Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Chronic Fatigue and Joint pain

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Expert: - 1/9/2005


Question
    Hello, I need some guidance on my fatigue and joint pain/stiffness. When I go to work I come home and eat then sleep no energy to do the daily routine. Severe joint pain from my feet to lower back and from my elbows to my finger tips, debilitating pain. I'm missing a lot of work. I am a Vet and the VA here in Cleveland is dragging its feet and I am getting worse as the months go by. An X-ray of my two legs for a previous knee energy revealed to the " doctor " that I had early Rheumatoid arthritis. They put me on Choline MG Trisalysate, anti inflammitory. He also said I have the body of a 55 year old man. I am 36. The pills don't work. I have to do something?
    Thank you for any help you might have.
    James

Answer
Pain associated with CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome) travels & is rarely experienced in the same place on a regular basis.  But to be sure ask your doctor to give you an Epstein Barr test.  It's a simple blood test that will reveal whether or not you carry the EB virus.  If it's positive then chances are that you may have CFIDS.  If that is the case, most non-steroidal anti-inflammatories offer some pain relief.  If not then I'm at a loss for any more suggestions.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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Candy

Expertise

I was diagnosed (finally) with CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Disfunction Syndrome) in 1993. I am currently in "remission" (for whatever that`s worth). I have experienced the full range of emotions that go along with this disease and will be glad to "listen" to anyone who needs to vent their fears, confusion, frustrations, anger...(it helps). I can share what worked for me and what others have shared that worked for them. I can steer you in directions of help (ie: Social Security Disability claims, natural remedies, support groups, etc.). You are not alone.

Experience

Since my diagnosis, I have done a lot of research on the illness. I started the first support group in my area and organized "training" for physicians, nurses and care givers who believed in this disease and wanted to treat their patients that suffered . (It helped that I had been a Paramedic for 10 years before getting sick and had some medical knowledge.)

Organizations
National CFIDS Association, American Association of Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics

Education/Credentials
Emergency Medical Technician II, Emergency Intensive Care Paramedic

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