Moms With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating immune dysfunction disease that affects as many as 4 million Americans. CFS is characterized by excessive exhaustion that lasts for over 24 hours following mental or physical exertion. This chronic illness can be devastating to a patient’s career. Mothers with CFS have their own special set of struggles.

Moms today have a lot of demands put on their time and energy. Moms with CFS have to figure out how to meet those demands  while also coping with trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, unrefreshing sleep, joint pain, muscle pain, headaches, tender lymph nodes, sore throat, and severe exhaustion any time they attempt strenuous activity.

Like other mothers who don’t struggle with chronic illness, moms with CFS have a lot of guilt about their limitations. Low energy levels may prevent them with playing with their kids as much as they like. They may feel embarrassed when their children tell others about how Mommy is tired and takes naps all the time.

Older children may be able to comprehend the reality of living with a chronic illness like CFS, but they may be resentful of how it affects their lives. Younger children lack the capacity to understand why Mommy won’t play outside with them or why Mommy needs to lie down on the couch sometimes before dinner.

There are a few things that moms with CFS can do to help their families understand what is going on:

• When you are too tired to play with your kids, let them know that it’s not their fault. Young kids may think you don’t want to play with them. Let them know that you would like to play with them when you have more energy.
• Take advantage of periods with increased energy, but don’t overdo it. Your kids will love being able to play with you, but they won’t understand if you crash the next day because you didn’t  pace yourself.
• Ask your husband or partner for help with the housework. This may breed resentment, so try to do what you can when you are able. Remind him that conserving your energy will help you be a better mother and a better partner.
• Seek professional help. Though many doctors in the United States are still resistant to recognizing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as a legitimate illness, it is possible to have them treat your symptoms without a formal diagnosis. Prescription sleep medications can help you get more refreshing sleep than you could otherwise get unaided.

CFS Awareness Day is Tuesday, May 12. Help promote awareness of this invisible illness and support your fellow mothers who often suffer in silence.

Christina Gleason is 30 years old, wife to Tom and mother to TJ.  Read her blogs at Cutest Kid Ever and Uncharted Island, follow her on Twitter @cutestkidever or @ChristinaGayle, or connect with her on LinkedIn!

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