Learning to cope with the effects of ME (From This Is Lancashire)

Learning to cope with the effects of ME

10:39am Friday 14th March 2008

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CHRONIC Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is long-term tiredness (fatigue) that does not go away with sleep, or rest, and affects everyday life.

CFS is also known as ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis). ME is a commonly used term, although it can be thought to be too specific to cover all the symptoms.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom of ME is persistant fatigue and exhaustion. Other symptoms are also common although most people do not have all of them.

They include: muscular pain, joint pain and severe headaches; poor short-term memory and concentration; painful lymph nodes; stomach pain; sore throat; sleep problems; sensitivity to light and noise; psychological difficulties Who commonly gets ME?

It is estimated that 150,000 people in the UK have ME Anyone can get it, although it is more common in women than in men. It usually develops in the early twenties to mid-forties. Children can also be affected, most commonly between the ages of 13 to 15.

What causes ME?

The exact cause of ME is unknown, although there are several theories.

Some people think that a viral infection, such as glandular fever, can trigger the condition.

It is more likely that ME is caused by a combination of physical and psychological factors which also affect how severe the condition is and how long it lasts.

The main factors that contribute to ME are thought to be:

Inherited genetic susceptibility

Viral infections such as glandular fever

Exhaustion and mental stress

Depression, or a traumatic event such as a bereavement, divorce or redundancy

There is no test to diagnose ME. Many people consult their GP thinking they have ME, but only a small minority are diagnosed with the condition.

ME is not diagnosed in people who simply feel tired all the time, it is the presence of other symptoms as well that helps to confirm the diagnosis.

What is the treatment for ME.?

There is no specific treatment for ME. Sometimes, simply diagnosing ME and giving advice about how to deal with it can help.

ME tends to last for months, if not years, but most people do recover, or adjust their lifestyle to improve their symptoms.

Common treatments include: Adjusting your daily routine - so that you have regular sleep patterns.

Graded exercise - the gradual increase in aerobic exercise, such as swimming or walking.

Pacing is an important way of controlling symptoms. It involves finding a balance between activity and rest.

Over-the-counter painkillers can help to ease muscle and joint pain and headaches. Antidepressants can be useful for people who have depression with ME. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may identify causes of certain behaviour, and help develop new ways of coping.

Is there a cure?

There is no cure for ME, so treatment tends to focus on easing the symptoms. The effectiveness of treatments depends on how ME affects you.

Early diagnosis, balancing rest with activity, medication to control certain symptoms, and self-help measures can all help.

For further information: NHS Direct - nhsdirect.nhs.uk (0845 46 47 Action for ME afme.org.uk Bury/Bolton ME/CFS Support Group -mesupportgroup.co.uk

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