How do doctors determine

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

I could really use some help here on this... is there a guidline out there?  Is there a list of symptoms besides exhaustion?  I'm just looking for answers to what might be wrong with me... I'm at my wits end.

singlemamma, my understanding is that diagnosis is done by process of eimination as well as by looking at symptoms. First a lot of bloodwork is usually done to rule out other illnesses because CFS symptoms are present in a lot of diseases. When all other illnesses are ruled out and your symptoms match CFS, then sometimes a diagnosis is given. I have read that some infectious diseases docs have been good at diagnosing CFS. There are some people here seeing endochronologists too to make sure their endochrine system is working okay, so that is also worth a try.

I remember seeing you on the lupus forum too and I'm guessing the docs are still trying to determine what you have. I do know how frustrating the whole process is and it can go on for a long time. When I first got lupus symptoms it took almost 3 years for me to get a diagnosis. Just don't give up. I might do some more reading later about diagnostic criteria for CFS, if I find anything new, I'll post it.

Take care

---

singlemamma,

I to understand that it's a process of elimination. i wish they knew for sure what caused it then maybe we could all be cured. Now that would make a great Holiday present for us all.

I know this is going to seem like a strange and unsatisfactory answer, but since there is no real treatment for CFS, getting a correct diagnosis is kind of academic (meaning it doesn't really make that much of a difference for any practical purpose). Once you are sure there is nothing else causing your symptoms, your own opinion is pretty much as valid as your doctor's, and it may be your job to convince him or her that CFS is what you believe you have.