Chronic Fatigue Syndrome -
Physical and Mental Exertion Drains Sufferers.
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? (CFS)
I have known several people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), a long-term debilitating condition.
They found themselves totally worn out by any physical or mental effort for no apparent reason. No matter how much rest or sleep they had, their symptoms did not improve. This was the case for many months and a nephew suffered recurrent bouts throughout his teenage years.
People with CFS (ME) suffer from an unexplained and persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest. It can become intolerable following even
minor exertions. It will vary in severity but it can make life very difficult as sufferers often struggle to function at all.
There are no medical tests to diagnose the 'disease' but doctors will evaluate their patient following guidelines set by the CDC.
Symptoms must have been constant or recurring for at least six months and not have occurred prior to the onset of
the fatigue.
It was once known as 'Yuppie Flu,'and both CFS and ME are classified by the World Health Organisation as neurological illnesses. In England, it was recognised as recently as 2002 to be a 'genuine and disabling condition.'
It affects people of all ages including children. AYME.org.uk is a website aimed specifically at sufferers aged 5 - 26yrs.
What are the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
CFS affects people in different ways. While the common symptoms may include some of the following - a large number of other illnesses can cause similar symptoms.
- ongoing flu-like symptoms
- sleep problems - waking feeling tired or unrested
- sensitivity to bright light and loud noise
- joint pain without swelling
- problems with memory, confusion, forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating
- sore throat
- enlarged glands
- problems with balance
- mood swings
How is it Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is by a process of firstly eliminating the possibility of other diseases or conditions. It is understood that some blood tests may be involved at this stage. There is
no specific test for ME so it willbe based largely on your medical history.
How is it treated?
Treatment is basically about managing the symptoms. There are a number of options available.
- Pacing
This definition of Pacing is taken from the Association of Young People with M.E.
'Pacing is generally accepted to be a gentle and client-based energy and lifestyle management strategy. It involves living within the physical and mental limitations imposed by the illness, and learning to balance activities with appropriate periods of rest so that symptoms remain stable. Unlike graded activity programmes it does not normally expect fixed goals to be achieved within a fixed time. Rather, it encourages slow gradual increase of activity as and when patients feel ready to take on more.
....The overriding philosophy of pacing is not to over-do any kind of activity or rest for too long if it can be avoided.'
Pacing is the dividing of physical, mental and emotional activities into managable chunks, together with pre-planned rest periods with the aim of keeping energy levels high.
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Graded Exercise Therapy
- Medicines for pain relief
- Complementary Therapies
You may find comfort in joining a support group or an internet forum, as this complicated condition can leave you feeling very alone and isolated.
Life is an uphill struggle at best
Always one more mountain to climb
Should you reach the top
You dare not stop
To admire the view, so little time
Pauline Oliver Read some happier poems here
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