Chronic Fatigue/ ME Awareness!
Today is CFS/ME Awareness day!
ME/CFS stands for myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome. The two are almost interchangeable. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disabling chronic illness.
People with ME/CFS experience profound fatigue that does not go away with rest, as well as sleep issues and problems with memory or concentration. The hallmark symptom is post-exertional malaise, a worsening of the illness which can start immediately or hours to days after even minor physical or mental activity. This "crash" can last from hours or days to several months. Further common symptoms include dizziness or faintness when upright and pain. Pain link
The cause of the disease is unknown. ME/CFS often starts after an infection, such as mononucleosis. It can run in families, but no genes that contribute to ME/CFS have been confirmed. ME/CFS is associated with changes in the nervous and immune systems, as well as in energy production. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and a differential diagnosis because no diagnostic test such as a blood test or imaging is available. (source)
Symptoms of ME/CFS can sometimes be treated and the illness can improve or worsen over time, but a full recovery is uncommon. No therapies or medications are approved to treat the condition, and management is aimed at relieving symptoms.
Pacing of activities can help avoid worsening symptoms, Find out about Pacing Here and counselling may help in coping with the illness. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, ME/CFS affected two to nine out of every 1,000 people, depending on the definition. However, many people fit ME/CFS diagnostic criteria after contracting long COVID. ME/CFS occurs more often in women than in men. It is more common in middle age, but can occur at all ages, including childhood.
Here is a wonderful enlightening interview about living with CFS/ME
Thanks for this wonderful post Misty!
I have chronic fatigue as a symptom, so do use some of the information for CFS/ME. A fibromyalgia support group was also one of the first peer support communities that I have support with my chronic illness despite a different diagnosis.
I think there's so much learning from others with disabilities alongside the awareness that we are all different and especially with differing diagnoses we may need to be a little cautious with trying something that worked for someone else but self-experimentation is often a necessity.
Thanks to all of those dealing with fatigue who share and support 💙
@AffyAvo thank you for replying. Yes, chronic fatigue is often a symptom that we all struggle with.