Learning to live with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can be challenging at best. Due to its unpredictable nature, one must experience a few flare ups in order to be able to "forecast" the next one. However, not all flare ups are the same. The intensity and duration of flare ups often differ from the previous one.

Because of an autoimmune disorder I have, I had naturally assumed my symptoms were a result of that. I argued with my doctor frequently reagrding this: he said it was not related, I said there *has* to be something wrong. It took being diagnosed at the Cleveland Clinic to finally be validated. By then, I was well aware of my body's signals.

When I was first diagnosed, I had been suffering the symptoms for almost three years. By then, I could literally feel when a flare up was coming.  One of the first signs I have to warn me of an upcoming flare is I have an incredible wave of exhaustion come over me. This feeling almost always takes place when I am already resting or doing a non-exertional activity. This exhaustion feels like all of my muscles are weak, my body is weary and it is difficult to even move to lie down. With this feeling, I often feel jittery, as if I am having a hypoglycemic episode. When this hits, within days, my short term memory falters. I have difficulty to "word-finding", difficulty calculating math.  I don't want to do anything but rest. Some episodes are short, some are long. Some are fleeting waves while others are very intense.

Tips for Living with CFS:

* Slow Down! The first thing we think to do when we start feeling like our old selves is to pick up where we left off and go full speed ahead. This is *not* doable. You must slow down. To head back into life pre-flare will only throw you back into another one. Take your time.

* Eat Healthfully. I have found eating fatty foods during a flare makes me feel even worse, more bogged down. Eat lighter, healthier foods.

* Get rest whenever you need it. The housecleaning can wait. So can walking the dog.

* Enlist help from other members of the household. Your spouse or child will not die if they must pick up after themselves or help with cooking. They may think they will but trust me, they won't.

* Get plenty of sleep. I know this is a hard one. As someone who does not hit stage four sleep, I know this is almost impossible.  I do not recommend sleeping aids as they can become addictive or cause other nasty side effects. Try a lavender bath before retiring or some lavender essential oils on your pillow case. I find lavender very relaxing. Or, perhaps try some Valerian (be sure to check with your doctor about this first!).

* If you want to exercise, make it extremely light. Perhap a bit of walking. Just do not over do it!

* Stay away from unnecessary exertion. Post-exertional fatigue for someone with CFS is, frankly, a bitch to deal with.  Nobody likes the thought of being wiped out for 24 hours because they lifted a couch or moved furniture.

* If at all possible, see if your employer can accomodate your flare up. Some employers are very good about this whereas others just do not understand. I flared almost *all* summer and my employer was nice enough to allow me to go on inactive duty yet keeping my name on the roster.

* Keep stress to a bare minimum. Difficult, I know. This may mean having to disengage from arguments or taking a break  from certain areas of your life. This may be difficult but it can be done.

* Supplements. I take a multivitamin every morning. Yes, I have noticed a change.

* Cut out all apsartame products. Aspartame has been shown to intensiffy symptoms associated with CFS.


Whatever you do, remember: this is your life. This is your energy. Do NOT allow others to guilt you for not being able to participate in things like before. If they cannot handle the fact you cannot jump up at the word go, that is THEIR problem. Only you know how much you can handle. Learn to disengage. It might be one of the best things you do for yourself.