Terri Dorothy’s Fatigue Scale

This scale is Copyright © Terri Dorothy <tdorothy@mddc.com> 1997 and is used with permission. Thanks to the people who helped me track Terri down so I could ask her!

This scale was developed by Terri Dorothy and was originally posted on the alt.meds.cfs newsgroup.

1

I feel well-rested, even energetic. Life is good.

2

I’m a bit off today. Not too bad, just not a lot of pep.

3

I’m tired. I think I need to get more sleep.

4

I’m really tired. I’m getting desperate for some rest.

5

I’m as exhausted as I’ve ever been when I was well. I feel like I’ve been working really hard, with very little sleep for 3-4 days.

6

It’s a struggle to function at all. I feel like I’m walking through a lead fog. Getting anything done is a sheer act of will.

7

I’m no longer functional. Just getting dressed has exhausted me. I’m either lying in bed or sitting on the couch.

8

Forget getting dressed. Just getting from the bed to the bathroom to the couch is all I can manage.

9

Need help to get from the bed to the bathroom. Forget the couch. I’m too weak to sit up.

10

Can’t get out of bed without help. I’m terrified that I won’t have the strength to take my next breath.