What is CFS/ME?

CFS – Chronic fatigue syndrome is persistent fatigue that affects your everyday life, it does not go away even after sleep or rest. ME- Myalgic encephalomyelitis is muscle aches or pains and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

What are the symptoms?

There are many symptoms for CFS/ME, they are different for each person that suffers. Some symptoms can be milder or stronger for each individual.

Listed below are the symptoms I have experienced;

– Extreme physical and mental fatigue
– Lack of concentration
– Brain fog
– Memory loss
– Sleep dysfunction
– Irritable bowel
– Stomach pain and cramps
– Muscle pain and aches
– Muscle twitching and spasms
– Joint pain and aches
– Headaches/migraines
– Tender lymph nodes
– Sore throat
– Dissociative symptoms (Feeling that you are disconnected from your body)
– Psychological symptoms (irritability, mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety, depression)
– Difficulty sitting or standing straight up
– Respiratory problems
– Poor temperature control
– Dizziness and nausea
– Loss of balance
– Hyper-sensitivity to light and sound

Can anyone get CFS/ME?

Yes anyone can suffer from CFS/ME.

What causes it?

It is still unknown what causes CFS/ME. I have done a bit of research and have found the following;
– Struck after having the flu, or an infection like glandular fever
– Occurred after a major or stressful event
– Your surrounding environment
– Immune system
– Nervous system
– Toxins in your body
– Diet
– Drugs and alcohol

These causes mentioned above may have no role at all of causing CFS/ME. However I myself have always had a weak immune system, for the past 13 years I have always been sick with the flu at least a couple of times a year, I’ve also had glandular fever back when I was at high school. Six weeks before I became bedridden with CFS/ME I had the flu twice.

Is there a cure?

There is no medical cure for CFS/ME or medication. You can be given medication for some of the symptoms you may suffer, however there is no magic pill for CFS/ME.

Will I ever get better?

Even though there is no cure for CFS/ME I believe I will get better and so can you!
I am very lucky to have a helpful and supportive Doctor. From the start she advised me that if I do light exercises, eat healthy and keep a positive frame of mind that I would be back to my old self.
I have been seeing a Naturopath that has been helpful, she provides me with vitamins and herbs. Herbs to help with some my symptoms and vitamins that I am lacking in. I see an Exercise Physiologist who started me on a light exercise program so I can gain all my strength and muscle back. What I am doing is working for myself and helping myself get to be where I want to be, but what works for some people doesn’t always work for others. It is important to have loving and supportive network around you during this challenging time, I count myself extremely lucky to have this.

Feel free to ask me any questions about my recovery, CFS/ME or about any of the information I have provided above.