by Vicki Brown

Created on: July 25, 2008   Last Updated: November 09, 2010

The symptoms of CFS are as varied as the people who have the illness. The Center for Disease Control in Atlanta estimates there are 4 million Americans with CFS. That's higher than lung cancer, breast cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and even HIV. The economic impact is staggering.

So, what are the symptoms? First and foremost is fatigue. Not just your basic tired from staying up late or not getting a good night's sleep. This is profound exhaustion and extremely low stamina. There are also problems with short-term memory and concentration. This is known as a "cognitive impairment." After many days of testing, I was told that I have a "severe cognitive impairment." To give you an idea of what this is like, it is exactly like the early stages of Alzheimer's according to the CDC.

Other symptoms are similar to having the flu. Things like aches all over, sore throat, swollen glands, headaches, and very little energy. But, this "flu" never goes away. Imagine having the flu for 12 years.

Other symptoms include; sensitivity to light, eye pain, depression, anxiety, chills, night sweats, shortness of breath, dizziness, balance issues, irregular heartbeat, low-grade fever or low body temperature, numbness and tingling, chest pains, rashes, ringing in the ears, sensitivities to noise/odors/chemicals, and fainting. There are many others and everyone has a different mix of symptoms.

Symptoms vary and fluctuate in severity complicating treatment and one's ability to cope with the illness. Let me share with you my experience as a person with CFS. Twelve years ago I thought I had the flu, but, it didn't go away. In fact it got worse and I quit working. I was having trouble staying awake and alert and I was having problems dealing with my co-workers that I had never had before.

I went to a doctor who put me through so many tests I felt like a guinea pig/pincushion. When everything came in negative, he said I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. He told me it wasn't life threatening just life changing. I went from an active energetic woman to a person I hardly recognized. I could no longer walk two miles each day. I could barley walk up the stairs. When I got to the top I was breathing hard and my heart was going faster than it should for just walking up a flight of stairs.

I hurt all over so much at times that I couldn't stand the bed covers touching me. I hurt everywhere my legs, my arms, my head, my back, my stomach, everywhere. I had no energy and wanted to sleep all day. My normal

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