Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

#MyalgicEncephalomyelitis#ChronicFatigueSyndrome#CFS#MECFS#CFSME

What is myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome)? Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by extreme exhaustion that lasts for at least six months. To diagnose myalgic encephalomyelitis, doctors must first rule out other medical conditions causing the exhaustion. This condition is sometimes referred to as systemic exertional intolerance disease (SEID).
What are the symptoms of myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome)? Common symptoms of myalgic encephalomyelitis include:

Chronic exhaustion
Difficulty focusing
Headaches
Enlarged lymph nodes
Muscle and/or joint pain
Dizziness that worsens with activity
Extreme fatigue following any form of physical or mental exertion

What causes myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome)? The exact cause of myalgic encephalomyelitis is not known. Some people have developed this disorder following a viral infection such as the Epstein-Barr virus. The immune system of individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis tends to be impaired, but it is not clear if this is an actual cause of the disorder or not. Hormonal imbalances may also play a role in your likelihood of developing this disorder. Abnormal levels of hormones produced in the adrenal glands, pituitary glands, and hypothalamus might be found in those diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis. It has also been found that this disorder can occur following a physical or emotional trauma such as surgery or a stressful event.
How do you treat myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome)? There is no cure for myalgic encephalomyelitis, but medications and therapy can help manage symptoms. Medications can be used to treat coexisting issues such as depression and pain. Chronic health conditions such as myalgic encephalomyelitis often cause patients to become depressed due to their debilitating nature, so antidepressants may be prescribed in these situations. Doctors may also prescribe medications to help regulate blood pressure in patients who live with orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when you go from sitting to standing). Counseling is an effective way to help patients cope with the challenges of myalgic encephalomyelitis.

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Fran Dargaville sitting near a bridge

Fran Dargaville sitting near a bridge

Fran Dargaville

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Chronic Fatigue

July 8, 2016

When I Quit My Job Because of My Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Ten years, on and off. That’s how long I spent in varying stages of fatigue, along with other symptoms like brain fog, muscle and joint pain and insomnia. I know I’m one of the lucky ones, struggling to make it through a day of school, university and work, but I still manage nonetheless. I tried [...]

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A mom holding her newborn baby in a kitchen.

A mom holding her newborn baby in a kitchen.

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Chronic Fatigue

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26 Tips for New Moms Living With ME/CFS

Following a difficult spell with illness and sleepless nights with my toddler, it got me thinking about how I managed to cope when he was a tiny baby. Looking back to those early days when he didn’t sleep much at all during the night, it was such an exhausting time. Having a new baby is [...]

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This Comic Nails the Difference Between Chronic Fatigue and Just Being 'Tired'

This Comic Nails the Difference Between Chronic Fatigue and Just Being 'Tired'

Laura Chamberlain

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Chronic Fatigue

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This Comic Nails the Difference Between Chronic Fatigue and Just Being 'Tired'

In honor of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome awareness day on May 12, I thought I’d make a comic. When I decided to do this I didn’t quite realize just how long it would take and how many spoons, but hopefully it’s worth it. To read a transcript, head here. Introducing Maddie, a girl with ME, [...]

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Ashley Kristoff

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@ashley-kristoff

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How do you feel emotionally when you hit that fatigue "wall?"

Chronic fatigue has been the tiny annoying voice whispering in my ear since Spring 2015, because when your body exists in a state of permanent hypothyroidism, it has that fun effect!

7 years in and I’d like to think I have it pretty figured out. I bargain ahead of every day, week, or scheduled future plan. I know what my body can go through to stay OK, and more importantly I know my limits.

But life doesn’t work perfectly, and I can’t always control the circumstances around me. And when I end up overdoing it and hitting that “wall” where basically everything feels impossible, I notice my emotions dip along with my energy levels. When you have to revolve your life around your fatigue levels, one day can really throw a wrench into things, and is a perfectly normal and valid reason to be frustrated.

When you hit that fatigue “wall,” how do you feel?

#ChronicFatigue #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicIllness #CheckInWithMe #HypothyroidismUnderactiveThyroidDisease #MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety

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Mighty Leader

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@sparklywartanks

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What are your tips for pacing yourself throughout the day or week?

Living with a chronic illness can sometimes mean not being able to go at full-speed all the time and trying to leave a little “gas in the tank” at the end of the day.

What are some tips or hacks you use to pace yourself? Do you change your tactics depending on how busy life is?

Share what you found to be best for you in the comments below! 🔋

#ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #Disability #Caregiving #RareDisease #Migraine #Stroke #CardiovascularDisease #AutonomicDysfunction
#PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #Spoonie #Lupus #Endometriosis #Hospital
#Cancer #Anxiety #PTSD
#CheckInWithMe

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