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.
Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Signs and symptoms
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.
People with chronic fatigue syndrome exhibit signs and symptoms similar to those of most common viral infections. Unlike flu (influenza) symptoms, which usually subside in a few days or weeks, the signs and symptoms of CFS can last much longer. They may come and go frequently with no identifiable pattern.
Primary signs and symptoms
In addition to persistent fatigue, not caused by other known medical conditions, chronic fatigue syndrome has eight possible primary signs and symptoms. Chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms include:
Loss of memory or concentration
Sore throat
Painful and mildly enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or armpits
Unexplained muscle soreness
Pain that moves from one joint to another without swelling or redness
Headache of a new type, pattern or severity
Sleep disturbance
Extreme exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise
According to the International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Study Group — a group of scientists, researchers and doctors brought together by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine a standard method for defining and diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome — a person meets the diagnostic criteria of chronic fatigue syndrome when unexplained persistent fatigue occurs for six months or more along with at least four of the eight primary signs and symptoms.
Additional signs and symptoms
In addition, people with chronic fatigue syndrome have reported other various signs and symptoms that aren't part of the official definition. These include:
Abdominal pain
Allergies or sensitivities to foods, alcohol, odors, chemicals, medications or noise
Bloating
Chest pain
Chronic cough
Diarrhea
Dizziness, balance problems or fainting
Dry mouth
Earache
Irregular heartbeat
Jaw pain
Morning stiffness
Nausea
Chills and night sweats
Psychological problems, such as depression, irritability, anxiety disorders and panic attacks
Shortness of breath
Tingling sensations
Visual disturbances, such as blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain and dry eyes
Weight loss or gain
If you have chronic fatigue syndrome, your symptoms may peak and become stable early on, and then come and go over time. Some people go on to recover completely, while others grow progressively worse.
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