[beth]

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome seems to be a not uncommon illness,especially among teens and young adults. My daughter suffered from it, as well as the suffering caused by both medical practioners and the general public, who thought she was faking it. Now MRI scans have shown that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is real, and can be detected from brain imaging. Anyone with this condition and who has been subject to derogatory comments should avail themselves of the latest research on this topic. Yes, it is a real disorder!!!!
The best "cure" we found for it, apart from vitamin supplementation, was a chinese herbal remedy called Astragalus. Many bottles later I am happy to report that my daughter is well.

[PearlyWrites]

YES! I was told I was pretending when I said I couldn't stay awake. I am def going to go and try this chinese herb. An MRI can now prove CFS? WOW!

The doctor that diagnosed me with EBV and CFS, I went back to visit last year and when I told him I felt a cycle was coming on, he told me that he felt that EBV and CFS was B................ (His exact words)

So I walked out of his office and told him to have a nice life. He was the one who diagnosed me with it 12 years ago and now it wasn't real? Thank you for offering this great remedy!

[beth]

Originally Posted by PearlyWrites

YES! I was told I was pretending when I said I couldn't stay awake. I am def going to go and try this chinese herb. An MRI can now prove CFS? WOW!

The doctor that diagnosed me with EBV and CFS, I went back to visit last year and when I told him I felt a cycle was coming on, he told me that he felt that EBV and CFS was B................ (His exact words)

So I walked out of his office and told him to have a nice life. He was the one who diagnosed me with it 12 years ago and now it wasn't real? Thank you for offering this great remedy!

Yep, the news that it could be picked up in a brain scan hit the TV news here about 2 months ago, so I guess it's been simmering in the scientific pipeline for a while. There are definite changes in the brains of people with chronic fatigue syndrome. I'd really like to tell my daughter's pediatricain to read it and then apologize, because he wanted to send her to a mental health team to be put on antidepressants!! nd an immunilogist who DID believe in it, was ok till we wanted him to sign a document for her school but he wouldn't do it as there was no real proof for CFS. The whole deal was medical nightmare so I sympathize with your plight. Beware - the astragalus is also expensive! But give it a try!

[writehandgirl]

I've wondered about this myself and will look into it. I've had horrible issues with being able to stay awake. It seems to be worse at some times during others. It's been blamed on allergies, depression and ADHD. I'm definitely curious about this Chinese Supplement.

[beth]

There are a surprising number of people with Chonic Fatigue Syndrome. It wasn't till it touched our family that I realised how many people out there are suffering with it. And also suffering because many people think the sufferer is putting it on. It gives sufferers an insight into what it is like to have a mental illness -- my daughter was told either directly or by implication to "pull her socks up". Thahnk heavens it has finally been picked up in MRI imaging. It would have made a big difference to her when she had it, as even two of her doctors were sceptical. Poor kid, she could barely eat she was so tired.

[MJ7]

I wonder if I have this or if I'm just exhausted from 2 active little boys. I still have to take naps. I eat okay and excersize moderately (walks and chasing and rough-housing with the boys). Car rides make me tired, people make me tired (malls esspecially). I may be having interrupted sleep though and not realize it. That's what I'd origionally thought as I deal with anxiety too at times. I'm not asking for a dx here, just thinking out loud I guess .

[beth]

Originally Posted by MJ7

I wonder if I have this or if I'm just exhausted from 2 active little boys. I still have to take naps. I eat okay and excersize moderately (walks and chasing and rough-housing with the boys). Car rides make me tired, people make me tired (malls esspecially). I may be having interrupted sleep though and not realize it. That's what I'd origionally thought as I deal with anxiety too at times. I'm not asking for a dx here, just thinking out loud I guess .

If you have to wonder whether you have CFS of not, then you don't. It's so debilitating, you wouldn't be able to rough-house with two active boys. You would be struggling to do anything at times, even dress yourself. Althought the condition fluctuates, there is never complete health. It mostly comes on after a virus too, it doesn't just come out of nowhere. And when it starts, it starts out convincingly. I've known several people through my own daughter's experience who've had to give up work -- some have even had to move back in with parents so they can be nursed till they get over the worst of it.

[MJ7]

Wow Beth, I had no idea how serious CFS was. My friend's mom has that and fibromyalsia (sp?) and I thought her being worn and bed ridden was due much to her pain not only to being sleepy, because she complains of pain all the time. I can't imagine living like that. Thanks for the info.

[beth]

Originally Posted by MJ7

Wow Beth, I had no idea how serious CFS was. My friend's mom has that and fibromyalsia (sp?) and I thought her being worn and bed ridden was due much to her pain not only to being sleepy, because she complains of pain all the time. I can't imagine living like that. Thanks for the info.

Often the two go together. But be happy! You don't have it!
At one point I had to make finger food for my daughter (not even finger food, coin-size food). She was just too tired to eat a normal plate of food. Four mouthfuls and she'd have to put it down as it was too much effort. And I had to homeschool her through this. I should be able to do anything now!

[MJ7]

Originally Posted by beth

But be happy! You don't have it!

Thanks Beth! I am glad. I feel really bad for those who do though .