Part One of a Series……

Hello again, everybody! I hope everybody had a good week.
Now, as promised, this is the beginning of a another series on the more recent research on chronic fatigue syndrome.
Let me begin by reviewing what chronic fatigue syndrome is.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a multi-system long-term autoimmune/neuroimmune condition which affects the entire body and its functions, some causing extreme pain and exhaustion. It is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis and, according to the Centers for Disease Control, it affects between 836,00 and 2.5 million people in the U.S. alone, most of whom have not been diagnosed. Chronic fatigue syndrome was not always taken seriously, however, experts are now doing more research to find the cause of it and how to treat it. According to the American Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Society, some of its effects on the body are:
orthostatic intolerance(difficulty standing)dizziness, decreased or increased temperature, difficulty seeing, canker sores, heart palpitations, chest pain, changes in weight, rashes, numbness, tingling or burning in the face, hands and feet, paralysis, muscle cramps/aches/twitching, fatigue, sleep disorders, hair loss, difficulty forming words, headaches, anxiety, seizures, depression, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, severe PMS, and decreased libido. These symptoms very greatly among patients, however, there are three of what are called, “core” symptoms.
These three “core” symptoms are:
1)Severe fatigue which is not relieved by rest, is not caused by activity and was not present before becoming ill, and lasts for six months or more.
2) Post exertional malaise or PEM(fatigue after activity). Some of the symptoms of PEM are: difficulty thinkng, difficulty sleeping, sore throat, not being able to leave the house, get out of bed, or do normal things for days or even weeks. The symptoms of PEM worsen within 12-48 hours after exertion.
3) Sleeping disorders. This include vivid dreams, restless legs, muscle spasms during the night hours, and sleep apnea. There are also cognitive issues, such as not being able to make decisions, think clearly or quickly(brain fog) focus on details as well as visual disturbances such as blurred vision and seeing spots.
Many patients report symptoms starting after a flu-like illness such as a stomach bug, EBV(Eptstien Barr Virus which is the virus which causes mono) or extreme physical stress.

I remember when I first became ill. I could hardly lift my arms above my head to take a shower. I hardly made it through getting dressed and then I would have to lie down again. It took all I had to get up and make myself a simple sandwich or use the washroom. It’s an awful life; it’s a life I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. People deserve better, and I want to do something about that, even if it’s just through writing. I will continue to do research on cfs and pass more information to you.

Next week will be my second week in this series. I am still sifting through scientific evidence as there is a lot of it and I have really been having a hard time lately.

Have a wonderful week everyone!
Beckie

Source: Medical News Today
Reviewed By Meredith Goodwin, M.D., FAAFP
By Sy Kraft
Updated November 26th, 2020

http://beckiebutcher.com

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