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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Dealing with Disability

Since it was only recently recognized by the medical community, a chronic fatigue syndrome disability may leave you not only tired but also frustrated and confused. Most likely, you visited several physicians who could not find anything wrong with you before finally receiving your diagnosis. Unfortunately, however, naming the condition is the easy part.

The realization that you have chronic fatigue syndrome disability raises more questions than it answers. For example, what can you expect throughout the course of your illness? What kind of treatments are available? What if you become so ill that you are unable to return to work? Is there any type of insurance coverage for this condition? Is your situation simply hopeless?

Finding Hope with a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Disability

Finding hope with a chronic fatigue syndrome disability is still possible, but first you must understand what chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, involves. CFS is characterized by such overall aches and pains as the following: impaired concentration or memory, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle pain, multijoint pain without joint swelling or redness, headaches, and postexertional malaise. Most noticeably, though, is that sufferers of CFS are frequently exhausted and receive little or no relief from sleep.

Sadly, there is no single effective treatment for CFS, though a strong emotional support network seems to be the most beneficial. Even worse, the majority of CFS sufferers experience gradually worsening symptoms for the rest of their lives. Because of this, you might find yourself unable to return to work. If this is the case, contact your insurance company; you might be able to get long term disability benefits, and some policies even offer coverage specifically tailored to CFS. Additionally, consider contacting a lawyer if your benefits are denied.

Above all, however, remember that your situation is not hopeless. Though CFS sufferers must make some lifestyle changes, most can lead fairly normal lives. You can also take comfort in the fact that you are most certainly note alone: Recent statistics suggest that as many as 250,000 Americans may have this condition. Look online or in the yellow pages to find support groups if you feel as though you might need to talk to someone who shares your feelings. Though you have a long and difficult road ahead, informing yourself as much as possible about CFS is the best way to assure you have the best possible quality of life. Good luck!

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