June 12 '08
Living with a chronic disease (chronic fatigue syndrome) has been one of the biggest challenges I have faced in life. At 53 years old, and dealing with fatigue for 8 years, I still find it hard to give myself permission to rest. But I'm improving. I have to relax and breath deeply and say it's ok. I read a lot and pray. I would love to hear how others are dealing with this kind of fatigue. I have a good Doctor (who is the 2nd Naturopath that I'm trying) and we are slowly making progress.
I lived overseas for 25 years and the fatigue started there. We have been back in the United States for 6 years. Since then it's been a huge challenge 'convincing' my Primary Doctor that this is a problem. So I went to 1 Naturopath and an MD who deals with natural hormones, but with no real benefit. Now, I'm not able to work but my primary Dr. won't fill in paperwork for me for Disability Benefits.
Has anyone successfully received Disability Benefits for Fatigue symptoms?
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Hi Aguina, sorry it has been a while since I read your posting. EFT is easy to learn and if you go to this site http://www.emofree.com/ you can download their manual for free. Watch Gary's video first. I use EFT everyday, it is a technique based on energy science which has started to get validation by physicists and many medical professionals. Our bodies are truly connected to brain waves that are triggered by thoughts (energy frequencies) and laboratory tests are now demonstrating how gene expression is changed as a result of thoughts. Let me know how it goes!
November 14, 2008 - 1:52pmThis Comment
I recall watching one of the morning "news" TV shows, and a man was showing a "tapping" technique, which I believe, is part of EFT.
There are many national organizations dedicated to helping consumers with finding the right treatment options, on a wide spectrum of "traditional" medicine to complimentary and alternative health practices. Unfortunately, I have not found any information on "EFT" or "tapping" on these credible sites; the sites that do mention EFT have the primary purpose of selling their products (that is, they do not even tell us how to practice EFT until we buy their book/video!).
Deepak Chopra's website (http://www.chopra.com/community), did mention EFT, along with meditation, as a behavioral technique to help "release unconscious fear" (you may view his answer here). After my research, I am unclear if EFT is more similar to acupressure or meditation at this point (have you tried either of these?); maybe Coach Virginia can tell us more about EFT?
The National Centers for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) did not list "EFT" or "tapping" as an evidence-based approach, nor did the American Association of Acupuncturists and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM).
However, don't be discouraged by my (lack of) findings. If EFT or tapping has worked for others, you may find it beneficial for yourself! Since you asked about how to learn about EFT, a quick search for "Emotional Freedom Technique" on amazon.com or other online bookstore will result in a dozen books and videos on the subject.
Hope this information helps, rather than adds to the confusion!
July 3, 2008 - 1:49pmThis Comment
Thanks alison b; i haven't looked at this for so long since I've had college kids at home all summer. Your input looks well researched. I will look into NCCAM.
aguina
August 30, 2008 - 3:15pmThis Comment
Aguina, I know many women your age who have told me they have CFS. There have been times when I thought I was suffering of the same. One thing I know in my case, my adrenal glands were overloaded with stress and as a result I was suffering of adrenal fatigue which can be confused with CFS. Have you even discussed with your doctor that possibility? There are a couple of things that worked for me and I shared this each time I can, if you are not already taking it, I suggest you try Ginseng and supplements of COQ10. I take a daily dose of 200mg. There is also a new technique that is making its way in mind and body medicine circles. I happened to be trained and use it a lot and it really works when I am running low on batteries, it is called EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) it is similar to Acupuncture but without the needles and you can learn to do it by yourself and on yourself. Not sure how active your are but learning Tai Chi or Qigong have a healing effect in your energy surrounding your physical body. Try it!
June 13, 2008 - 11:30pmThis Comment
Dear Coach Virginia,
Thanks so much for your advise! I did start with a new Naturopath Dr. and she's very thorough. I'm taking supplements for adrenal and thyroid glands now and have started on some other supplements. How do I learn EFT?
Aguina
July 1, 2008 - 5:24pmThis Comment
The Centers for Disease Control estimate that between 1 and 4 million Americans experience CFS. A few of their recommendations include:
-- Consulting a trained professional will help most patients build effective coping skills;
-- Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is often prescribed to help chronically ill patients cope with illness and develop behaviors and strategies that help alleviate symptoms.
-- Symptomatic Treatment: Treatment can be directed toward the most problematic symptoms as prioritized by the patient, but only after underlying conditions applicable to those symptoms have been investigated and excluded.
-- Alternative Therapies;
-- Support Groups
For details, visit http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfstreatment.htm
They also have recommendations on how to manage activity levels and develop exercise programs.
Has anyone found or developed a specific program that works for them?
June 13, 2008 - 8:04amThis Comment
Tina T
Thanks so much for your advise. I have a friend who has suggested a counselor, because this has gone on for 8 years. Our insurance only covers a few Psychiatrists but no counselors. Would you recommend seeing a Psychiatrist for CBT. I pray and read and try relaxing, but do feel stressed that I am not 'contributing' as much as a Mom and I cannot work.
Thanks again,
Aguina
July 1, 2008 - 5:29pmThis Comment