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CFS and Your Doctor

© Paul B. Murray

It has been my experience, ever since I was a kid, that when I became ill, it would pass shortly and I would be back to my old self. Often all that I needed to recover from an illness was a prescription from my doctor and several days of bed rest. This is not the case with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

When my wife first became ill, with what we now know as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, we went to our family doctor. Our journey into a possible recovery from my wife's illness began three years ago, when she started to experience fatigue. Over the next few months, her symptoms would multiple and many trips to doctors and specialists would soon follow.

Finding a doctor that is knowledgeable about Chronic Fatigue Syndreom can be a challenge. Many people who develop Chronic Fatigue Syndrome start off going to their family doctor for medical advise. Often, their doctor is very knowledgeable about many medical conditions and is able to treat them. Though you might have a wonderful family doctor who is considerate and trying to help with your illness, they still may be baffled by your condition and can not provide you with a medical explanation. As Chronic Fatigue Syndromes becomes more understood in the medical community, more doctors will be able to recognize the symptoms of CFS.

Often a patient is referred to an infectious diseases when their family doctor has exhausted all medical tests. Infectious disease doctors will have a deeper understanding of CFS. An infectious disease doctor should take that same approach as your general doctor by ruling out other possible illnesses. Often your family doctor and infectious disease specialist will work side by side, sharing test results and findings. Seeking out a diagnosis may require that you visit with several infectious disease specialists. Be persistent and do not allow any doctor make you doubt that you are ill.

When seeking medical advice from your doctor, it is vital that you discuss your symptoms openly and honestly. Your doctor should allow appropriate time during your visit to discuss your illness with out you feeling rushed. You should never feel that you are a burden on your doctor. It is equally important for your doctor to believe in your illness. A typical explanation from doctors that do not understand CFS is that the patient is experience psychological problems which are causing their symptoms. When a doctor doubts that you are truly ill, or does not allow appropriate time for your visits, seek out another doctor that will be concerned about your well being.

The copyright of the article CFS and Your Doctor in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is owned by Paul B. Murray. Permission to republish CFS and Your Doctor in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.