Can people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / M.E. work? What kind of work can they perform?

See how people with experience in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / M.E. give their opinion about whether people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / M.E. can work and what kind of jobs are more appropriated for people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / M.E.

Posted Apr 17, 2019 by MEAction of CO

Working outside the home..no but many can do projects on the computer

Posted Dec 20, 2019 by ME International

It depends on the severity. I worked as Project Coordinator in a research laboratory, but had to work from home one day a week. My symptoms are mild.

I previously worked in the laboratory, but had to give it up because it was too cold and physically demanding.

Posted Feb 21, 2017 by Catherine 1002

Depends on how severe it is. Stressful environments are not good.I have have no clue about how many work.

Posted Feb 22, 2017 by Karen Lisa 302

There are people who can and do work with CFS, but generally they are those who don't have a severe case of this disease. But those who do manage to hold down a job often come home and can't do anything besides rest so they can go to work the next day. No social life, little to no family life, personal life really suffers. Those who want to/need to work do best in jobs that are flexible

Posted Apr 7, 2017 by Linda D 352

It depends on severity of symptoms

Posted May 4, 2017 by Ben 1079

There's different severity levels of CFS. I farmed & milked cows when I first got it. I'm now on disability & somedays really struggle to do just basic living stuff. I'm a fulltime single mom, what energy I have goes to taking care of my kid.
Hard to answer those questions, CFS/ME isn't a one size fits all disease.

Posted May 12, 2017 by missylob 1056

It depends on the severity of symptoms.
I'm a nurse but it's not ok for me. I must sit down often, I can only work part time. I can't do nightshifts. I have a mild form of cfs. But it has affected my hole life. Of i could go back in time I would nor choose nursing because of my condition. I think most of cfs suffers can only work sitting down or standing for a short time.

Posted Aug 27, 2017 by Emy 2050

Anything, just find your own coping mechanisms.

Posted Aug 30, 2017 by Jaime 800

Yes. It's up to you. You can do most things, just need to pace yourself carefully and rest when you need to. It all depends on the severity of your ME. I worked 3 days a week, but have stopped, as I was too ill to manage it.

Posted Sep 5, 2017 by Shirley 2050

After 4 years battling doctors, SSDI & trying endless meds I am now homebound & bedridden to the point that I have (liquid) supplies delivered, only go out for doctors visits or hearings (SSDI). Working is impossible as any exertion triggers pain, fatigue, insomnia, brain fog in a never-ending cycle. I wear a DNR bracelet as hospitals don't know what to do with ME/CFS patients either, and I do not want them to intervene with painful tube feeding or resuscitation - which would actually kill me.

Posted Sep 7, 2017 by 2560

It depends on the severity of your symptoms. I was a post woman when I developed ME and was unable to continue that job. I have had periods where I have been capable of different levels of activity over the years and have had to change jobs more frequently that I would have if healthy to suit my health.

Posted Sep 8, 2017 by Sam 1400

I have been sick and unable to work since onset 2 years ago.
I cannot be responsible for adherence to any type of schedule. I am sick everyday. I suppose I could write poetry and a blog around my worst days, but that is not a job that could support my life.

Because this illness appears to be a spectrum disorder maybe some people can work. I do not believe that any patient should be a commercial pilot. This is based on my personal experience.

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Sharon 1500

In my case no not now
As the illness is constant now and im unreliable due to my symptoms
Id be letting people down and worsening my physical condition.
Some with mild cfs ( not m.e) can with support of family friends and financ poss few hours

Posted Jan 17, 2018 by Annette 2500

Sometimes. Each person is on a spectrum of ability which is constantly changing. The best approach is to find a job allowing remote work. Commuting, constant noise or distractions make the day more difficult.

Posted Jan 18, 2018 by Tars99 1050

Some people with CFS-ME can work. Those who can cannot do physical labor, but may be able to work in a field where physical labor is minimal, if they were already in that field to begin with, it is more likely. Some will have to modify the way they work, or change fields. Some may only be able to work part time, some may have to work from home or not at all. I do not know the percentage of those who work. The percentage of those who can work in any field would be 0% in my opinion. They have to modify their life to some degree at the very least.

Posted Mar 2, 2018 by Beti 2700

Work may be helpful as it takes your mind off of symptoms.
Work is not always possible due to the severity of the disease.
Jobs that are stressful are counterproductive.
40 hours a week would be way too much.

Posted Aug 9, 2018 by cathy 2500

I think they can and do for a while, until their symptoms progress to where they can
not make it through a full work week
or even a full work day
and it doesn't matter what field they work in, sooner or later the ME body is too ill to keep it up, manual labor would put you down faster than a desk job, but both would end eventually
the last question is hard to say as no one is keeping a head count of ME patients
but as we are possibly 1% of the population than I would say half of those might be able to work at the moment, is it a good idea to push yourself to work with a severe disease that has no treatment options
NO

Posted Apr 6, 2019 by Fadra 2550

About 80% of the patients cannot work. Others can, when taking good care of the limitations.

Posted Aug 3, 2019 by Jessica 1200

It depends on the severity of your condition. If you can work from home, it will be better for you. If you are working now and your work environment could be made better, ask for accommodations.

Posted Dec 12, 2019 by Joanna 6200

Most cannot work and if they do, it worsens their condition. Many can use the computer and perhaps do some work on it.

Posted Dec 21, 2019 by Pam 3550

Avoid stressful high pressured work environments. Physical work is too demanding. I changed from Director if my own company to a photographer and something I could do from home.
Very low % could work in any field.

Posted Mar 11, 2020 by yasmin1 300

Depends the extent of your ME

Posted Jan 17, 2021 by Emmy 2250

Some people can work, but according to research about 50-75% of people with ME are unable to work. The people that can work, are often reduced in how many hours a week they can work, and they have to find a job that suits their needs (isn't psysical demanding etc)

Posted Nov 18, 2022 by Arlette 1300