What is M.E/CFS?

M.E, meaning Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. This term actually means, muscle pain and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Yet this term has yet to be proven completely acceptable, as not all sufferers complain of these. With the exact term not proven, many doctors call it a selection of names; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a notable name, as is CFIDS, Chronic Immune and dysfunction syndrome. Followed by PSVF; post viral fatigue syndrome, although PSVF can sometimes be used in connection with a general feeling of fatigue after an infection.

Is M.e the real name?

The illness was originally called M.E (Myalic Encephalomyelitis) meaning, problems associated with muscles, and Encephalomyeltis means brain problems (dyslexia, eye problems, difficulty speaking), but Encephalomyeltis actually mean inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, which isnt entirely true. In recent years docters have found that this isnt so in most cases, and have asked for the disease not to be known as M.E, therefore we will call it CFS. M.E a severe debilitating disease, which produces extreme fatigue, and many other life limiting symptoms. M.E is not curable nor is it usually life threatening. Sufferers are often subjected to varying symptoms, which are not explained by laboratory or medical tests.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of M.E seem to chop and change, although most sufferers feel a continual and extreme level of fatigue, which limits how they currently live their life. Symptoms include:

Severe fatigue
Muscle ache and weakness
Neurological difficulties (speech problems, dyslexia, poor memory)
Lack of temperature control
Various sensitivities (Noise, Light, temperature, food, alcohol)
Sleep Problems
Emotional disturbances
And various other symptoms. 

Note: Not all sufferers experience each of these symptoms, as many ‘cases’ vary. other symptoms are, alcohol intolerence,food allergies, high sensitivity to light and sound.

How is M.E diagnosed?

M.E is diagnosed when all symptoms do not have a relevant ‘medical explanation’ and the laboratory tests come back inconclusive. Doctors diagnose M.E, after 6 months of extreme fatigue with no explanation, although at present this is trying to be reduced to 3 months for young people.

How is M.E treated?

M.E remains a complexed illness, and with few advances into the nature and cause of M.E, treating it becomes a problem. Available one the NHS are; pacing, graded exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and psychiatric and psychological support. Although these treatments must be undertaken when the doctor feels that the patient shall benefit.

Also available are complementary therapies like homeopathy, acupuncture, reflexology to name but a few. Yet these are not usually available on the NHS.

How will M.E affect me?

How M.E affects you, the sufferer tends to vary. Some sufferers find they are able to complete simple tasks and do a small amount of schooling or social interaction, or others may find they are bed bound and unable to do a large amount of tasks. 

How long will M.E last?

Again sufferers tend to find that the amount of time in which a sufferer has M.E is varied. Some have it severely for a year or so and then make a recovery in which they are able to do the majority of tasks. Others may find that M.E lasts a few years. At present this continues to vary.

Will M.E affect my future prospects?

At present many sufferers go onto live a normal active life, with no long lasting damage from M.E. Although Education may be interrupted, but this can be corrected at a later date or when the sufferer is well enough to complete it. <o:p></o:p>