What is ME/CFS?
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Prognosis:The outcome in any particular case is difficult to predict. Some will improve slowly and make a full recovery, although maybe taking several years, and punctuated possibly by periods of relapse. Others make a variable progress, with fluctuating levels of disability, and never achieve full recovery, although there is usually substantial overall improvement over the years. A significant minority remain severely disabled, making little or no progress, (especially if they were not encouraged to rest sufficiently in the early stages of their illness).
Who gets CFS/ME?
CFS/ME can affect anyone, regardless of age, ethnic origin or social status. It especially seems to affect busy people, and those working with children or sick people, where viruses are particularly common.
A New Illness?
This illness has been documented for centuries (Florence Nightingale may well have been a sufferer). At present there is no definitive test, but obtaining an initial diagnosis is becoming easier to obtain as GPs become more aware of the condition.
Treatment:
At the moment there is no cure, and no particular therapy aimed at individual symptoms is uniformly successful. An early diagnosis and adequate rest during the acute phase, or during relapse, appears to bring the most significant improvement. Approaches such as acupuncture, reflexology and homeopathy may be worth a try but it is important to find a reputable practitioner.
Management of CFS/ME
Evening primrose oil has been shown to relieve some symptoms. A good healthy diet that includes complex carbohydrate foods (to stabilise blood sugar levels) and avoids excessive caffeine is advisable. Lifestyle modification, which involves achieving the correct balance between activity and rest, needs to be worked out individually. (Try to find the correct balance which works for you, learning by experiment and experience.) Learn to listen to your body when it demands rest! Learn to pace yourself and live within your own personal limitations!
Sufficient rest, especially in the early stages, is very important. On the other hand, prolonged bed rest beyond the acute stage has its dangers, since it is possible to become trapped in a vicious circle of immobility and weakness. Therefore it is a question of each individual finding their right balance.
Most sufferers do recover in time (but to varying degrees). A small number do remain chronically ill, but continual deterioration in symptoms is not the normal pattern.
ME is classified as a "disease of the nervous system" by the World Health Organisation.