Although CFS can't be cured, the disease can be managed with a combination of rest, as well as treatment for some of the symptoms. No one understands what causes the disease, but it may be triggered off by infections such as the flu or glandular fever, by stress, or by traumas such as car accidents. On average, CFS lasts for seven years, but some people recover in two or three years-people who are diagnosed earlier often recover sooner. Jacqueline has had CFS for six years now, but feels much better, although she still tires easily and gets headaches and muscle pain. I was too tired to leave the house at first.
Some people are even too tired to make a phone call.
But because you don't actually look ill, it can also be hard to make your family and other people understand you are really ill. Even if you're not fluent in English, the Society would like to hear from you and try to put you in touch with other people with CFS who speak your language. 7517 GPO Box 1614, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia This site has been made possible with the cooperation and support of NSW Health Dept and South Eastern Sydney Area Health Service.