What Has Helped You Most With CFS?

I've had CFS since 1988, although fortunately I don't suffer from depression. What I like about exercise is that the stronger I am, the more I can do--I'm sure that would sound obvious to a healthy person, but nothing's obvious with brain fog! For me, too much physical exertion (exercise) causes the most severe symptom worsening. So when I was at my worst & close to bed-ridden from muscle atrophy, I started with one repetition of one physical therapy exercise & then waited a few days to see what kind of delayed reaction I had (now they call it post-exertion malaise). And I increased very slowly as I was able--over time I average 2 increases in repetitions a month. My physical therapy exercises are done lying on my back--in the beginning I did them on my bed because getting up from the floor was way too strenuous. And I've added hand & ankle weights over the years. At this time I can do my 6 exercises with 2-lb weights (that level has fluctuated over the years). Over the years I've also learned (from another CFS person) a helpful way to determine a doable level of functioning when I have no clue (like when I've lost ground during a very severe relapse). Whatever you think you can do, do half of that. If that causes no post-exertion malaise, increase by half to what you thought you could do. If you do get worse, do half of what you tried to do (when you're able, obviously). And go from there--I know it's frustratingly slow (have you tried mindfulness meditation?), & it usually takes me a few months to find my new normal, but it works for me. I'm sure you know to pay close attention to how your body's feeling at all times, and get enough rest. Sorry if I've gone on too long about this! As for what has helped me the most, that's easy--not over-doing (well, easy to say anyway).

I feel my diet has helped me most in healing my CFS. Previously I had been living on fast food and soda pop. Once I started eating real food and taking and assortment of vitamins I got my health back. There are other things involved in my health such as proper sleep, exercise, prayers and meditation but I feel without the proper diet I could not have gotten better.

I have had CFS for almost 4 years now which is hard to believe sometimes. I have what would be considered a more mild case given that I still work FT. But......this has been made possible by a combination of medication, supplements, and management techniques. Medication wise, I take 10 mg Adderall 5x week and diflucan for candida when it pops up. This gives me some energy and ability to cut through the fog to concentrate, and have some social life. For supplements, Ace LCarnitine, Vit B12, creatine, and D ribose have helped me the most. That combined with the medication allows me to function at a level to have a decent quality of life for someone my age (51). I still fight fatigue most of the day, but those take some of the edge off and make it more manageable. I know when to say no to things if I feel too tired, and make sleep a priority. I make sure to get 8 hours each night, and if I don't. a nap if possible helps. I take melatonin to help me sleep better. I hope this helps. I have a pocket full of pills each day to take, but that is life for me now. A lot of trial and error over these 4 years, but what I mentioned above works for me now.

magnesium helps pretty well- especially if you suffer from soreness in muscles due to constant muscle tension- also malic acid seems to help- I'm trying a NOOTROPIC called sulbutiamine- supposed to further relax muscles, help mood and memory- just started 2 days ago, but it SEEMS to be helping a little bit- but that could be placebo effect from trying something new- will have to give it some time. I did go sugar free for about 8 months once, it helped A LITTLE- nothing spectacular- and started getting weak again while off the sugar, so I was glad to get back on sugar as it does help in situations, especially when I hike- I carry a 'freezie' made up of sugar water really, and it gives me enough strength to get back to car when I've gone too far- gives me enough energy to get back- I also carry a pepsi to drink once I've made it to destination and right before I head back- I'm still at this point able to walk about 3/4 mile- but it's a painful experience- with lots of rest breaks along the way- and nothing picks me up quite like sugar does at strategic points along the way- I'll also take a magnesium right after I get back from hike to help with mucle soreness and to stop cramps that WILL come later that evening

I try to avoid known triggers like vinegar, acids like tomatos, berries etc- potatos, asparagus, spinach- eat bland, and hope for the best the next day when I walk-

Very simple answer.

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