Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (C.F.S) is also known as Myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E) and is a chronic illness with numerous and varying symptoms the main and common one usually being fatigue.

The Symptoms

C.F.S symptoms are different for every person and can also vary over time. Symptoms usually worsen after activity either physical, mental or even emotional and require rest to ease them.   Here is a list of many of the possible symptoms.

Fatigue – A persistent and overwhelming tiredness. I read somewhere that its similar to the tiredness felt when you have jet lag can’t say if that’s true though as I’ve never flown.

Pain

• Aching Muscles or joints
• Nerve pains (pins & needles)
• Migraines
• Cramps
• Muscle twitching

Flu Like Symptoms

• Sore throat
• Swollen glands
• Headaches
• Malaise
• Facial pallor

Sleep problems

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Restless sleep
• Sleep reversal – sleeping during the day and awake at night
• Sleeping for long periods (hypersomnia)
• Nightmares, vivid dreams,
• Unrefreshing sleep

Intolerance’s – an intolerance or sensitivity to:

• smells
• Bright light
• Noise
• Certain foods
• Certain medications
• Alcohol

Mood changes

• Frustration
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic attacks
• Anger or  irritability
• Mood swings

Neurological problems

• Loss of concentration
• Reduced attention span
• Memory problems particularly short term
• Inability to organise thoughts
• Difficulty finding/remembering words

Nervous system symptoms

• Temperature control problems ( such as feeling cold in summer and hot in winter)
• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Sweating
• loss of balance
• Oversensitivity to touch
• Visual disturbance such as eye pain or blurring

Digestive Problems

• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Indigestion
• Stomach cramps
• Alternating diarrhoea and constipation

The Causes

The causes of C.F.S are still mainly unknown. A lot of people seem to get C.F.S after a viral infection such as glandular fever or viral meningitis. Other possible triggers could be immunizations, physical injury (an operation or accident), toxins and/or increased stress.

Treatment

There is no cure for C.F.S but there are some things that can be done to help manage the condition and relieve the symptoms. These include medication such as pain killers and anti-depressants as well as therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling, relaxation and occupational.

Helpful Links

Action for M.E – information

Foggy Friends - a forum for people with c.f.s

Understanding M.E – What it feels like to live with C.F.S

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome –  another forum

Fighting Fatigue – a blog on C.F.S as well as fibromyalgia and  IC disease