Chronic fatigue is a complex medical condition characterized by extreme and persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest. The key characteristic is that the fatigue severely limits and reduces a person's ability to carry out ordinary daily activities.
Some key facts about chronic fatigue:
- It is a serious, long-term illness that can greatly impact quality of life. The fatigue and exhaustion are very different from just being tired - it is more pervasive and unrelenting.
- The exact causes are unknown, but risk factors may include viral infections, immune system abnormalities, hormone imbalances, and genetics.
- There are currently no laboratory tests or biomarkers to definitively diagnose chronic fatigue. Doctors make the diagnosis based on ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms.
- The most commonly used criteria for diagnosing chronic fatigue is the CDC Symptom Inventory, which requires having fatigue for 6 months or more along with 4 out of 8 additional symptoms.
- There are two main forms of the disorder - ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) and idiopathic chronic fatigue. ME/CFS has slightly more specific diagnostic criteria.
- Treatment focuses first on managing symptoms the best as possible. Lifestyle adjustments, medication, cognitive and graded exercise therapy may help relieve symptoms for some patients. Full recovery is quite rare.
I know what it's like to struggle with profound, unexplainable exhaustion. Getting diagnosed with chronic fatigue is often a frustrating process of ruling out other potential causes first. While it may not seem like it when you're at your sickest, there is hope. Pace yourself, figure out your limits, and work closely with your medical providers at Renew Wellness Clinic to determine the best treatment options for you. With time and patience, many patients find ways to adapt and stabilize.