Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Before I became ill with ME/CFS at age 21, I had never considered how much energy we use not doing things. We all know that our daily activities require certain amounts of energy, even for healthy people. We all have different amounts of “baseline” energy, that energy that we start the day with and is [...]

Editor’s note: Any medical information included is based on a personal experience. For questions or concerns regarding health, please consult a doctor or medical professional. If you struggle with chronic fatigue, you’ve likely been in a situation where you’re trying to express how you feel and a healthy person responds, “Yeah, I’m a bit tired today, too. Mondays, right?” The [...]

I have myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME. You’ll probably know it as chronic fatigue syndrome, the much easier to pronounce but more misunderstood and stigmatized name. Yes, I’ve tried most miracle multivitamins I’ve been recommended, I don’t pull all-nighters streaming Netflix every night (as much as I wish I could!), I have had blood tests testing for [...]

Since being diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, “tired” has become one of my most commonly used words. It’s a word we all use. Everyone gets tired. Whether it’s at the end of a busy day or as you drag yourself out of bed early in the morning, we all experience it. But the more I [...]

It had been weeks of the worst flare I’d ever gone through and I was only getting worse. I could barely sit up for more than a few minutes at a time and the fatigue grew more and more each day. I’m used to feeling like death is knocking at my door, but this time [...]

May 12th is ME/CFS Awareness Day, so it’s especially important during this time to raise awareness and promote understanding of the condition and those who live with it. ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) is a chronic condition with no known cure that can produce a range of symptoms, including joint or muscle pain, chronic fatigue, post-exertional malaise, [...]

I know it feels like your illness defines who you are. I know it feels like your illness took away so many things important to you in your life. It took away your school, your sports and hobbies, some of your friendships and your plans for your career. When people tell you your illness shouldn’t [...]

Dear Annie, I know you debated for half an hour over how to phrase the text, but essentially the message was “I’m sorry, I won’t be able to come today because I’m sick.” It’s not a new message, because this isn’t a new occurrence. Yes, it felt different because it was a new friend. It [...]