There is currently no universally accepted treatment for ME/CFS, so focus is placed on relieving symptoms. However, by understanding symptoms and knowing how to respond to them, people with ME/CFS can begin to lead “normal” lives once more and some fully recover.
Thor A Rain the founder of The Helpful Clinic suffered with ME/CFS (and Fibromyalgia) for over six years. They fully recovered and have been well for years now.
A key factor underpinning sustained improvement or full recovery is what’s called Root Cause Analysis. This is to investigate and explore the factors contributing to the onset of ME/CFS. As this is a multi-systemic condition, it is likely that there are a few root causes that need to be understood and addressed.
According to the ME Association, ME is the most common cause of long term sickness absence from school and is estimated to cost the UK economy £3.3bn each year.
If you feel chronically tired all the time, and/or experience some of the symptoms listed above, making day-to-day tasks a constant struggle, you should contact your doctor in the first instance. They will want to rule out other disorders that could be causing your symptoms.
If you decide to start your journey to recovery with us, we will work together on six key areas of your health – symptoms, sleep, mood, nutrition, activity and relationships – to understand the root causes contributing to your illness and help you achieve an improved state of physical, mental and social wellbeing (and where possible, full recovery).
Feeling alone and confused about what you’re experiencing? There’s a chance we can help.
We regularly work with people who are in the same position as you, many of who are improving and some recovering fully.
Book your free Discovery Call with us now and find out how we just might be able to help you begin a journey towards better emotional and physical health.
What is ME/CFS?
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) – sometimes also referred to as Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disorder (SEID), Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS), or chronic fatigue immunity deficiency syndrome (CFIDS) – is a complicated, complex and debilitating multi-systemic disorder that is primarily characterised by extreme fatigue.
Now when we talk about the kind of fatigue experienced by ME/CFS sufferers, we’re not referring to the kind of tiredness you feel at the end of a long day. Instead, we’re talking about how you feel when you have the flu; a fatigue that makes doing even the simplest of day-to-day tasks extremely difficult, sometimes insurmountable.
To make matters worse, people with ME/CFS say said fatigue does not subside with rest and, as a result, going to school or work, as well as leading a “normal” social life is all but impossible.
Furthermore, the fact there is yet no definitive diagnostic test to confirm ME/CFS makes people living with the condition feeling dejected, disappointed and wondering where to turn for help.
ME/CFS symptoms
Signs and symptoms of ME/CFS include:
- Constant or recurring extreme fatigue
- Non-restoring/unrefreshing sleep
- Loss of memory or concentration
- Impaired thinking abilities
- Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or armpits
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Stomach ache
- Light sensitivity
- Unexplained muscle or joint pain
ME/CFS causes
While the exact cause of ME/CFS is unknown, potential triggers include:
- Viral infections
- Genetics
- Trauma
- Immune system problems
- Surgery
- An injury
- Hormone imbalances
- Digestive system issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
ME/CFS can also come on gradually or people may experience a sudden onset. Many ME/CFS sufferers say it’s as though they caught the flu, but it never went away.
