RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fall 2003 

One To One
Tips, strategies, ideas and helpful thoughts about CFIDS

Shopping with sunglasses
Here’s a tip for those who are able to go shopping but still find it extremely draining. When I go to the mall, Wal-Mart or any other large store I wear my sunglasses and only take them off when I’m looking at the specific item I want to buy.

I find this cuts down on the "sensory overload" that makes our fatigue so much worse. Shopping isn’t nearly as much fun as it was pre-CFIDS, but this enables me to do at least some.

Mary Ann Tricsko Sotero
Florida

Supplements for IBS
I have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in addition to CFIDS. I have found relief by using supplements and changing my dietary habits. I maintain a gluten-free diet and ingest a high-potency "good bacteria" supplement. I also avoid processed foods and white sugar whenever possible. In addition, I consume a number of "power foods" including Spirulina (a high-protein algae), Noni juice (a medicinal tropical fruit), high-quality whey protein, flax seeds and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

I also use some licorice root in my tea to help keep my blood pressure up. I season my food with oils such as olive, coconut, flax, hemp, etc., and avoid hydrogenated fats.

Char Tara Albert

High-salt for OI
I have orthostatic intolerance (OI), which causes lightheadedness and many other problems. I have found that a high-salt diet helps improve my symptoms. My doctor tells me that the extra salt in my system increases the volume of blood — and that helps my body regulate my blood pressure better.

You can try salt tablets, but I find it best to eat healthy high-sodium foods like vegetable juice or even a little pickle juice.

Mary Frederick
New York

Editor’s note: High-salt diets should be discussed with your doctor.

Have a One to One tip you’d like to share? Send it to the Chronicle at The CFIDS Association of America, P.O. Box 220398, Charlotte, NC, 28222-0398. You also can send them by e-mail to chronicle@cfidsCFIDS.org.

Preventing pressure sores

People with severe cases of CFIDS are at increased risk of developing pressure sores, also known as bed sores. They are painful and can lead to serious infections — but with a little prevention, they can usually be avoided.

The Tissue Viability Society, based in Great Britain, offers these tips:

Pressure sores can be caused by sitting in one position for a long time. If you can get up briefly, even for a few minutes an hour, do so. If you must remain in bed, change positions every one or two hours. You can use pillows to redistribute your weight away from bony areas like your hips. If you’re sitting in a chair, try to rock from one buttock to the other for short periods of time.

When you’re moving in bed or a chair, try not to drag your skin across the fabric. You also can try special tools, such as a pressure-relieving mattress, mattress overlay or cushions designed to distribute your weight more evenly. Changing bed sheets on a regular basis is highly recommended, especially if you are sweaty.

Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and at lower risk for sores. If you notice that parts of your body feel numb, or become darkened or reddened (especially if the area stays red when you press it), you may be developing a sore. Take special care to keep your weight off the area.

If you think you have a pressure sore, contact your doctor immediately.

— The editor