Symptoms Associated With Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia

Author : Sheryl Walters 

The primary symptom of Fibromyalgia (FM) is pain, and the primary symptom of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is extreme fatigue.

There are many other symptoms that are commonly experienced by people who suffer from these illnesses. Some people may have some of them and others may have all of them. Generally, in order to be diagnosed, one would have at least four of these symptoms.

- Fatigue - This symptom is more characteristic of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome than Fibromyalgia, but is a key symptom of FM symptom as well. A complete exhaustion is experienced. A total drain of energy in the body and brain is often depicted by sufferers. Arms and legs may feel like bricks, and just walking out the door can be a grueling activity. It may feel as though you have done a strenuous workout for hours after simply doing walking up the stairs.

When activities or exercise are carried out, the body often does not have the fuel to cope. One day or more of total collapse and no activity may be needed to recuperate.

- Pain - Pain is the primary symptom for people with Fibromyalgia, but is very common in people with Chronic Fatigue. A deep aching, throbbing, shooting, and stabbing are often described by patients. They may feel as though they have been beaten up or lifted heavy weights. The pain and stiffness can be excruciating and all consuming, and are often worse in the morning.

Most of the pain is in the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. However, this pain is not due to swelling, and does not cause deformity.

- Sleeping Problems - Non refreshing sleep is a common symptom, which is characterized as feeling exhausted upon waking up. A sleep disorder called the alpha-EEG anomaly has been identified through a machine that records brain waves of patients during sleep.

Researchers have found that falling asleep is not necessarily an issue, but the deep level (also called stage 4 or non REM) sleep is interrupted by bursts of brain activity that is similar to being awake. This means that no matter how much sleep they have had, it doesn't feel satisfying.

Many sufferers may have other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, (interrupted breathing), jerking arms and legs, and restless leg syndrome (difficulty sitting still in the evenings). A lack of sleep or insomnia, even after being extremely tired is often experienced.

Digestive Problems - People with these conditions frequently have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence, bloating and nausea are symptoms characteristic of IBS. Acid reflux is also commonly associated with CFS and FM.

- Chronic headaches - People with these disorders often report regular migraine or tension-type headaches.

- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome - This syndrome, also known as TMJ causes chronic jaw, face and head pain, and is common for CFS and FM sufferers. It may be the jaw itself, or it may be the muscles and ligaments that surround and support the jaw that ache and cause pain.

- Sore Throat - A chronic sore throat is associated with these disorders. It may be accompanied by swollen glands, fever, or a general flu-like feeling.

Some people's sore throat is the result of an infection that can be tested for. Others people's sore throat is not caused by a diagnosable infection, but is just a general symptom of being under the weather.

- Premenstrual syndrome - Water retention, horrendous mood swings, painful cramps, and headaches may be experienced before or during the period.

- Brain Fog - A general inability to concentrate is often described by people with these disorders. They may experience chronic forgetfulness, short term memory loss, and an inability to think clearly.

- Chemical Sensitivities - People with Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia often report increased sensitivity to chemicals such as perfume, money, or toiletries.

- Altered Moods - Depression, anxiety, mood swings, aggressive behavior, extreme stress and irritability are common symptoms of CFS and FM.

- Food Intolerances - Sensitivities to foods can suddenly appear for people who have these disorders. They may feel their mood change or digestive discomfort when eating foods that may have previously not caused problems. Whether the foods are a symptom or part of the cause is not fully established. They may also be very sensitive to medications, herbs, vitamins, or other remedies that are prescribed.

- Irritable Bladder - A sudden desperate need to urinate, urinating without the feeling to go, or needing to go very often and many times through the night may all be symptoms of CFS and FM.

- Sensitivity To Stimuli - People with CFS and FM report sensitivity to odors, bright lights, loud noises, changes in weather or other environmental changes.