Coping with CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) & Fibromyalgia?

I was just wondering if anyone has any "tricks" for dealing with either disorder (I know they tend to go hand in hand). Anything that you have found that helps relieves any of the symptoms would be greatly appreciated, I am miserable :(

Also if you know of any herbal remedies that have worked for you I'd like to hear about them. (don't worry, know my way around herbs & won't rush into anything without checking it out first) :)

Thanks for any info.

Evening primrose oil (anti-inflammatory) and St Johns wort (focus/mood elevator). Also acupuncture for specific inflammation.

Some brands work better than others - my endocrinologist warned me against Royal Brittany because it's sub-potent. Also it will take a few weeks to really kick in.

One problem with fibro is getting a good night's sleep. I used a heated waterbed for years, and now have a 3-inch organic wool mattress topper. Makes a huge difference.

(About the caffeine - it's a mixed bag, since the bounce when you stop can give you a headache. One thing to note - caffeine is a broncho-dialator. If it's radically changing your energy, it might be because it's helping you breath easier, not because of the other effects. Have you had a tidal flow test to check for asthma? It doesn't always make you wheeze - sometimes it just makes you tired).

Here's an herbal remedy site:
http://www.holisticonline.com/remedies/c...

CFS Forum:
http://www.healingwell.com/community/def...
I've got severe CFS and I don't know what helps. It went away a few months after I was diagnosed, but it gradually came back, to the point where most days I don't even have the energy to take a shower. I take Lortab (hydrocodone) for pain. It's the only thing that works.

I'm seeing an infectious disease specialist who got interested in CFS. [Long story cut short.]

I believe several different conditions are lumped into CFS because it is currently a diagnosis of elimination. (You don't have a disease anyone knows about, and you have certain symptoms, therefore we'll call it CFS.) I think I have an infection, which is why I'm sticking it out.

So I don't really have any advice to share, except something like Vicodin or Lortab for pain. Not exactly herbal, and you need an extremely sympathetic doctor to write scrip for you.

Good luck!

PS: Coffee is GOOD, at least for me. I have problems with maintaining my blood pressure--common in people with CFS--and caffeine will raise it. When I used to be able to go places I found that coffee helped if I had a sudden wave of exhaustion. I don't think it's a result of the stimulant effect because I can sleep after I drink coffee.

One more thing--I sleep better if I go to bed after 2 AM.
Being loved, nurtured, cherished and massaged helps a lot!