All About ME/CFS

What is ME/CFS/CFIDS?

ME/CFS/CFIDS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Chronic Fatigue and Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a neurological, nervous system disorder of unknown origin. It seems to be triggered by viruses or traumatic physical emotional experiences, but the exact mechanisms of causality are still being debated and researched. It may be contagious - people with ME/CFS are asked not to donate blood - but this has not been officially confirmed.  It is one of a number of "invisible chronic illnesses" that can secretly devestate the lives of people who have it. It is characterized by severe, debilitating fatigue, body pain, and a host of other symptoms affecting every system of the human body. Myalgic Enchephaloymyelitis means "inflammation of the brain and spinal cord", and since each system of the body is in some way connected to the brain/spine, symptoms of ME/CFS are pervasive. The disease affects the cardio-pulminary, endocrine, and gastro-intestinal systems, for a start. See Symptoms

An estimated 28 million people suffer from ME/CFS worldwide, but the effects of this disease reaches much further, to patients' care-givers, family, friends, children, workplaces and communities. In effect, ME/CFS affects everyone in the world.  

How does it feel to have ME/CFS/CFIDS?

"Remember the last time you had a bad case of the flu and subtract the nausea, and maybe the cough. You are hot and cold, achey, lethargic, weary, heavy, stuffy. Even your skin hurts. Now imagine you had to live like that every day."
Michelle Martin

How do you describe how ME/CFS feels for you? Email us info@wamcare.org and we'll post your description here.

Learn More about ME/CFS:

Symptoms        Diagnosis         Treatment       ME/CFS Resources

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