What is ME/CFS
ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) also known as CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) is a chronic, disabling illness that affects both children and adults world -wide. It is estimated that 150,000 to 250,000 people in the UK have ME/CFS to varying degrees. Of this estimate 25% are severely affected i.e. housebound and or bed bound. There are approximately 25,000 sufferers who are children.
ME/CFS was classified as a disease of the Nervous system by the World Health Organisation in the 1980's. However following the recent publication of the Government Working Party Report the cause and process of the disease are not so clearly defined. With time a greater awareness of the way in which this life-altering illness affects sufferers and their carers has developed, as has the recognition that for every sufferer there is at least one other persons' life altered: partner, child, parent or friend.
What are the symptoms?
There is a long list of reported symptoms which varies between individual sufferers but common ones are:
Profound overwhelming fatigue made worse by activity and unrelieved by rest.
Severe joint and muscle pain
Impairment of Cognition -memory and concentration problems
Sore throat with/without enlarged lymph glands.
Gastric Problems including abdominal pain and nausea
Disturbed sleep
Sensitivity to noise and light
Visual disturbances
Variations in body temperature-fevers and chills
How long does it last?
Some people with ME/CFS recover within a few months but for others it can last for several years.
· Approximately 20% of those affected will make a full recovery in 2-3 years.
· A further 60% will make a significant improvement.
· The remaining 20% may become chronically ill and severely disabled.
How can I recover?
Firstly your doctor will need to do a series of tests to eliminate other conditions with similar symptoms. This is because at present there is no conclusive diagnostic test.
Initially in the early stages of the illness you may feel unable to do anything but rest. Rest is important especially during any relapses.
Regrettably there is no known cure at present but it is well documented that an early diagnosis and appropriate advice on management can aid recovery. Therefore it is important to learn to live within the energy restrictions of the illness and to pace any activity with care. This could help to prevent a relapse.