Information About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME)

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?

Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as ME which stands for myalgicencephalomyelitis. This is a condition that affects everyday life by having consistentexhaustion/fatiguethat will notdisappearwith rest or sleep. It is a serious condition however many people can improve over time.

Symptoms:
☆Muscular pain
☆Poor short-term memory
☆Difficulty in concentration​
☆​​Stomach pain
☆Sore Throat
☆Sensitivity to light, sound, and alcohol
☆Dizziness
☆Excess Sweating
☆Headache

Severity:

Mild Cases- this is when you are still able to take care of yourself and can complete light domestic tasks, but this can be with difficulty. It is possible for an individual that experiences mild cases to continue at work, however may take days off regularly. In order to remain in work you are likely to have stopped most leisure and social activities. Weekends or other days off from work are used to rest in order to cope.

Moderate Cases- you have reduced mobility and are restricted in most activities of daily living. The level of ability and severity of symptoms often varies from time to time. You are likely to have stopped working. Sleep at night tends to be poor and disturbed.

Severe Cases- you are able to carry out only minimal daily tasks such as face washing and cleaning teeth. You are likely to have severe difficulties with some mental processes such as concentrating. You may be wheelchair-dependent for mobility and may be unable to leave your home except on rare occasions, and usually have severe prolonged after-effects from effort. You may spend most of your time in bed. You are often unable to tolerate any noise, and are generally very sensitive to bright light.

What Can Make CFS Worse?

☆Recurring infections with viral or bacterial germs.
☆Not being active enough, or even being too active.
☆Stress.
☆Poor diet.
☆Being socially isolated and/or feeling frustrated and depressed.
☆Environmental pollution.

Why Does CFS Happen?
It is not exactly known what causes M.EThere are various theories - but none has been proved.Here are some of the theories:

☆ A viral or bacterial infection
☆ Problems with the immune system
☆ An imbalance of hormones
☆ Psychiatric problems, such as stress and emotional trauma

Improving Quality Of Life

Managing your sleep - it is likely you will be given advice about your sleep. Any changes to your sleep pattern (for example, having too little, or even too much, sleep) may actually make your tiredness worse. This includes sleeping in the daytime, which should ideally be avoided. Any changes to your sleep pattern should be done gradually.

Managing rest -rest is very beneficial. Especially if you are struggling to sleep. You should introduce rest periods into your daily routine. These should ideally be limited to 30 minutes at a time and be a period of relaxation.

Relaxation -relaxation can help to improve pain, sleep problems and any stress or anxiety you may have. There are various relaxation techniques (such as breathing techniques) which you may find useful when there are built into your rest periods.

Diet- it is very important that you have a well-balanced diet. You should try to avoid any foods and drinks to which you are sensitive. Eating small, regular meals which contain some starchy foods is often beneficial.

Facts:

☆Around 250,000 in the UK are effected
☆ It's morecommon in women then men
☆It usuallydevelopsin early 20?s mid 40?s.
☆ From the ages of 13-15 a child can be affected.
☆ Most cases are mild to moderate