Instead of saying “I know how you feel. I have a lot of the same symptoms as you,” keep your comments constructive and caring such as “Im sorry that youre feeling so poorly.” Be as understanding and kind as you can, reassuring the person with ME/CFS of your love and support.

How do you explain me CFS?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months and that cant be fully explained by an underlying medical condition. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity, but doesnt improve with rest.

How do you talk to someone with CFS?

Here are ways to help your loved one with chronic fatigue symptoms and provide chronic fatigue support:Learn all you can about the condition. “Education is a big deal,” Papernik says. Be supportive and open. See to your own needs. Be flexible. Look for less strenuous activities to do together. Get outside support.4 Mar 2010

What does CFS do to you?

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious, long-term illness that affects many body systems. People with ME/CFS are often not able to do their usual activities. At times, ME/CFS may confine them to bed. People with ME/CFS have severe fatigue and sleep problems.

What is it like living with chronic fatigue syndrome?

Living with fatigue is incredibly frustrating and stressful because it impacts so much of what I am capable of each day. Fatigue is a major reason I do not hold down a “normal” job and went on disability at age 29. Ive learned to adapt to being in constant pain, but fatigue is much harder to push through.

What does CFS feel like?

CFS also causes muscle and joint pain, cognitive issues, and makes you sensitive to external stimulation, like light, sound, and touch. The hallmark of the condition is post-exertional malaise, which is when someone physically crashes for hours, days, or even months after overexerting their body.

How do I cope with me CFS?

7 Coping Strategies That Helped My Chronic Fatigue SyndromeTake Charge. Make sure you recognize that you are responsible for your own healing, and that your healthcare providers are your expert consultants. Experiment Persistently. Nurture Your Heart. Believe. Create Healing Spaces. Organize Your Medical Information. Be Open.

What does CFS look like?

People with ME/CFS have overwhelming fatigue that is not improved by rest. ME/CFS may get worse after any activity, whether its physical or mental. This symptom is known as post-exertional malaise (PEM). Other symptoms can include problems with sleep, thinking and concentrating, pain, and dizziness.

Does CFS shorten your life?

However, few studies have examined whether ME and CFS increases the risk of mortality in patients, and the studies that have reported conflicting results[8]. Smith et al. [9]found that individuals with CFS were not at an increased risk of all-cause mortality or suicide.

Does me shorten your life?

It should be noted that individuals with ME and CFS are reportedly dying at a younger age compared to the overall population. However, only all-cause and cardiovascular-related mortality reached statistical significance. The all-cause mean age of death for this sample was 55.9 years.

Can you live a normal life with chronic fatigue syndrome?

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) will change your life in many ways. It is a condition that can be hard to cope with. But you can adopt some strategies to make it easier. You may go through bad phases, or relapses, followed by better ones (remission).

How do I know if I am fatigued?

Signs that your fatigue could be a symptom of something more include: Lack of physical or mental energy. Inability to stay awake and alert or initiate activity. Unintentionally falling asleep or falling asleep at inappropriate times.

Does CFS get worse with age?

It is possible that individuals with CFS may lose vitality over time due to worse physical functioning as it becomes more challenging for them to do functional tasks as the illness progresses.

Is CFS a disability?

In this leaflet we examine illness severity, explain how Myalgic Encephalopathy/ Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is officially recognised as a disability, and provide a useful disability rating scale.

Does CFS reduce life expectancy?

It should be noted that individuals with ME and CFS are reportedly dying at a younger age compared to the overall population. However, only all-cause and cardiovascular-related mortality reached statistical significance. The all-cause mean age of death for this sample was 55.9 years.

Does me CFS get worse over time?

Most people with CFS will improve over time, especially with treatment, although some people do not make a full recovery. Its also likely there will be periods when your symptoms get better or worse. Children and young people with CFS/ME are more likely to recover fully.

What is the best treatment for fatigue?

Getting regular physical activity can help reduce fatigue and improve sleep. Those who have not been physically active for some time should introduce exercise gradually. A doctor or sports therapist can help. People should exercise during the time of day that is most productive for them.