For those who go from brushing off their sudden onset of exhaustion to stress, poor diet, or other factors to worrying about the new inability to complete the tasks of our daily routine, it’s time to review the warning signs for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a complicated disorder characterized by extreme exhaustion from physical or mental exertion that does not improve with rest.
While the disease may affect as many as 2.5 million Americans, little is known about the cause of the illness, and there is not yet a defined treatment protocol, because symptoms vary so greatly from patient to patient.
If you suspect that your exhaustion is more than just a sleep deficit, or if you exhibit a combination of at least four of the following signs, you should make an appointment with your doctor or a specialist who can help you rule out other causes and determine if you might be suffering from CFS.
Below are some of the warning signs of chronic fatigue syndrome:
Unexplained, Persistent or Relapsing Fatigue Of New Or Definite Onset
Feeling tired while putting in extra hours at work isn't uncommon, but if you have a sudden sense of exhaustion that’s either continuous or relapsing on a regular basis, over a period of six months or longer, it may be cause for concern. CFS fatigue is not alleviated by rest, and results in a significant reduction in previous productivity levels in your work, educational, social and family life. The exhaustion may have a definite onset, such as coinciding with an illness or stressful life event.
Extreme Exhaustion Lasting More Than 24 Hours After Mental or Physical Exertion
Feeling worn out after a long week at the office or an intense workout at the gym is normal, but if you wake up after a day of gardening and feel like you’ve just run a marathon and can’t shake the exhaustion for a day or longer, you may be experiencing a symptom of CFS.
Unrefreshing Sleep
It is not unusual for adults to suffer from bad sleep - we may be using bad pillows, drinking too much caffeine or staying plugged into stimulating digital devices until bedtime. However, CFS patients report that they wake up feeling as exhausted as they did the night before, on a regular basis or with certain triggers. If you don’t get relief from your fatigue after a night of sleep, you may need to call your doctor to find out more about what’s causing your symptoms.
Impaired Memory or Concentration
Many CFS patients report feeling a “brain fog.” They say they have difficulty thinking, a slowed understanding, trouble finding the right words, and problems with reading, writing and math. They also report issues with short-term memory, such as difficulty keeping track of things, as well as poor concentration on the tasks in front of them.
‘Molasses Fatigue’
We all move a little slower when we’re tired, but for CFS patients, even basic movements are burdensome. Patients have reported feeling a heaviness in the limbs and a feeling like they are moving through molasses when walking, raising arms, or performing other basic movements.
Unexplained Muscle Pain
Patients with CFS report unexplained muscle pains and aches not linked to intense physical activity. When tested, CFS sufferers tend to show a lower threshold for pain than their healthy counterparts, which may factor into their soreness.
Joint Pain Without Redness or Swelling
Joint pain is typically accompanied by redness or swelling, an indication that you may have a number of conditions, such as arthritis. However, CFS patients often report joint aches and pains that occur in several parts of the body at once and have no definitive cause. These pains also lack the physical characteristics and signs that typically accompany joint pain.
Enlarged Lymph Nodes in Your Neck or Armpits
Enlarged lymph nodes are a trademark sign of CFS, as well as many other illnesses. Phantom lymphadenopathy, or a feeling of swollen or tender lymph nodes that can’t be felt by a doctor upon examination, is also commonly associated with CFS sufferers.
New or Worsening Headaches
Headaches are the most common form of pain we feel. In general, new, symptomatically unique, or worsening headaches are a sign that you should make an appointment with your doctor, because it could be linked to a number of problems. For CFS sufferers, severe headaches are a common symptom that accompanies extreme fatigue and other factors.
Difficulty Maintaining an Upright Position, Dizziness or Fainting
CFS patients often become exhausted after standing for periods of time or maintaining an upright position, or feel dizziness that goes away when they lie down. If you have developed an unusual difficulty standing, new balance problems, or have begun having fainting spells, you should speak with your doctor to rule out any other medical conditions (such as blood pressure problems). Determine whether or not this symptom, combined with the others listed above, may be linked to CFS.
Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Reporting your symptoms to your doctor is important in getting a proper diagnosis and establishing a treatment plan. However, it is important to be patient. Because there is no single test or series of tests to diagnose CFS, doctors must first rule out other causes for your symptoms. They may include studies to rule out sleep disorders, lab tests to rule out thyroid conditions, anemia, or diabetes, and tests to rule out psychological factors that could be contributing to your fatigue, such as depression or anxiety.