Here is part 2 of some of the basics of CFS.  If you missed part one, you can go here:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Basics - Part 1

The Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The symptoms and severity can change over time in individual people. In addition to the extreme fatigue caused by CFS, usually lasting at least six months or more, there are eight other symptoms that characterize the condition. These include:

1. Feeling unrefreshed after sleeping
2. Post-exertional malaise, or feeling extra tired after some type of exertion
3. Muscle pain
4. Pain throughout multiple joints
5. Impaired memory or concentration skills
6. Sore throat
7. Swollen or tender lymph nodes in the neck and or armpit
8. Headaches that reoccur or change in their severity or pattern

Some other possible symptoms of CFS include:

- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
- Painful menstrual cycles
- Dry, irritated eyes and visual disturbances
- Dry mouth
- Decreased or impaired circulation to the hands and feet
- Intolerance to alcohol
- Depression, anxiety, panic attacks
- Irritability
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Chronic cough

Conditions Similar to CFS

There are numerous medical conditions and illnesses that have been compared to or associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Including fibromyalgia, neurasthenia, chronic mononucleosis, myalgic, encephalomyelitis, and a heightened sensitivity to multiple chemicals. In the past, CFS has been mistakenly attributed to illnesses such as anemia, candidiasis (a yeast infection throughout the body), hypoglycemia, and even environmental allergies.

CFS is a complex disorder that often causes severe debilitation, possibly lingering for years at a time. Research to learn more about Chronic Fatigue syndrome has been going on for over 20 years, and signs of the condition have been baffling doctors for over a century. Scientists continue to persevere, trying to learn more about the condition, making strides toward learning the answers they need for curing this mysterious illness.