Gainesville CFIDS Support Network

| General information | CFIDS Resources on the Internet |

Announcements

Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - Annual CFIDS Awareness Day!

Call or write your Congresspeople. Tell them your name, where you're from, why you're concerned about CFIDS, and request support of CFIDS-related provisions in the annual appropriations bills. Senators Graham and Nelson and your representative can be reached at (202) 224-3121, Capitol Building, Washington, D.C.

Here are some things you can do to promote CFIDS Awareness Day, annually on May 12th. (This article was written in 1995 but it's still useful.)

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General information

What is CFIDS?

"CFIDS" stands for Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome. It is also known as CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) and M.E. (myalgic encephalomyelitis).

CFIDS is a complex illness characterized by

  • incapacitating fatigue (experienced as exhaustion and extremely poor muscle stamina),
  • chronic pain,
  • immune system dysfunction,
  • neurological problems, and
  • a constellation of symptoms that can resemble many other disorders, e.g., mononucleosis, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) developed what it called a "working case definition" of CFIDS that consists of two major criteria, 11 symptom criteria, and three physical criteria. No cure yet exists, but many experimental treatment methods are under study. Symptoms can be alleviated by a carefully-tailored program of prescription drugs, physical therapy, proper nutrition, and the avoidance of environmental irritants, certain foods, and over-exertion.

All segments of the population (including children) are at risk, but women under the age of 45 seem to be the most susceptible. CFIDS can be a devastating illness and result in prolonged interruption of work and family life.

Who are we?

The Gainesville CFIDS Support Network was organized in 1992. We are an all-volunteer organization, with an ever-increasing membership. We try to serve as a clearinghouse for CFIDS information and education, connect with other CFIDS organizations and advocacy groups, and share personal support and coping strategies.

Our mailing address is 

       Gainesville CFIDS Support Network
       PO Box 12658
       Gainesville, FL 32604-2658

To get on our mailing list or for more information about meetings, call (352) 281-8244.

For more information . . .

If you would like to receive our new member packet, please write to us at the above address and enclose $5. (Checks should be made out to Jane Morris.)

The CFIDS Association of America, Inc. (www.cfids.org) provides free information about CFIDS, publishes The CFIDS Chronicle, the largest journal of research and clinical aspects of CFIDS in the U.S., and directly funds CFIDS research and advocacy efforts. The $35 annual membership fee entitles you to a subscription to the quarterly journal and other membership benefits. Contact the CFIDS Association at 
       CFIDS Association of America, Inc.
       PO Box 220398
       Charlotte, NC 28222-0398

       (800) 442-3437    (800) 44-CFIDS    (900) 896-2343
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CFIDS resources on the Internet
The full URL of this home page is "http://www.afn.org/~cfids/index.html"

Please send your questions and comments about this site to cfids@afn.org

Last modified March 1, 2004