From Jean's Desk

The November Factor

By Jean Pollard

Published in Lyndonville News, November 1999

I have been trying to think of what to discuss in my article this month. I am sitting here going crazy with our schedule, trying to fit in the CFS patients, and it occurred to me that the reason we are so busy is that it is October. Suddenly, wham...I realized that IT IS OCTOBER. You may or may not know what that is, the November Factor. This little known observation for us in the scheduling end of a CFS medical practice will tell you that this phenomenon is REAL. I totally believe that this is real, and so do other offices who deal with patients. A relapse generally occurs for most patients during this time period of October-November.

Many years ago, hmmm..., around 1987, we noticed a huge amount of calls from patients around the fall saying they felt terrible. They had done OK over the summer months, but suddenly they felt terrible and had more severe symptoms or even new ones. We sat down one day, each with our coffee, tea, or Pepsi, around a table and went over every conceivable reason why people with CFS start to relapse in the fall. We considered the weather, people turn their furnaces on in the cold weather. The sun is now lower in the sky and the clocks are turned back...creating a darker atmosphere, and very little sunshine or Vitamin D exposure. Perhaps more infections since people are cooped up in their houses and are generally exposed to more contagious agents, no more fresh air, etc. Nothing seemed to fit. To this day, we still are dogged by this phenomenon. Also, in the spring around March and April, this also occurs but not to the degree that autumn seems to bring.

I, personally, feel that it is a real factor in the illness of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and I lie awake at night wondering what the precipitating event is that causes these relapses. It does happen. For those of you out there reading this, I would love your input as to what you think plays into this. Does it happen to you? Your children?

We always thought the school issues played a big part in these relapses because the kids are going back to school after having a respite for the summer from the stress and anxiety of school connected woes...homework, up early, extracurricular activities associated with school events, socializing, dating, etc. However, the spring produces the same problems and the kids have been in school all year (except for those home tutored of course). Adults, however, have not had that hiatus from school. They have already worked all year around...so the fall or spring should really have no bearing on their symptoms. But it does. It drives me crazy trying to put the pieces of that puzzle together. There is an answer, but what is it?

In January, I will give an overview of the progress, or lack thereof, of our CFS practice and research efforts for the year 1999. We have had some successes in our research, and I will update you on the practice. Most of what we do is pretty quiet until the end results are clear.

Note: Jean and Mary were on the same wavelength again this month, just like back in July on the vacations articles. Jean has some great ideas for all patients on surviving the holidays, which just happens to be the topic for Mary’s article that follows. So read on for both Mary and Jean’s tips on how to enjoy the holidays without letting CFS rob you of these memories.

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