My wife, Kimberley and I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and CFS, among other things. In 1998, after I had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, my wife found an infectious disease doctor who was also certified in fibromyalgia and CFS. He is now retired, but we went to him for about 15 years. He set out to rule out any condition that resembled fibromyalgia or CFS. Took around six months to rule out everything else. There are a few tests that I read about that can help diagnose fibromyalgia One tests spinal fluid for something called Substance P. It is not a definitive test, but if they find substance P then u probably have it. I also read about a test whereby they biopsy the brain and look for evidence of fibromyalgia. Forget what they look for exactly. Don't know of any tests for CFS. Did you ever have mononucleosis. People who had mono are likely to get CFS. CFS from mono actually changes your DNA. CFS becomes part of your DNA. Other viruses, like herpes can cause CFS. If you have a fatigue that is so bad, doesn't go away, and has been going on for 3 or 6 months then you probably have CFS. Plus CFS has overall muscular pain, sleeping issues, etc. Have your dr test for anything that has similar symptoms to rule them out. Lyme disease also mimics fibromyalgia (not sure about cfs). If you've ever had a Lyme vaccine then you have to run a special test for people who have had the vaccine; the standdard Lyme test will pickup antibodies from the Lyme vaccine. Then it looks like you have Lyme , even though you don't. The only medication that ever took for the fatigue was a stimulant like ritilin, adderrall, prescription amphetimines and the like. But I haven't found anything that really works on the fatigue. Speed just helps keep you awake, and might give you a little energy for a little while. Don't take anymore, but I do use caffeine when I need to stay awake, and get a drop of energy.

Sorry, I ramble. Hope it helps somewhat. Feel better. Gary.

Hi my doctor told me in Fibro the big part of that is pain and stiffness both have similar symptoms but to separate the both the cfs normally comes mainly with the complaint of fatigue.

i have had this for 44 years , believe me i was lucky that i had a DR that was up to date on things but he has since passed away ! the DR 's they do not believe in things unless they show up in blood in x ray but some people believe in the big bang stuff ! give me a brake !

I've wondered the same thing. FM and CFS are also identical in symptoms and treatment.

there is no test for fibro