Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia (Part 1)

Chronic Fatigue & Fibromyalgia Part I

by Dr. George Crabb

"Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird" (Proverbs 1:17.) That means an enemy cannot win if you see and understand what he is doing. Your enemy is chronic fatigue syndrome, and according to the proverb, your first step to victory is understanding your condition. Armed with a factual, truthful knowledge about what you are facing, you will better know how to pray and make wise treatment decisions. God does not intend for us to accept passively the physical attacks that assault us. We can fight back with knowledge, wisdom, faith, and prayer! In the natural we can strengthen our immune system, and in the spiritual realm, we can strengthen our faith. Claim the following verses from Psalm 59: 9, 17, "Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence...Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy." Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is fatigue that is so severe it is disabling. When diagnosed in its early stages, CFS is much easier to treat. There is no known cure for CFS, which is also called chronic fatigue, immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS). Symptoms include debilitating fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and may be worsened by physical or mental activity, impairment of short-term memory or concentration, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle and joint pain and headaches. Symptoms must be present for more than six months without any other medical explanation. Individuals with CFS function at a substantially lower level of activity than before onset of the illness, and many are to continue holding jobs, attending school or caring for themselves or family members. Common Causes of Chronic Fatigue #1Chronic candida (yeast) infections and other chronic infections often caused by the overuse of antibiotics, food allergies, anemia, low blood sugar and low thyroid function. #2 Excessive stress #3 Sleep disturbances #4 Depression If you are experiencing symptoms of CFS, get a complete physical exam by your physician and meet with your pastor to make sure that your spiritual life is healthy as well. Your doctor will need to rule out a number of diseases that are also linked to excessive fatigue. In addition, CFS can also be a side effect of certain medications, including antihistamines, blood pressure medications, arthritis medications, antianxiety medications, tranquilizers, antidepressants and numerous other medications. Fibromyalgia shares many of the same symptoms and remedies as CFS, but it has some additional factors as well. We will take a look at fibromyalgia in our next blog. In future blogs we will discuss what can be done to help an individual suffering from CFS or fibromyalgia.