◦ Tender cervical or axillary nodes
◦ Muscle pain
◦ Multi-joint pain without redness or swelling
◦ Headaches of a new pattern or severity
◦ Unrefreshing sleep
◦ Post-exertional malaise lasting over 24 hours
Living With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Reporting your symptoms to your doctor is important in getting a proper diagnosis and establishing a treatment plan, but there are steps you can take at home to minimize the impact CFS has on your life. Among them:
Accept Your Illness And Communicate To Those Who Can Help: The biggest challenge, perhaps, for many CFS sufferers is accepting their newly limited status. Learn to accept your condition and communicate it to those who need to know. Rather than fearing a sideways glance from an employer, share with them what you feel comfortable disclosing and discuss options to avoid jeopardizing your job. A leave of absence, revised work schedule or duties, or remote work options may help you stay on top of your duties, especially if you have a long commute or stressful position. Communicating to loved ones may encourage them to help with tasks like yard work and home projects that will help you save your energy for more important tasks.