Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
{A Hidden Epidemic}
... it's affecting more and more people.
Many are not able to work because of it, and many are housebound. It devastates lives and costs governments billions of pounds and dollars each year.
It's a hidden epidemic...
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) - an illness with many debilitating symptoms (both physical & mental) and no universal cure. The point of this group is to help increase awareness & understanding of this condition, as there is a serious lack of both in this country!
ME/CFS is a very serious illness that has a vast array of symptoms.
The term 'ME/CFS' has become known as the 'umbrella term' to describe what is now believed to be sub-groups of illnesses. These include:
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.)
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
- Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS)
All of these fall under the label 'ME/CFS'.
In fact, there are plenty more names and descriptions, that have been created over the years - all trying to pinpoint what this illness (or rather, what this group of illnesses), actually is. People are still disagreeing even now. Other names include:
- Myalgic Encephalopathy (M.E.) and
- Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS).
It affects 243,000 people in the United Kingdom, with plenty more undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The CDC estimated that it affected 800,000 adults in the United States in 1999. That's twice the number of people with Multiple Sclerosis.
Even more sufferers are believed to be misdiagnosed by doctors who mistakenly put it down to 'depression' or 'stress'. Further sufferers are believed to never have been diagnosed.
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and that may be worsened by physical or mental activity.
Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a flu-like condition that can drain your energy and, sometimes, last for years. People previously healthy and full of energy may experience a variety of signs and symptoms.
Causes/Triggers of CFS
Of all chronic illnesses, chronic fatigue syndrome is one of the most mysterious. Unlike definite infections, it has no clear cause. Several possible causes have been proposed, including:
Diagnosis of CFS and Complications
A diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome is based on exclusion. This means that before arriving at a diagnosis, a doctor has ruled out any other disease or condition that may be causing your fatigue and related symptoms.
Treatment for CFS
There's no specific chronic fatigue syndrome treatment. In general, doctors aim to relieve signs and symptoms by using a combination of treatments
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Videos
This video is from the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
Have A look into the life of CFS's sufferer's lives