Which are the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / M.E.?

See the worst symptoms of affected by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / M.E. here

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / M.E. symptoms

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / M.E.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), is a complex and debilitating condition characterized by extreme fatigue that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition. The symptoms of CFS/M.E. can vary from person to person, and their severity can fluctuate over time. It is important to note that CFS/M.E. is a chronic condition, meaning that the symptoms persist for an extended period, typically lasting for at least six months.

1. Fatigue and Exhaustion

Severe fatigue is the hallmark symptom of CFS/M.E. Individuals with this condition experience a profound and persistent exhaustion that is not relieved by rest or sleep. This fatigue is often described as overwhelming and can significantly impact daily activities and functioning.

2. Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM)

Post-exertional malaise is a key characteristic of CFS/M.E. It refers to a worsening of symptoms following physical or mental exertion. Even minor activities that were once manageable can lead to a significant increase in fatigue, pain, cognitive difficulties, and other symptoms. The exacerbation of symptoms can occur immediately or be delayed, lasting for days or even weeks.

3. Cognitive Impairment

Cognitive difficulties, often referred to as brain fog or mental fog, are common in individuals with CFS/M.E. These cognitive impairments can include problems with memory, concentration, attention, and information processing. It may become challenging to think clearly, find the right words, or perform tasks that require mental focus.

4. Sleep Disturbances

Sleep disturbances are prevalent in CFS/M.E. patients. Despite feeling exhausted, individuals may experience unrefreshing sleep and struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep. They may also have vivid dreams, restless legs, or other sleep disorders that further contribute to their overall fatigue and daytime sleepiness.

5. Pain and Muscle Aches

Widespread pain and muscle aches are common symptoms of CFS/M.E. The pain can be generalized or localized to specific areas of the body. It is often described as aching, throbbing, or soreness. Joint pain and headaches are also frequently reported.

6. Flu-like Symptoms

Many individuals with CFS/M.E. experience flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, tender lymph nodes, low-grade fever, chills, and night sweats. These symptoms can come and go, exacerbating the overall feeling of illness.

7. Orthostatic Intolerance

Orthostatic intolerance refers to difficulties in maintaining an upright position without experiencing symptoms. Individuals with CFS/M.E. may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting upon standing up. This can be accompanied by an increased heart rate, palpitations, and shortness of breath.

8. Digestive Issues

Many individuals with CFS/M.E. experience digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and food intolerances. These gastrointestinal symptoms can further contribute to the overall discomfort and impact the quality of life.

9. Sensitivities

Individuals with CFS/M.E. may develop sensitivities to various stimuli, including light, noise, odors, and certain foods. These sensitivities can exacerbate symptoms and make it challenging to engage in normal daily activities.

It is important to note that the symptoms of CFS/M.E. can overlap with those of other medical conditions, making diagnosis challenging. If you suspect you may have CFS/M.E., it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate management.

Diseasemaps

Posted Apr 17, 2019 by MEAction of CO

Not having enough Energy

Posted Dec 20, 2019 by ME International

Brain fog and pain. Violent muscle spasms while you try to sleep.

Posted Feb 21, 2017 by Catherine 1002

the fatique

Posted Feb 22, 2017 by Karen Lisa 302

The flu like aching pain all over my body, but especially in my lower extremities and the weakness that confines me to a recliner or the bed are the most limiting symptoms and the ones I would want to get rid of first. Before getting the flu on 12/28/09 I work full-time as an RN and rode a bicycle 200 miles a week for fun! The post exertional malaise (PEM) worsens my condition each time my symptoms remit enough to where I think I can be up and do something as simple as preparing my own meal and folding laundry, I crash! I think the next worst symptom is the constant sweats that leave me drenched and suffering chills. It's a never ending battle all day and my home looks like a Chinese laundry with wet pajamas hanging out to dry!

Posted Apr 6, 2017 by Christina Maria Cooper 350

For me, the worst part of this disease is how it affects my brain. I have trouble concentrating and remembering things. There are times when it feels like a bit of knowledge just falls into a black hole and nothing I can do will retrieve it. Also when I am thinking one thing and suddenly some weird word replaces one of the words I had meant to say. A word that has absolutely nothing to do with what I was trying to say like moon rather than car or something even more bizarre. There are things I can do that don't require a lot of energy, as long as my mind is firing on all cylinders. That is why for me it is the cognitive issues I find the worst.

Posted Apr 7, 2017 by Linda D 352

Chronic fatigue exhaustion weakness chronic pain

Posted Apr 27, 2017 by Miranda 406

Fatigue

Posted May 4, 2017 by Ben 1079

post-exertion malaise, fatigue/exhaustion, pain, orthostatic intolerance, brain fog, shaking, stuttering,

Posted May 4, 2017 by Nicolette 150

Fatigue

Posted May 11, 2017 by Lymie 201

Mental & physical exhaustion
Brain fog
Post exertion burn out
Sick all the time

Posted May 12, 2017 by missylob 1056

Feeling constantly tired with flu like symptoms as temperature, aches and pains (headache, nausea, tachicardia, dizziness, joint and muscular pain), sense of faint. Post exercize malaise. Long time to recover after work or after a walk ecc.
I would get rid of the permanent tiredness first of all.

