Living With ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

From Active To Housebound...

ME/CFS can be very debilitating.

Read about how the illness can dramatically affect sufferers' lives on a physical level, on this page.

Please note: Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are believed to fall under the umbrella term 'ME/CFS'. To make it easier for you to read through this page, Sleepydust will use the term 'ME/CFS' to refer to them collectively. But it's worth bearing in mind that each of these separate terms have overlapping but different definitions.

ME/CFS really can change the way you live your life, in a very profound way. It can affect you physically, mentally, socially, spiritually, financially... every aspect of your life can be affected when you develop ME/CFS to a moderate or severe level. This site takes a look at the many ways in which the illness can affect you, and aims to try to give you helpful tips along the way.

A Weakened Body...

ME/CFS can make you feel overwhelmingly tired (for want of a better word). If you experience hypersomnia (a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptom) and spend most of your days and nights sleeping, you can still wake up feeling completely unrefreshed and/or ill.

The CDC's criteria for the diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is that the 'fatigue' reduces your average daily activity level by more than 50% for a period of at least six months. More than 50%! And unfortunately for some its much, much more than that...

It's not surprising then, that as your body weakens, you're less able to do the things you once could, pre-illness. The once active lifestyle you might have led is now put on hold while you try to struggle through the seemingly never-ending nightmare that is ME/CFS.

Indeed, it's no wonder why many ME/CFS sufferers become so frustrated about their illness and the new, limiting lifestyle it can impose on them. And sadly, some ME/CFS sufferers can even develop depression as a symptom of ME/CFS.

What To Expect...

ME/CFS is not a straight forward illness. Unfortunately there is still much to learn about the illness. But there are some things we have come to understand about the illness (or rather, sub-groups or illnesses).

For example, you are likely to experience changes in your ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms. Some symptoms will fade away over time while overs will develop and come to the forefront. The degree to which you are affected by ME/CFS (mild, moderate, severe) can also vary over time.

Periods of relapse and remission are common. The trick is to keep the number of relapses you experience down to a minimum, which is easier said than done. You can read more about ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome treatments and therapies that may help you.

How Badly Can You Be Affected By ME/CFS?

Some sufferers manage to go out and manage a little daily activity, possibly even managing a part time job. But others are not so lucky. Many ME/CFS sufferers are unable to hold down a job or continue education, and many become housebound. Some sufferers are too exhausted to do housework and other domestic responsibilities.

Some sufferers even become bed-ridden - too weak to even walk across their bedroom. In an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 45% of those patients with ME/CFS were periodically bedridden.

But there is an up-side: Thankfully, you do have hope. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. And recovery is indeed possible...

Looking Forward... The Road Ahead

Thankfully, recovery is possible. Some sufferers recovery partially or even recover a significant amount of their former health. Others recovery completely.

There are numerous approaches to managing your ME/CFS. Make sure you learn about as many as you can, so that you can make an educated decision based on what you feel is right for you.

Get Lots Of Free Tips &
Info About ME/CFS...

If you think you have ME/CFS, then make sure you sign up to the FREE Sleepydust Emagazine. You'll receive a free newsletter emailed straight to your email box, packed full of tips for dealing with your ME/CFS and/or Fibromyalgia.

Grab your free copy of the popular Sleepydust E-Magazine here...

You can read more on recovering from ME/ CFS here...

And to learn more about some of the treatments and therapies for ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, click here...

You Are Not Alone...

If you become housebound or even bedridden, then you may find that living with ME/CFS can become quite lonely. If you're beginning to feel isolated from the world, then let your computer be your link back to it.

You're more than welcome to join our online community over at MySpace (free). It's a great place to meet other sufferers, and make new friends.

You can join our free online community at MySpace here...

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