I was originally diagnosed with CFS after they had eliminated every other possibility. Since then I found Dr. Lerner (http://www.treatmentcenterforcfs.com/) who diagnoses based on specific testing. You can read all about his diagnostic criteria on his web site. I'm not fully recovered by any means, but I've made tremendous progress under his care. He publishes his complete methodology so that any physician who is willing can replicate his treatment.

Although I don't have either, I know both Hashimoto's and PCOS can create tremendous fatigue as well. Both of these can also drain your body of iron, so be sure that your ferritin (total body iron store) is checked in addition to the normal blood level iron. This can also cause a lot of fatigue and other symptoms (heart palpatations, vertigo, stomach upset, brain fog, etc).

Good luck!

I was diagnosed with CFS a few years ago after many tests and ruling out almost everything else. An internal medicine doctor finally diagnosed me, but I also saw a neurologist, a rheumatologist, an infectious disease specialist, GI . . . I think a lot of which specialist you see just has to do with individual symptoms, though.

This fall, we discovered that my hypothyroidism was actually Hashimoto's. I'm not sure what you're doing for Hashimoto's, but a few things have helped me. I switched from levothyroxin to armour thyroid a couple of years ago just to help the fatigue and it made a noticeable difference. Also, my doctor had found studies showing that gluten free and iodine free diets helped Hashimoto's patients. (I think GF diets are actually somewhat common for patients with autoimmune disease.)

If I were to recommend one specialist, though, it would be a good dietician who could see if there were any foods in your diet which you're reacting to which are contributing to the fatigue or if you need any supplements. My dietician has been amazingly helpful, and I feel significantly better than before I saw her.

I got a little ramble-y there, but hopefully some of it is helpful. Best of luck; I hope you find some relief soon!

Hi cfsmom and Elizabeth28, thanks for your responses. Cfsmom, hyopthyroidsim and PCOS do cause fatigue and up until recently, I have blamed it for my fatigue. However, I have been treated for them both for quite some time and have had no reiief from the fatigue, brain fog, memory trouble, aches and pains, amoung other symptoms. About the only thing it has helped a bit on is the cold intolerance. I am waiting to see a rhumetologist to see about fibromyalgia. I have had a lot of other blood work done and my iron, vitamin D, B, potassium and others are all normal. Thank you for the tip on Dr. Lerner, I am going to check out that site and read up on it.
Elizabeth28, I am using Levo for my Hashi's. No help. I am on 150mcg. My last TSH was 1.78 which is the lowest it has ever been, but still no relief. I am not against trying Natural Dessicated Thyroid meds. My endo is agaisnt them but my GP will prescribe it for me. So If I decide that route, I do have a doctor who will prescribe it for me. I have been concidering getting a dietician. I have been doing a lot of research on how diet can help hypo and anything is worth a try. I am just getting so frustrated with it all. I guess it is a gut feeling I have that there is more to it than just the hypo. I really hope I am wrong, but my gut instinct has not let me down before. lol I know that sounds silly,
Thanks for the tips about getting a dietician, I will look into that.

I have had CFS for about 2 1/2 years now. At first I thought it was the fact that I cannot eat like other people due to a stomach condition. Then my dr. said I have CFS. I was bedridden for 2 months and had to cut all my hair off as I could not hold the hairdryer up long enough to dry my hair.

I have had some points over the years where i think I have this thing beat, then BOOM, I have a major crash. Now, I have very little stamina, if any, and am trying to build some sort of energy back.

You are in my thoughts and I do hope you will find something that works for you. Take care - XOXO - TD

I feel for you all. The fatigue I have is steadily getting worse. Some days, I cannot get off my couch. I am sleeping more and more. I do not know if that is the right thing to do but I can't help it. My stamina is practically non-existant. I get up to do something and I have to turn around and lay back on the couch or in bed. I am lucky if I get my basic house chores done. Some days I cannot even do that. Well I guess time will tell. I really am not able to do anything else but keep on being tested for different things and keep on doing research as to how to cope. Thanks for your thoughts and encouragement everyone!