CFIDS: Prognosis and What You Should Expect
You should know that roughly 50% of CFIDS patients will go into remission within 3 years of onset of the illness. Approximately 80% of CFIDS patients will go into remission within 12 years of onset of the illness. Of those in remission, studies indicate that men may be able to tolerate more physical activity than women.
For many CFIDS patients, the remission may not be a full remission. It may only be partial. For example, while ill they may have only about 20% of their pre-illness physical activity level. In remission, their activity level may increase, but only to about 70% of what it was before they got sick.
Some studies seem to indicate that therapy may not affect a CFIDS patient's probability of remission. The right treatment and/or therapy can, however, help to restore a patient's stamina while not in remission.
During the course of the illness, many factors can cause flare-ups and increase the severity of symptoms. By far, the most prevailing factor is emotional stress. The other major contributing factors which are sure to provoke flare-ups and/or intensify symptoms are infections and allergies. Cold and flu season is a particularly challenging time which often brings on flares. Allergy seasons, when pollen, grass and mold levels are at their highest, are also big factors. Other factors that in the very least, will definitely increase the severity of symptoms, are food allergies. In patients with positive auto-immune antibodies, we have watched these levels fluctuate according to whether or not they stayed on a food-allergy elimination diet. We have watched high levels actually go down within months by having them eliminate foods from their diets which they were allergic to.
So, to sum up, you can expect some form of remission within 3 to 12 years. The exact length of time of your remission is uncertain. Some CFIDS patients may stay in remission for several years, while for others it may only last several months.
While there are many treatments for CFIDS, there are no cures. Even though there are studies which indicate that treating CFIDS may not help increase the chances of remission, treatment will most certainly help you feel better, increase your stamina, and improve your quality of life.
For the most part, some of your symptoms will come and go. Others will eventually get better. The best way to get better is to treat each symptom that you have. This can be a very long process, but by treating each symptom, your overall quality of life and well-being will definitely improve.
Back Home Page Next
Copyright � 2001 by Gansevoort Web Design All Rights Reserved