Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / M.E.

How do I know if I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / M.E.?

What signs or symptoms may make you suspect you may have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / M.E.. People who have experience in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / M.E. offer advice of what things may make you suspicious and which doctor you should go to to receive treatment

How do I know if I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / M.E.?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), is a complex and debilitating condition characterized by extreme fatigue that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition. If you have been experiencing persistent fatigue for an extended period, it is important to consider the possibility of CFS/ME. However, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. While I am not a doctor, I can provide you with some general information on the signs and symptoms associated with CFS/ME.

1. Persistent Fatigue: The primary symptom of CFS/ME is an overwhelming and persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest or sleep. This fatigue can significantly impact your daily activities and may worsen with physical or mental exertion.

2. Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM): Individuals with CFS/ME often experience a worsening of symptoms after physical or mental exertion. This post-exertional malaise can last for several days or even weeks, causing a significant decline in energy levels and overall well-being.

3. Cognitive Difficulties: Many people with CFS/ME experience cognitive impairments commonly referred to as "brain fog." This can manifest as difficulties with concentration, memory, and processing information, making it challenging to perform tasks that require mental focus.

4. Sleep Disturbances: Sleep problems are common in individuals with CFS/ME. You may experience difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrefreshed despite adequate rest.

5. Muscle and Joint Pain: Many individuals with CFS/ME report muscle and joint pain without any apparent cause. These pains can be widespread or localized and may fluctuate in intensity.

6. Flu-like Symptoms: CFS/ME can often present with flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, tender lymph nodes, headaches, and low-grade fever.

7. Other Symptoms: Additional symptoms that may be associated with CFS/ME include dizziness, nausea, digestive issues, sensitivity to light and noise, and mood disturbances such as depression or anxiety.

It is important to note that the symptoms of CFS/ME can vary from person to person, and not everyone will experience the same combination or severity of symptoms. Furthermore, these symptoms can also be indicative of other medical conditions, so it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation.

A diagnosis of CFS/ME typically involves ruling out other potential causes for your symptoms through a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests. These tests may include blood tests, imaging studies, and assessments of cognitive function.

If you suspect you may have CFS/ME, it is recommended to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional who specializes in this condition. They will be able to evaluate your symptoms, provide an accurate diagnosis, and develop an appropriate management plan tailored to your specific needs.

by Diseasemaps

Extreme tiredness and flu like symptoms for more than 6 months without a known cause.

8/27/17 by Emy 2050

Post exertional malaise, poor, unrefreshing sleep, swollen glands, fatigue of unknown cause, all of a sudden onset with a viral flu-like infection beforehand.

9/5/17 by Shirley 2050

Post exertion/exercise fatigue/malaise that takes days weeks or months to recover from (this seems to be the one factor we all have in common at the outset of ME/CFS).

9/7/17 by 2560

It took 20 months of many doctors and mis diagnoses before I was finally diagnosed by an experienced cardiologist at a women's center.

9/10/17 by Sharon 1500

Difficult one for me to answer But a doctor or specialist like endocrinologist neurologist

1/17/18 by Annette 2500

If your life has been completely changed suddenly, if you sleep constantly or not at all, if someone asks you how you are and you wonder whether the pain you now feel is going to be gone by the time you answer and another one took its place... and in any case you know you are not just 'tired'... or if you had the flu and it lingers on without stopping... have all other diseases eliminated, go to an ME-CFS clinic to be seen by a real specialist to be sure. I would not skimp on this step.

3/2/18 by Beti 2700

Visit your primary care doctor or a rheumatologist that will not brush your symptoms aside.

8/9/18 by cathy 2500

Neurological and immune issues that are new and scary a really long course of flu or mono that leaves you less able afterwards the inability to stay in an upright position without edema pallor red crescents on tonsils dropping things, unrestful sleep at night migraines a Dx of Fibro strange and frequent infections lack of former stamina [this is all different in pediatric ME] Go to your GP and keep a symptom diary between visits ask for a referral to a neurologist and and immunologist

4/6/19 by Fadra 2550

You have had unexplained flu-like symptoms that won't go away, and/or have progressed into more bizarre symptoms.

12/12/19 by Joanna 6200

Look at the symptoms in the IC Primer and then take that to your doctor. Here is the link https://www.me-international.org/understanding-criteria.html

12/21/19 by Pam 3550

Translated from spanish Improve translation

If you can't do the same you did yesterday, if you bothered by noises, certain smells, headaches, blurred vision, not able to think, memory problems, it is necessary to pass by the doctor.

9/11/17 by Eduardo Casasnovas. Translated

Translated from spanish Improve translation

You will be sitting up or lying even though you have to do something very important, you don't have strength, you will have weakness.

9/11/17 by Haydee de bielik. Translated

Translated from spanish Improve translation

If I have a persistent fatigue that keeps me from doing a normal life I already have which you suspect of suffering from CFS / me. Are attached to cognitive disorders and memory. Sleep disorders repeated. All for more than 6 months. ...and many other symptoms more. I consulted two neurologos, and a family physician. The SPECT was the exam more relevant.

10/19/17 by Heidrun Kroner. Translated

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