Chronic fatigue syndrome

• Symptom-based treatment
• Education about the disease
• Regular follow-up visits to rule out alternative diagnoses

Lifestyle changes may also be necessary. While they cannot cure the symptoms of CFS, they can make life more manageable and enjoyable. Increased rest, the use of stress reduction and management techniques, dietary restrictions, nutritional supplementation and minimal exercise may be recommended by your doctor. Supportive therapy, such as counselling, can also help you to identify and develop effective coping strategies.

You may also benefit from keeping an energy diary. Keep a log for several weeks, noting the times when you feel the most fatigued and what activities you performed during the day. This helps some people learn the patterns of their illness and identify factors that may be contributing to fatigue or other symptoms, such as headaches. Schedule naps and adjust your schedule to fit your energy patterns. Perhaps making time to relax and meditate during certain times of the day will be useful. Avoid situations that you know to be physically or psychologically stressful.

Work with your doctor on a moderate exercise plan. Some CFS sufferers will experience profound fatigue even after very modest exercise, so start off slowly. Begin with as little as five minutes of moderate exercise, increasing the level of activity slightly every two or three weeks.

Diet is also an effective way to take control of your illness. Research suggests that CFS patients benefit from a diet low in animal fat and high in fibre with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Talk to your doctor about foods that will increase your energy levels and help with symptoms.