Fatigue, or any illness for that matter, is early diagnosis and treatment. You can start to feel better and have the energy you desire.

Copyright (c) 2008 Hailey Harris

Article Source: http://www.a1-articledirectory.com

Hailey Harris is an expert in dealing with Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia symptoms after suffering for more than 8 years with health problems. She is now symptom free and living a pain free life. She developed Ridfatigue.com found at www.ridfatigue.com to help others learn to do the same. To receive tons of info, tips, and healing strategies for free visit www.ridfatigue.com/how.html .

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