Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are similar and poorly understood syndromes. They both share many symptoms, and chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia can co-exist. The predominant feature of fibromyalgia is pain; the predominant feature of chronic fatigue syndrome is fatigue - - severe, debilitating, unremitting fatigue.
Make no mistake, chronic fatigue syndrome can be very debilitating and can dramatically affect the quality of your life. If you have chronic fatigue syndrome, you have probably been exhausted for at least six months, and probably longer. Most people with chronic fatigue syndrome say they are sick and tired of being sick and tired.
People with chronic fatigue syndrome usually have other symptoms, too. People with chronic fatigue syndrome frequently complain of headaches. It's common for chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers to have what they call "traveling pains," pain that moves around. The pain of chronic fatigue syndrome can be in the joints or muscles. Another thing that chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers complain of is sore throat. They may have swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpits.
People with chronic fatigue syndrome are frequently advised to "get more exercise." Unfortunately, the fatigue is frequently worse-not better-after exercise. Chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers frequently have trouble sleeping, too-especially after exercise. Other people with chronic fatigue syndrome sleep deeply and often, and still have little energy for life.
What causes chronic fatigue syndrome? Nobody really knows-yet. Some theories include genetic abnormalities, neurotransmitter imbalances, post-viral syndrome or a prolonged somatic response to severe physical or psychological trauma. Some people don't believe chronic fatigue syndrome even exists, and may accuse chronic fatigue syndromes victims of malingering.
What helps chronic fatigue syndrome? To be honest, not much. People try a lot of different things to treat chronic fatigue syndrome. Diet and exercise and supplements. Stimulants, sleep medications and antidepressants. You just keep trying things, hoping something will help.
One thing that often does improve fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome victims is vitamin B12. The easiest, safest, most effective way to take vitamin B12 is by using the B12 Patch. You simply apply a patch to the skin, usually behind your ear, and leave it there for 24 hours. You only need one patch a week, and the vitamin B12 is absorbed directly into your bloodstream. You could begin to feel less fatigued soon after starting to use the B12 patch.
