topic Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers? in Depression

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

blueangel — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 08:11:08 GMT

Hi Everyone 🙂

So I've had chronic fatigue syndrome for about 13 months now and honestly I can't remember what it's like to feel energised and not tired (ugh so over it..). I exercise daily, eat well (most of the time haha) and have quite bad caffeine habits (on average I have equivalent of 8-10 cups of coffee per day) but I'm feeling extra somnolent of late and need some new ideas.

Any advice or suggestions would be awesome!

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

Chris_B — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 00:35:35 GMT

Hi blueangel, welcome to the forums. Have a look through some of the threads in our Trauma and chronic physical illness forum.

These threads specifically may be of interest to you:

I have CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and other chronic health conditions

Fatigue - how do you cope?

Sick and tired of always being sick and tired

Just can't get out of bed, so tired

And these resources from beyondblue:

Chronic physical illness, anxiety and depression

Coping with a serious health event - how to keep mentally well

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

Denv12 — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 20:09:49 GMT

Hi blueangel.

I have cfs as well.And had OCD for several years. I can relate to the no energy thing.I have that.What I do to get through a day better is to do acupressure for CFS.Its rubbing pressure points that give you a little energy. I do them an hour before I get out of bed then after I get out of bed.There are times my energy levels drop at any moment I just do those pressure points again.

There are several pressure points.You can do a search for acupressure for cfs.I found one site that shows diagrams showing those pressure points.Rub each one gently for 30 seconds at a time.

Another thing I use everyday to reduce the severity,its called "Faster E.F.T". Its tapping on pressure points. You can use it for CFS as well.I've been using it for almost a year. You can do a search for "Faster E.F.T" where you can find diagrams,youtube videos,etc.There's even a support forum for people wanting advice while they use it.I used to feel very heavy as if I was dragging my feet but I'm a lot better because of those 2 things I do everyday.Its a work in progress but its worth the effort.

What sort of things do you do to get through a day? For me,I usually read books.(I buy a lot).Some self help books like acupressure,relationships,and just books on hobbies,etc.Helps my day. Living on my own is a pain,I dont get outside help.I have to get groceries,etc delivered.

You are welcome to compare notes anytime.

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

soulsolaris — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 07:04:27 GMT

Hiya, i am also diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia aswell as a huge handful of other symptoms. Like you, I'm abit lost as to how to deal with the fatigue or anything i can do for it. I hope we both find some answers. Mine is so severe i am incapable of doing pretty much anything. Right now im having a big flare up of symptoms so the fatigue is even worse.

Im interesting in trying some of the suggestions above. Unfortunately i dont have much to offer in terms of advice but i do completely understand and empathize with how you feel. xx

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

soulsolaris — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 07:07:56 GMT

I would however suggest if you havent maybe try cutting out certain foods. Ive cut out gluten and dairy and most grains. Im quite sure this flare up was because i actually decided to eat rice aswell as butter everyday for a few weeks and they are known to cause autoimmune reactions if you have gut issues. Im also personally wanting to look into a candida overgrowth and leaky gut as possible causes of my fatigue and other symptoms. May not be a whole lot of help but that's all i have to give, lol.

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

Nigel11 — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 05:15:41 GMT

I have finally been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue. I have been complaining of it for years. Doctors and specialists always put it down to my spinal fusion 14yrs ago. Now I have this along with Emphysema, IBS, Hearing Loss, Sleep Apnea and a few other conditions. I have been very limited in what I can do for years now. I can't remember when I last had a good day when I could actually think clearly without brain fog and constant neck pain.

I was knocked back for the 3rd time claiming the DSP. Originally I had 20 points in 2004. In 2014 it was reduced to 15 points and only last week they rejected my claim again and added to insult by reducing my incapacity to work to 5pts. I was literally gobsmacked. My conditions have been treated over the years event though not full diagnosed. Atm, the only relief I get is trying to sleep. But that has it's drawbacks, especially with Central Sleep Apnea. It only happens to me when I have day time naps. Possibly because I don't take sleeping pills during the day. I can't drive on the open highway or around town for more that 20-30mins either. I've lost half my hearing in one ear and am unable to wear aid as it irritates my ear.

I have so many issues that Centrelink won't even recognise my Chronic Fatigue as it is recently diagnosed and not treated or stabalised in there eyes. A real kick in the guts for me.

They all say that I need to go to a psychiatrist and that my condition is depression. They didn't even forward my claim to medical professionals. So now I have go back to specialists Lung, Orthopaedic, Psychiatrist just to name a few to convince them that my conditions are permanent. It sucks. I can't afford a CPAP let alone all my medications.

Any suggestions?