Posted Aug 27, 2017 by Emy 2050

The every day exhaustion just being awake

Posted Aug 30, 2017 by Jaime 800

Post exertion malaise. It's grim, and easy to forget to pace yourself if you're feeling ok. You'll pay for it, though, so pace yourself!

Posted Sep 5, 2017 by Shirley 2050

pain, fatigue, insomnia, brain fog made worse by any exertion whether physical, mental or emotional.

Posted Sep 7, 2017 by 2560

Dragging exhaustion, pain in my legs, brain fog

Posted Sep 8, 2017 by Sam 1400

Fatigue
Intractable Headache
Tachycardia
Diabetes Insipidus
POTS
Post Exertion Malaise
Loss of normal Cognitive functioning
Low Blood Pressure
Low Blood Volume

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Sharon 1500

Debiliating fatigue malaise pain exercise intolerance sensitive to light noise chemicals foods a myriad of co mobidities alongside the illness its chronic and many are housebound and bedridden

Posted Jan 17, 2018 by Annette 2500

Mind numbing fatigue
Waking up exhausted
Too much pain to sleep
Tingling all over
Tremors during a crash or flare up
Muscle weakness in my leg making walking difficult or impossible
Forgetfulness
Total memory loss of certain events

Posted Jan 18, 2018 by Tars99 1050

Weakness that nothing changes; Fatigue that is disabling and no amount of sleep changes; Super-Sensitivity to light, sound, touch, etc. (ex: wearing dark sunglasses indoors; screaming when the cause is exaggerated to what is normal); Exercise Intolerance causing physical damage rather than any benefit; Cognitive issues which include such symptoms as 20% or less memory retention, brain fog, trouble finding words or being unable to speak at times; Pain of various kinds including random needle pains, pain coming from the base of the skull especially; Sensations of various kinds, seemingly random; Blurred vision.

Posted Mar 2, 2018 by Beti 2700

Endless fatigue
Non-restful sleep
Brain fog
Pain in extremeties especially the legs
Breathless
Loss of strength
Chronic migraine

Posted Aug 9, 2018 by cathy 2500

Fatigue and weakness are the most limiting symptoms. I would get rid of the fatigue first.

Posted Jan 3, 2019 by Jeannie -400

PENE and PEM and Pain
Neurological impairment and Immune suppression
secondary chronic viral infections including and not limited to: HHV6, Shingles, caEBV, CMV, etc
POTS, OI, and NMH [inability to maintain an upright position, and the consequences of trying to do so]
autonomic dysfunction
secondary thyroiditis due to caEBV
pernicious anemia
IBS
Fibro
TMJ
I could go on for days
and secondary spinal MS
congenital cases of ME
infertility and miscarriage
intractable Migraines
Sensory overload
seizures other than epilepsy
etc

Posted Apr 6, 2019 by Fadra 2550

Post Exertional Malaise
Sleeping problems
Severe Fatigue
Cognitive problems
Orthostatic Intolerance, POtS
Pain
Infections
Autonomic problems

Posted Aug 3, 2019 by Jessica 1200

Symptoms of CFS/ME begin with the "chemical flu" or flu-like symptoms caused by a previous exposure (acute or chronic exposure) to toxic chemicals. Flu-like symptoms may not develop until another assault on the immune system--virus, bacterial infection, mold exposure, immunizations, toxic mold exposure, prolonged stress, etc. The chemical flu progresses into more serious symptoms--neurological changes, inflammation issues, other system disfunction.

Posted Dec 12, 2019 by Joanna 6200

The conditions of ME are listed in the ICPrimer. Here is a link to that Primer.https://www.me-international.org/understanding-criteria.html

Posted Dec 21, 2019 by Pam 3550

Most limiting are....Fatigue & brain fog as well as fatigued or painful muscles.
In my case the first to reduce was pins and needles on my feet and hands. Restless legs, temperature control.
I would get rid of the fatigue first. Temperature control next.

Posted Mar 11, 2020 by yasmin1 300

EXHAUSTION, physically and mentally all the time. Brain fog. Achy ness everywhere. Weakness. Migraines. Feeling helpless.

Posted Jan 17, 2021 by Emmy 2250

Post Exertional Malaise (the worsening of your symptoms after exertion. This sets in 24-72 hours after exeterion and exertion can be as much as working out to as little as having another person in the room.)
Fatigue
(muscle) pain
Brainfog/cognitive dysfunction
Sleep problems

Posted Nov 18, 2022 by Arlette 1300

Constant Extreme Exhaustion, Sleep Reversal, Intolerance To Light & Sound, Bad Headaches, Digestive Problems, Swollen Glands, PEM, Brain Function Problems, Chronic Brain Fog.

Posted Jun 25, 2023 by June Johnston 100