How do you know if you suffer Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Its a difficult diagnosis to make. Pain, and severe tiredness that isnt helped by rest. It usually has to be present for an extended period of time, i.e 6 months and is a diagnosis of exclusion, so there are no specific tests for it, an you are told you may have it if all other tests are negative. Its not the most likely cause of tiredness however and there are other, much commoner, more treatable conditions that make you feel tired all the time, such as anaemia due to poor iron intake. Id advise you to attend your doctor with your symptoms and he will examine you and perform tests to determine a diagnosis. hopefully you feel better soon

Pain in your joints, fatigue, feeling lethargic, unable to think clearly, rapid heartbeat.

I know that when I and others first experienced CFS, I had a sore throat and flu like symptoms. I would sleep and sleep and still feel extremely tired. When getting ready for work, the rapid heartbeat would start, then the fatigue. I'd drag myself through work then come home and rest until time to get ready for work the next day. The worst part is the mental confusion over very elementary things, such as saying the word "yell" instead of "laugh", and feeling just really out of it so much of the time. Thankfully the mental fog clears up eventually, but I have brain lesions left from my first bout.

CFS usually starts after a virus, then can come out again after stressful times, or from overwork. I have learned to rest as much as possible and try to eat healthily. I'm still trying to learn to not be stressed out :/

Best wishes.

k