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

eightball — Wed, 18 May 2016 21:44:07 GMT

I have mild chronic fatigue and am severely depressed. Thanks

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

carolko — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 06:55:37 GMT

I have aquaduct stenosis; which requires brain surgery to put shunts in. I've now had about 21 of them; the last one causing brain damage (forgetfulness etc). I quit my job, moved to Geelong but now I find myself with no friends and I'm depressed. Life is strange....

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

LittleA — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 16:08:16 GMT

Hi blueangel.

I suffer cfs also. I'm only new to it, a few months in, so unfortunately don't have much advice. It's taken a massive toll on my relationship, to the point that I don't know if we'll last much longer. It's all too hard for my partner.

I also suffer depression & anxiety, which my cfs has enhanced 10-fold.

I hope you find some relief soon. All the best x

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

RJSDriver — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 12:58:44 GMT

Hello all,

I am undiagnosed CFS, but have clear symptoms. Mostly related to cancer surgery of stomach, chemo and later diet issues with gluten, lactose, sugar and other things.

Have improved my situation a lot, lost some weight, gained a good understanding of diet etc. Still wake up tired, go to sleep tired.

Just left another (of many) jobs due to this condition. Am broke, and have been mostly for past 20 odd years - being chronically tired is not good for working in most jobs, as the readers would know already.

I look hard for options, possible solutions to working while having this terrible illness, in 21 years never found one that really fits. Working is the only thing that will fix my financial situation, and is the one thing I cant really do. It sucks.

I have not obtained any treatment for this, as I know there isn't one worth looking at, other than the lifestyle changes I have already made. I am very reluctant seeing any so called specialists, as from my very extensive contact with medical people, they will get paid no matter what advice they provide.

CFS is my main driver for some depression I fight off from time to time. Life has been a real struggle, with small glimmers of hope here and there. They are the things I try to remember - birth of my kids etc.

Still searching for a solution......

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

Guest_7027 — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 00:38:45 GMT

Hi all,

This is my first ever post on these forums and am so glad to have finally found an online forum that deals with CFS. Since 1 June 2016 I have had post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS). When I Googled it, found that PVFS sometimes gets included with CFS. I think my condition has resulted from a very emotionally stressful year (e.g. job loss) as well my underlying low anxiety tendencies.

I found the resources on Emerge Australia's web site very useful as a starting point to better understand CFS and what one might be able to do. One of the key challenges seems to be that the 'causes' and therefore various treatments for CFS can be complex and not clear-cut. For me, it's been hard enough dealing with the physical fatigue, let alone the confusion of trying to figure out what to do, which advice to follow, etc; A friend of mine who'd worked as a naturopath said that there are many approaches to dealing with CFS, that everyone is different and therefore to try to trust one's own personal healing journey.

I'm a big believer that finding peer support really helps - particularly to at least offer each other comfort, breaking down feelings of isolation/loneliness/that no one understands what its like to have such huge fatigue - physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.

Again, I'm so glad that I've finally (after lots of searching around web sites, making phone calls to various organisations, asking friends, my GP etc;) found this online forum and just wanted to say 'hello' for now.

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

littleone13 — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 07:17:32 GMT

Hi BlueAngel

I suffer from CFS along with high-functioning depression & anxiety.

I'm currently unable to work which is a big deal for me. I'm working with my doctor and an exercise physiologist on my CFS which is good, but am also searching for a psychologist who specialises in CFS.

I hope you things are going okay in your battles and that today is an okay day xx

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

Denv12 — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 19:09:45 GMT

Hi blue angel.

I have cfs.Had it for years. Mine is severe it keeps me at home. I use acupressure everey day to help me get through the day.There are 8 pressure points you can gently rub for about 60 seconds each and do that a few times a day.I do it 2 hours before I get out of bed,when I get out of bed and again around 11am.Usually I can do most light chores around the home including making meals.

You can look up pressure points or acupressure.I just got to herbalshop.com then to their list of 199 ailments.Look up any symptom and clock on those.Look at the diagrams.You'll notice you'll feel better afterwards. Use it everyday.

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

CheeseSlices — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 04:08:29 GMT

I have been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue, but by a psychiatrist, does that count? The pain specialist said Fibro and disc issues in my back. The advice to me has been "rest" I have been trying to "rest" for over 3 years. Turns out I "rest" best, when being active and giving my body a break from the horrid treatments they enforced.

