Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Symptoms
According to the NHS Website, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptom is extreme tiredness
For more information please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-cfs/
What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ?
CFS is also known as ME, which stands for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. There’s some debate over the correct term to use for the condition, but these pages will refer to it as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or CFS/ME.
CFS/ME can affect anyone, including children. It’s more common in women and tends to develop between your mid-20s and mid-40s. Living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis symptoms differs from sufferer to sufferer, some may still be able to work while others may be living with an NG tube to feed them.
My Life with ME
This journey taught me the power of resilience and I hope that by sharing my experiences good and bad I can raise awareness and offer support to those facing similar challenges.
In my studio ( my bed ); I’ve discovered new ways to express myself creatively and I am so proud of the new skills that I have been able to learn along the way including, website design, graphic design, crafting, videography and photography.
To make a difference, I am educating myself to utilise social media and digital platforms as a way to empower my voice for education, raising awareness and building a community of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis sufferers locally as well as around the world.
I describe ME as the worst Flu you could ever have, living Myalgic Encephalomyelitis symptoms is like the type of Flu that hurts every single part of your body. It even hurts my toenails and the hair on my head, It feels like being head sore from being out in the sun too long but it doesn’t go away no matter what you take or how many days pass. If I get cold and get goosebumps the pain from shivering will leave me crying due to the pain. I haven’t even really got into it yet!
You have problems sleeping, yet you can’t stay awake. No matter how long you are asleep it will never be enough. ME sufferers have poor-quality sleep that doesn’t help with the exhaustion you feel. Its medical term is non-restorative sleep, this means that no matter how many hours a day I sleep, I will never wake up feeling rested and as you can imagine living with very little sleep and extreme pain isn’t the recipe for a happy life.
Muscle Weakness
Nausea
Headaches
Sensitivities
Sore Throats
Post exertial malaise
Difficulty remembering
Difficulty thinking
Intermittent paralysis
Unable to tolerate light or sounds
Tinnitus
Difficulty walking
Joint Pain
Feeling dizzy
Heart palpitations
General Malaise
Muscle cramps
Twitching Muscles
Hypersomnia
Reduced attention span
Sweating
Stomach cramps
Excessive wind
Painful lymph nodes
Double vision
It isn’t easy or quick to be diagnosed with ME so be prepared to be living with your Myalgic Encephalomyelitis symptoms for a while before your official diagnosis as your Dr must conduct tests for illnesses that have similar symptoms so that they can be excluded first this includes things like thyroid problems or Iron deficiency.
Your Dr will conduct blood and urine tests as well as a complete physical and questions to assess your mental health. As each test is excluded your Dr will be putting together a full picture that in most cases will then be sent across to a specialist ME team. (Some areas do treat ME cases differently)
To reach a diagnosis of ME your Dr has to rule out all other illnesses and you have to be suffering from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis symptoms for at least a minimum of 4 months.
Help is Available
There are several charities dedicated to supporting people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), offering vital resources and advocacy to improve the lives of those affected.
These organisations provide essential information about the illness, helping patients and their families better understand and manage the complex symptoms.
They offer support networks, connecting individuals with others who share similar experiences, which can be a lifeline for those feeling isolated. Additionally, many of these charities work tirelessly to raise awareness about ME, challenging misconceptions and promoting a greater understanding within the medical community and society at large.
They also contribute to research efforts, advocating for increased funding and better healthcare services to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and overall quality of life for people living with ME.
If you ever need help or just someone to talk to please reach out to me via any of my social media profiles below.
making a difference
The ME Pyjama Party
Get comfy for a cause! The ME Pyjama Party is a powerful yet simple way to raise awareness for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). During ME Awareness Week and Severe ME Day, we’re inviting you to wear your pyjamas in solidarity with those who are bed-bound due to this debilitating illness. How to Join: ✔ Take a picture in your PJs ✔ Post it on social media using #MEPJPARTY ✔ Tag friends & spread the message!
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Carer Community
Caring for someone with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) can be challenging, but you are not alone. 💙 Join the ME Carer Community—a safe space for support, advice, and connection. Let's uplift one another. 🤝 #MECarers #ChronicIllnessSupport #YouAreNotAlone
My Youtube Channel
Welcome to my world! 💙 Join me, Alfie & Archie, as we navigate life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, share our favourite moments, and spread positivity. Subscribe for real-life stories, disability awareness, and lots of dog love! 🐶✨ #AlishaWhittam #LifeWithME #BlackLabs
Recent blogs
This journey taught me the power of resilience and I hope that by sharing my experiences good and bad I can raise awareness and offer support to those facing similar challenges.
