Jan 14, 2008 5:06 pm US/Eastern
Health: Chronic Fatique Syndrome
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
More than 13 years ago at age 26 Jennifer Spotila's life changed dramatically after she developed Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
"I literally felt like I walked into a brick wall. The illness hit me that fast and that hard and within two weeks I could barely walk six blocks from my apartment to work," said Jennifer.
Now she's working to help raise awareness about the syndrome. She is a board member of The CFIDS Association of America.
The organization has set up a display at 30th Street Station. The week long exhibit is aimed at helping people understand CFS which is often misdiagnosed according to Dr. Andre Garabedian.
"Most people think that this illness does not exist," said Dr. Garabedian with Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers Incorporated.
Dr. Garabedian, says CFS is very real and it's much more than being a little tired.
"It should be a in issue of intense fatigue that has been of six months duration or longer at least. But there are also associated symptoms," said Dr. Garabedian.
Those symptoms can include poor sleep, memory and concentration problems, muscle pain, frequent sore throats and fevers.
While there are some theories, it's still unclear what causes CFS but Jennifer believes increasing awareness will lead to new treatments.
"I'm very hopeful. I think that medical research is always advancing and I haven't given us hope of getting my life back," said Jennifer.
There is no one treatment for CFS. At this point treatments are designed to alleviate symptoms. However, once the syndrome is recognized reducing those symptoms can help patients significantly.
Information On Chronic Fatigue:
www.cfids.org
www.fibroandfatigue.com
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