Community› The Bump Message Boards› Toddlers: 12 - 24 Months
Toddlers: 12 - 24 Months
New Discussion

NBR: Anyone have chronic fatigue syndrome?

smiling76smiling76 member
in Toddlers: 12 - 24 Months

After a couple of visits to the rheumatologist and 12 vials of blood, she basically said that I have chronic fatigue syndrome.  She gave me muscle relaxers because my muscles hurt so bad I can barely move--and can't sleep-- and wants me to do physical therapy (which the closest place in my insurance is about 45 minutes away each way---who has time for that??!!)  AND told me warm baths--- yeah, I haven't had a chance to sit in my tub for about two years--it's 15 min showers for me.  And she told me walk as much as I can with the kids.  I do that already.  The issue is that I can't do more because I'm in so much pain and just so weak. 

I just want to cry.  I just wondered if anyone else has dealt with this and what helped you.  I just want to be active and have energy again.  I enjoy running but can't even do that anymore.  I've tried.  She may try cymbalta in a few months--but wants to try this method first (which I appreciate--I'm not a huge medicine person). 

 


My new "mom" blog: http://realityofamommy.blogspot.com

image

image


[img]
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]
image




Notes:
Report Reply to Post

Re: NBR: Anyone have chronic fatigue syndrome?

  • zeldadoggo121zeldadoggo121 member
    I have fibromyalgia which is similar. Instead of physical therapy I just do a workout or zumba tape before the baby wakes up. I try for 30 minutes 3-4 days a week which is a lifesaver. I take melatonin at night and always go to bed at the same time which helps me sleep better. I take gabapentin for the muscle pain. I know you don't feel like walking and exercising but once you push through a few times you'll start feeling so much better, the muscle pain will go and you will have much more energy.
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • BrendaLou1969BrendaLou1969 member

    I too have Fibromyalgia.(CFS and Fibro commonly overlap and have alot of the same symptoms - some have even argued that they are the same condition).. physical therapy really helps, so does swimming.  But from your post is sounds pretty bad.  My Rhum. told me light workouts really help (stretching, yoga etc) - which I did, but I ended up on pain pills and muscle relaxents - which changed my life. 

    Do you have a swimming pool or gym nearby?  Can you get to a yoga class?  At PT they taught me alot of stretches and light exercies to do at home.  Moving really helps with the pain, even tho it is painful to do them.

    I highly recommend you consider Cymbalta... it is supposed to really help with CFS.

    If the house ain't burned down and the baby's fed it was a successful day. Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
  • LoveBug10-09LoveBug10-09
    I have Fibromyalgia, although, I've been diagnosed with CFS, too. I kind of think they just seem to overlap. I also have Sjogren's syndrome. I agree with the others, staying moderately active is extremely helpful. Resting is important, but if I spend too much time sleeping/sitting/not moving, it just seems worse. Don't push yourself too hard, but a little bit helps keep your muscles strong, which is important.
    "Love is an act of endless forgiveness; a tender look that becomes a habit." Lilypie First Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • studyinpinkstudyinpink member

    I have had CFS since I was 17 and was diagnosed a few years ago. A disgnosis of CFS means you have to rule out absolutely everything else and usually takes a long time and lots of testing.

    The best advice I can give is to take it one day at a time. Post exertional malaise is a defining feature of CFS so you really have to learn how to pace yourself throughout the day.

     Go to CFIDS.org and make sure you have at least six out of eight of the symptoms they list. Fibromyalgia is similar and many people have both but they are not the same thing. You can email me at stephaniemarie.diehl@gmail.com if you want to talk.

     

    Stephanie

    Lilypie Third Birthday tickers Lilypie First Birthday tickers Image and video hosting by TinyPic
    Report Reply
  • Jennicita_abqJennicita_abq member

    I've had CFS for about 11 years now (getting it as a teen) and let me tell you that it is QUITE hard getting used to your limitations, which is what it sounds like you're dealing with now. First off, let me tell you how sorry I am of your diagnosis as the first year is the hardest. Everyone is different of course, and different things help different people but what has helped me the most is controlling my stress (easier said than done, I know!) and watching my food allergies (wheat is the biggest culprit for me but lactose intolerance and a history of candida can cause problems if I don't watch those too). Because there is no 'cure' for cfs it is mostly about beefing up your already wacked out immune system. Your body is fighting against itself and your defenses are low so a good multi-vitamin, vit C and PLENTY of rest will be your best friends. For most people (including fibromyalgia sufferers, it sounds like) if you're tired and you push yourself to be active, you'll feel better. This is NOT the case with CFS, doing something like that could easily put you in bed for a week. Start way easy. Walking a little longer each day, playing with your kids (not sports or anything, but whatever you feel you can do at any given time). Everyday will be different and you have to learn to monitor how you're feeling so as not to overdue. I'm still doing that. I'm 6 weeks pregnant myself and will have to see how this effect my cfs. But once you learn about yourself and how much is too much for you it DOES get better, believe me :-)

    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"