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Several researchers have attempted to
describe CFS and FMS by doing surveys of those afflicted. This article illustrates the
compiled data of one of those researchers, Robert Olin, MD, Ph.D.
OF 1500 PATIENTS WITH CFIDS
 | The following percentages of symptoms
were noted:
 | 70-80% had post-exertional malaise, sleep disturbances,
headaches, muscle tenderness, swollen feeling in tissues, areas of numbness &
tingling, cognitive impairment, dizziness, sensitivity to noise, smell &
stress, menstrual problems, and dry mouth.
|
| 50-70% had irritable bowel syndrome, blurred vision,
mood swings, heart palpitations, cold extremities, feeling of having a fever
(without
actually having one), and allergy
|
| 90-100% had generalized pain every day, generalized
fatigue, stiffness (especially in the morning), and morning fatigue
|
| 15-50% had restless legs, muscle twitching, itchy skin,
hearing disturbances, night sweats, breathing problems, rashes, interstitial cystitis, TMJ
syndrome, and multiple chemical sensitivities
|
| Less than 15% had major depression
. |
|
| The
following predisposing factors were reported:
| 60-70% genetics (runs in family)
|
| 43% had allergies prior to illness
|
| 33% had existing posture defects and
hypermobile joints
|
| 25% had psychiatric stress prior to
illness.
|
|
| The
following precipitating events occurred:
| 40-50% had local strain to muscles
|
| 15-20% had an acute infection
|
| 15-20% had an accident or surgery
|
| 10% had a psychiatric crisis.
|
|
| The
following prognosis is noted:
| 2% fully recovered
|
| 12% improved after several months
|
| 86% were the same after 4 years.
|
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