Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, otherwise known as CFS, is one of those illnesses that leaves one dazed. You wake up, and every single day feels as though you’ve run a marathon; yet, you didn’t. Your body is drained of all energy and your brain like cotton wool in the head; sleep or rest can’t come even close. That is to say, if life can have been any like that for any one suffering with CFS. It is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), so you may sometimes see it written as ME/CFS.
Well, that’s all part of the mystery. Doctors and researchers are still scratching their heads in an attempt to understand the condition fully. It commonly begins following something like a nasty viral infection, extreme stress, or even an injury. Some think it might be just because of over-activation in the immune system. However, there is something about it that cannot be applied universally to everyone afflicted with CFS. It kind of is a bit like an incomplete mystery movie without all the pieces. However, something is pretty clear: it is way beyond “feeling tired.” A chronic illness is one that stays on for a long time, disturbing the everyday life of an individual. Even something as simple as taking a walk, going to work, or meeting friends becomes an Herculean challenge. The patients report that they have always had energy levels like someone whose batteries are constantly on low power, despite trying to recharge as much as they can.
There is much variability in the symptoms, and the more symptoms listed, the greater the confusion. Besides chronic fatigue, most of the patients experience muscle pain, headaches, problems with concentration (“brain fog”), and sleep that does not refresh. Symptoms in some people worsen after physical or mental activities – called “post-exertional malaise.” So, whereas for most other forms of fatigue, we automatically tell ourselves to just “push through” when we’re tired, it is not a good idea with CFS to push through. Living with CFS is every bit physically and mentally and also emotionally draining.
It cannot be explained to family or friends why one cannot join weekend plans, yet those people cannot physically see anything “wrong.” Lack of awareness regarding the disorder at times leads one to brush it off or tell it’s just in somebody’s head. This only fuels frustration for people living with it. Can it, then, be treated? The honest answer is… sort of. There is no ‘one cure fits all’ or magic pill for the condition CFS. It’s more of pacing, instructing on the wise use of energy; changes in lifestyle habits; and specific symptom treatments, such as pain or sleep, therapy, and support groups to find ways to cope emotionally. Whether it is mainstream news or headline material, it is the real deal for millions around the world who live with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Now is the time for awareness and empathy to bring light upon those making their way through this invisible yet oft-misunderstood condition.