Sorry guys but I will wasn't sure SGMen would get the message if I didn't start a new thread.
I am also a Gulf War Veteran with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
My non-VA doctors have placed me on Flexeril 10 mg at bed time for the Fibro and it has really helped. My pain in the morning went from an 8 to a 6 (scale 0 to 10) in the morning which is a huge improvement.
Another doctor suggested swimming as a form of exercise. There is some evidence that suggests part of the problem with chronic fatigue is it stems from a body temperature regulation problem. Apparently, there is thoroughfare channel in the capillaries (think of it as a bypass through the capillary beds) and it is not opening and closing like it should. I have done 1.5 hours of exercise in a pool with my 6-year-old without any problems (and I am almost constantly moving when I am in the pool). When I have done something similar (basically the same amount of work) outside of the pool, I would be severely exhausted for at least three days.
I have learned to be really careful about emotional stress. I can't give you or anyone any details but my wife had a medical issue and it sent me into a chronic fatigue relapse that lasted a year (my wife doesn't want people to know the specifics and I totally respect that). You might want to look into mindfulness. I am still trying to understand it (it's like peeling an onion) but I find it really helps with the day to day stress.
And with all due respect to others, the cognitive issues are nothing like the cognitive issue seen with depression. It can be like your brain has shut off. Imagine doing something like doing a google search and not being able to remember how to do it. It is totally different.
If you have any questions (or any new advice) email me at cblanch69@hotmail.com. I don't check this account every day, so it might take a day or so to get back to you.
national gulf war resource center - ( New Window )