Page 142 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2015

HEALTHY LIVING completely exhausted
SICK&TIRED Warning signs of chronic fatigue syndrome
stoDry by Ed Lepoma photos courtesy of Memorial Hospital and Hancock Medical octors practicing on the Dr. Adams has treated patients in
Mississippi Gulf Coast their mid-30s and others who are are working every day on elderly. “The Institute of Medicine diseases other than heart just issued a report now labeling and cancer that also affect the condition as ‘Systemic Exertion
Christopher Lansdown
Andrew Adams
the quality of life. One of those is chronic fatigue syndrome.
Dr. Christopher Lansdown, who joined Gulfport Memorial Hospital network of physician’s clinics last November, and Dr. Andrew Adams, who practices family medicine at Hancock Medical in Bay St. Louis, specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS.
“It’s a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can’t be explained by any underlying medical condition, explained Dr. Lansdown.
CSF can occur at any age, but it most commonly affects people in their 40s and 50s, and women are diagnosed with the disease more often than
men, according to Dr. Lansdown.
Intolerance Disease,” he said. There are several warning signs:
extreme fatigue lasting six months
or more; loss of memory or concentration; unexplained muscle pain or pain that moves from one
joint to another without swelling
or redness; headache of a new type, pattern or severity; unrefreshing sleep; and extreme exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise.
“Any one of these symptoms can affect someone’s daily life, his or her ability to work, interact with family and associates, or complete everyday tasks,” said Dr. Lansdown.
There is no single test to confirm diagnosis of the
disease, but
candidates accepted for treatment
are subjected to a battery of tests
to rule out other health problems
that trigger similar symptoms. Once viral infections, immune system problems, hormonal imbalances and psychological disorders are ruled out, treatment can begin.
“Treatment usually focuses on symptom relief,” said Dr. Adams. “This might involve behavioral therapy where a therapist works with the patient to convince them they
are not dying or to let go of negative thoughts that might trigger the exhaustion.”
Dr. Lansdown said physical therapy such as exercise or swimming can
also relieve some symptoms. “Some physicians may also prescribe medication, but there is no cure-all for everyone,” he added. “Treatment is specialized to the individual.”
Both emphasize that with proper supervision and therapy,
a patient can experience less fatigue and go on with his or her
daily routine.
142 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • September 2015
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net