health

CFS is a disorder that affects a number of body systems, ranging from
digestive problems, soreness in joints and muscles, and difficulties with
thinking and memory to sleeping problems, chest pain, headaches, and
extreme tiredness that is not relieved by rest. Although the disorder bears
some resemblance to such other disorders as Lyme disease or fibromyalgia,
it includes some symptoms that do not occur in these disorders.
The symptoms of CFS vary in severity from patient to patient and may
vary over time for an individual patient.
Many cases of CFS start in the winter following an episode of influenza,
an influenza-like illness, bronchitis, or other viral-like illness; however,
a significant number appear to be triggered by a period of
psychological stress. In a few cases, patients reported that their chronic
fatigue began after a blood transfusion. Others have said that their symptoms
began for no apparent reason.
CFS carries a high cost in time lost from work and social activities for
many people. About half of patients diagnosed with CFS either have to
reduce their work load or stop working altogether. One set of studies
reported that only 42 percent of CFS patients were employed; of those
working, 64 percent limited their work because of CFS, and only 19 percent
of patients worked full time without limitations. The illness has a
high psychological cost as well, since it makes it hard for people to carry
out household chores, complete their education, or plan for the future.
Many patients also worry about the long-term impact of chronic fatigue
syndrome on their marriage or family relationships.