Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)
goodtoknow says: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is often called ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis). The main symptoms are extreme, overwhelming tiredness, gut and sleep problems, joint pain and poor concentration. There is no test to diagnose ME and no-one knows what causes it. However most cases are mild and there are several effective treatments. Gradually increasing the amount of exercise you take can help, providing you pace yourself. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is also beneficial. Most people will improve in time but so far there's no cure, so beware anyone offering you one.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis from patient.co.uk, read on.
CFS/ME is a condition where you have long-term disabling tiredness (fatigue). Most people with CFS/ME also have one or more other symptoms such as muscular pains, joint pains, disturbed sleep patterns, poor concentration, headaches, etc. The cause is not known. Treatments that may help in some cases (but not all) include a programme of graded exercise, cognitive behaviour therapy, and 'pacing'.
- Next: What is CFS/ME?
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Jane Johnson, about 1 year
I agree with Paul Carpenter's comments above that Pacing, Graded Exercise Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy are not treatments for ME or CFS and that GET can be and often is detrimental. My son and daughter both suffer from the condition. There is much that can be done to address the symptoms which many now believe can be explained by heart failure secondary to mitochondrial malfunction.
Report this commentFanos, about 1 year
hi.i have like a small spots on my genetic genetic organic. Is there any reason that i should worry about??
Report this commentPaul Carpenter, about 1 year
Pacing, Graded Exercise Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy are not actual treatments for ME or CFS they are strategies for coping with the illness and the only reason they are recommended is they are the only treatments that have been researched and tested by MRC and NICE. In most research CBT was found to have little or no effect, PACING is suggested over a period of 6 Months and over this period a sufferer could improve without any intervention so again little or no benefit. GET has actually been found to be harmful to moderate or severe ME patients. CFS has no meaning it is merely a label which describes the major symptom. I have had ME for over 20 years now and up until just over a year ago found no significant benefit to my condition from any treatment including Massage, Accupuncture, Chinese Herbal, refexology etc About a year ago I started taking a combination of amino acids which alleviated most of my symptoms they are now available from www.cfsandme.co.uk and called ME-Relief.
Report this commentHannah Robertson, over 2 years
hi ! would just like to say , thanks for this info because my sister has ME and i now understand her pain when she cant live a normal life ! she is only 27 and now i am so glad i can help her get through the hard times and cheer her up when she is going through a bad spell!! so thanks again for the advice!!!
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donna, 8 months
rheumatologist Dx Fibro/CFS and gave help. she left and when new rheumy took over he said her diagnosis was wrong or "I had got well" Feeling Bullied by this rheumy my 27yr marriage has broken down because he says symptoms are in head. Bloods tests show ANA Positive 1/1000, eye specialist just diagnosed sicca syndrome and the pain of this debilitating illness is awful. I went from working a full time job into disability after a viral infection. This rheumatologist has closed ranks and caused me to be unable to get help or treatment. Every day is a struggle. Kidney probs and even blood in urine went undetected. A Urine sample even ws to show urine infection and other abnormalities. some bloods are abnormal. where does a person go when ranks are being closed and even her doctor is not sure what is wrong. MY G.P. say CFS or Fibro ... no correct treatment or diagnosis. I am in agony today. no point going to doctor because he cannot do anything to change this rheumys. opinion and i am on the NHS. any advice really appreciated as i am sick of being sick and even more sick of being bullied. thanks in advance.BYNI
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