I am pure shocked at how much more energy I now have almost a year off neuroleptic medication. I sleep around 3-6 hours now, but before it was easy to sleep for 20 and I would still be sluggish (to the point of leaving stoves on, waters running, washing in machine for days). It was so so so hard to have the fatigue and then a tranquilliser added! I was too sick to see their treatment did not make sense. I do suffer in windows and waves of fatigue. If I do too much one day, I will be wiped out (incapacitated unable to shower, cook or clean) for weeks. If I am careful and manage the energy I can survive ok with doing basic life household chores. I still struggle with being off work, and boredom, yet not having the energy/money to do much else. Everytime I work, I end up in hospital (usually for a spew -a -thon, I vomit when the pain in my body gets too much, and then cant keep food/fluids down). I miss having more to do than living in 4 walls of a house and meeting basic life needs. Yet most nights passing out in a heap by 7pm because I just cant stay awake.

I would love to have the money for a diet overhaul. My problem is, shopping and then preparing fresh food involves planning for it to be cost efficient. Planning by someone who knows their capabilities and can manage to put a diet plan together - I am not that someone. I regularly would go out and buy fresh market food (as doctors directed) but was then wiped out for the week and the food would go off before I even had the energy to look at it ( living with another does not help matters much). Now I will buy food I know I can microwave for a quick snack (veg), fruit gives me headaches at times? But when I look at a $6 cauliflower, still needing to be washed, chopped and cooked, it is so overwhelming.

My carer prefers to opt for two meals at hungry jacks for under $6 when I am incapable.

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

Denv12 — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 20:19:04 GMT

I joined the Emerge Australia this week.Its a good start. Thank you for the suggestion.

Its good that other cfs sufferers have a place in Australia to support each other.Having a mental health issue and cfs we need support.

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

NewToCFS — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 01:42:28 GMT

Hi, found your post very useful and enjoyed reading through it. I have recently been told by my GP that I have CFS.

I had to take time off work as the symptoms are so unpredictable. One day I could feel 80% fine and thenext day I can't function at all

I have started eating better, green etc. doing self treatment since doctors can't do much 😞 You mentioned your friend being a naturopath I was wondering if you/ friend know of any good nutritionist/ dietician/naturopath in Melbourne . I am keen to get my diet evaluated including any intolerances and at least try and see if eating better can be of some help.

feeling helpless at the moment, I am a workohic and love my work so just the thought that I may never be able to function at 100% is terrifying. I just want to try out everything...

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

Sophie_M — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 02:04:28 GMT

Hi NewtoCFS, while we can't recommend practitioners here on the forums, we can provide support around managing fatigue symptoms. Have a look through some of the recommended threads Chris B gave at the top of the page, and you can always start your own new thread as well to tell us more about your situation.

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

Guest_7027 — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 04:43:48 GMT

I see that we're not to recommend particular practitioners, eg. dieticians, naturopaths, etc; In the meantime, I did find the resources on Emerge Australia's web site very useful. My GP had also recommended reading the book, Adrenal Fatigue (author: James Wilson), which then prompted me to take up restorative yoga and meditation (both of which have been very helpful) to help nurture my adrenals. The big challenge that I'm finding is that the few local in-person support groups are either too far for me to travel or that they're so stretched for resources, I don't hear back from them. In the meantime, this web site does really help at least bridge the sense of isolation.

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

Squinky — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 04:15:43 GMT

Hello I am wondering how did you get diagnosed with CFS? I've been seeing several doctors and some of them don't seem to believe in CFS.

I understand that there's some overlap between symptoms of CFS and depression, but for me it started with physical problems, now I'm in a kind of spiral with anxiety and depression cause I'm so fatiuged and can't get out. This week has been really bad, barely able to walk at all.

Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?

Guest_7027 — Thu, 18 May 2017 06:25:35 GMT

Unfortunately many GPs are not sufficiently trained to diagnose CFS, according to Emerge Australia. And according to the USA gov't org, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, Feb 2015 "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Key Facts" document, an estimated 84 to 91 per cent of the USA population have not been diagnosed, meaning that the prevalence of CFS is as yet unknown.

My recommendation is to look up 'integrative medicine' or the College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine to find a GP that focuses on holistic approaches, including dietary issues, to recovery. I did that and luckily found 2 fantastic GPs! And even better news, my recovery has been very good, according to the 2nd GP (i.e. it's nearly been a year and my adrenal saliva tests are showing a 50% improvement). August 2016 I could barely hold a mobile phone for 30 seconds - now I'm able to swim 10 laps of an Olympic pool. However, I still have brain fog, post-exertion malaise. For me, a real key is addressing stress management - restorative yoga and meditation have been absolutely fabulous. I also recommend Googling 'adrenal fatigue yoga', 'seratonin to better understand possible dynamics. Please remember that everyone is different, symptoms and underlying factors can vary.

Also, some state-based CFS/ME support groups (I found some via Google) do keep a list of preferred doctors, as recommended by their members. Perhaps you could also try contacting a state-based support group?