The term “chronic fatigue” is often thrown around as a catch-all for feeling worn out or exhausted. However, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a real medical condition, recognized by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). CFS/ME affects energy production as well as the nervous and immune systems, often causing profound exhaustion and brain fog.
At Russak Personalized Medicine, our team often counsels patients living with CFS/ME. Here, we counter four common misconceptions and explain why CFS/ME is so challenging to diagnose and treat.
Everyone feels worn out from time to time due to work, travel, or child care. Tiredness as a result of such things can often be remedied with improved sleep and time to recuperate.
CFS/ME is different in that it causes persistent exhaustion that typically doesn’t improve with rest. In addition to fatigue, the condition may cause brain fog, dizziness, and muscle and joint pain. Making things even more challenging is that these symptoms tend to flare up even after routine activities, such as running errands or making dinner, a phenomenon called post-exertional malaise.
Post-exertional malaise refers to extreme fatigue and flu-like symptoms that occur after even minor physical or mental activity. The key is that symptom severity is disproportionate to the amount of energy exerted.
For example, if you have CFS/ME, you might run to the store for a gallon of milk and begin experiencing severe exhaustion and other symptoms 24 to 48 hours later. Mental tasks like writing an email or reading a book can have similar effects.
Considering how quickly and severely these symptoms can limit daily functioning, it’s no wonder many people report a major impact on their lives. Thankfully, planning and pacing activities can help minimize these flare-ups.
The majority of people with CFS/ME don’t look sick. Because their symptoms aren’t obvious to outside observers, many experience stigma and judgment from co-workers, family members, and peers. Unfortunately, they can even be dismissed or mistakenly diagnosed by health care providers.
These outside pressures and opinions can take an emotional toll. Many CFS/ME patients report feelings of anxiety and isolation, which can lead them to withdraw further, creating a vicious cycle of social disconnection.
Scientists still don’t fully understand why CFS/ME occurs, but several leading theories point to genetics, infections, and immune system dysfunction. Research is ongoing to gain a deeper understanding of the disease, but no FDA-approved cure is available.
Even so, CFS/ME-related symptoms can be managed with a combination of activity planning, medical guidance, and supportive therapies. Our team regularly works with patients living with the condition and develops personalized care plans tailored to individual needs. Because there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment, this emphasis on customization often leads to excellent results.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of chronic fatigue and haven’t found the help you need, we may be able to assist.
To schedule a CFS/ME consultation, contact us today. Call our office in Greenwood Village, Colorado, or book your visit online. We offer in-person and telehealth visits.
