Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is not classified as a disease and as such there has been much controversy and stigma surrounding this debilitating condition. Only a few years ago it was labelled ‘The Yuppie Flu’, covertly suggesting it may be some kind of trendy ‘fad’ fabricated by those who engage in attention-seeking behaviour. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. The symptoms are mostly physical and often very painful, not to mention debilitating, and sometimes, de-humanising. Finally, this mysterious disorder is making its way out of the closet as more and more health professionals are treating CFS patients with the professionalism and empathy they deserve, too many people have already gone undiagnosed, and therefore, untreated.

CFS is indeed a very serious disorder, and is far more complicated than a just a loss of energy, as the name might suggest. The disorder varies in both duration and severity with each individual. The physical impact of Chronic Fatigue can vary from being mildly limiting to an extreme of being severely debilitating to a point where many months are spent confined to bed rest. For example, some people can function almost normally, whilst others are unable to perform the most basic of activities such as showering or walking from one room to another.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is characterized by a complex multi-layering of symptoms featuring extreme fatigue that may worsen with physical or mental activity, but doesn’t improve with rest. As there is no single cause, there is obviously no known ‘cure’. Each individual generally experiences their own unique combination of symptoms, and as such the disorder is usually treated symptomatically. That is, each symptom is treated as it arises. Some of the symptoms of CFS include;

Extreme and Persistent Physical Exhaustion
‘Migrating’ Muscle and Joint Aches and Pains
Swollen Glands and Lymph Nodes
Appetite Extremes
Food Sensitivity
Muscle Weakness
Cognitive Dysfunction
Hypersensitivity
Digestive Disturbances
Depression and Anxiety
Poor Concentration
Loss of Memory or Concentration
Trouble Sleeping
Drug Sensitivity – especially those that affect the central nervous system

The one common element seen in patients with CFS is a history of viral infection, usually accompanied by severe stress. Many experts now agree that if a patient has CFS for less than 2 years, chances of recovery over the next 2 to 3 years are fairly optimistic. However, in many cases full recovery is never achieved, unfortunately these people live with periods of remission and relapse of the disorder for many years.

As mobility is limited in CFS the question of exercise often arises. It is commonly known that a sedentary lifestyle causes a range of other health problems including muscle wastage, loss of bone mass, and increased risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease. The topic of regular exercise for CFS patients has been one of much debate among medical professionals, some believe that gentle exercise is helpful, while others caution against any form of aerobic activity. It is best to devise a course of treatment in consultation with your health care professional, based on your own comfort levels.

In light of the controversy over the name ‘Chronic Fatigue Syndrome’, advocacy groups, patients and a number of experts are making efforts to change its name to reflect the seriousness of this often debilitating condition. Unfortunately it has been trivialised by the ignorant for far too long.

Recently it has been more appropriately known as ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). Myalgic Encephalomyelitis literally means pain in the muscles and inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.

Other names which have been used to describe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are; Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome, Benign Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Infectious Mononucleosis, Epidemic Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, Epidemic Neuromyasthenia, Myalgic Encephalitis, Myalgic Encephalopathy.

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