Most experts agree that it is the same as fibromyalgia. CFS patients tend to have higher pain thresholds and so hurt less, but have many of the other symptoms. At first, these come and go, but gradually there are no good days. Like fibromyalgia, 85% of CFS patients are women and combined these conditions affect over ten million people.

Patients are tired, grouchy, nervous, depressed; suffer from insomnia, poor memory and concentration. Other complaints are headaches, dizziness, eye irritation, nasal congestion, ringing ears, restless legs, numb extremities, irritable bowel, nausea, gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Bladder infections, weak fingernails, weight gain, itching or crawling skin, rashes, and light-sound-odor sensitivities are common.

There is no widely accepted treatment, but most get considerable help. Experienced doctors applying various methods seem to work best for their patients. The Internet can provide more detailed and helpful information.

R. Paul St. Amand, M.D.
Fibromyalgia and Endocrinology
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.