What is M.E? And can I recover from it?

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), is a complex health condition but what exactly is it? It is many things: a neurological disease, an immunological disease and a nervous system disease. The literal translation of M.E is inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. As you can imagine, this causes an absolute shit show of symptoms which can make you feel like the living dead. Extreme (pin you to the floor like you've a ten tonne weight on you) fatigue is the hall mark of M.E. This fatigue that is not improved by rest or sleep and can become worse by even the slightest bit of physical or mental activity. A 5 minute conversation can lead to a meltdown of the body and a relapse lasting weeks.

Historically, M.E was said to be "also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)" but I refute this. Firstly it belies the multi system symptoms M.E gifts you (does my sarcasm come across? 😏). M.E is more than just feeling exceptionally fatigued. Dr Sarah Myhill agrees. (If you haven't heard of this amazing human yet - I would highly recommend her site, her books and any of her YouTube interviews. Get started here: https://drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Main_Page

She explains quite succinctly what the difference is between M.E and CFS. She was fundamentally one of the most important people in my healing journey. Evidence based, biological info on how to get your engine working optimally again!

Key Features of M.E and Symptoms:

1. Profound Fatigue: The hallmark symptom is persistent, severe fatigue that is not alleviated by rest and is exacerbated by physical or mental activity.

2. Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM): A worsening of symptoms following physical or mental exertion, often delayed by hours or days and lasting for days or weeks.

3. Sleep Disturbances: Includes unrefreshing sleep, difficulty falling asleep, and staying asleep.

4. Cognitive Impairment: Problems with memory, concentration, and information processing, often referred to as "brain fog."

5. Pain: This can include muscle pain, joint pain, and headaches.

6. Orthostatic Intolerance: Symptoms that worsen upon standing or sitting upright, such as dizziness or lightheadedness.

7. Flu-Like Symptoms: Sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and sensitivity to light, sound, and chemicals.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing M.E. can be challenging due to the lack of specific tests and the overlap of symptoms with other conditions. Diagnosis is typically based on medical history, ruling out other conditions, and meeting specific diagnostic criteria, such as the Fukuda criteria or the International Consensus Criteria.

Common Causes and Risk Factors:

• Infections: The predominant % of cases develop after viral or bacterial infections. Mine did after a brutal viral infection.

• Trauma: This can be any physical, chemical or emotional trauma. Being in an abusive, dysfunctional relationship for a period of time, having an operation, bereavement, exposure to chemicals - either breathing in or on your skin. All of these can play a role in making you more susceptible to M.E

• Immune System Dysfunction: Abnormal immune responses from previous viral infections or disease can again make you more susceptible.

• Hormonal Imbalances: Abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis - mainly from - yep - you guessed it - STRESS! Women are also more prone with 84% of people with M.E worldwide being female

• Genetic Predisposition: Family history may increase risk.

Treatment and Management:

In the traditional medical model (like the NHS here in the UK) it is stated that there is no "cure" for Treatments focuses on symptom management including Pacing (Balancing activity and rest to avoid exacerbating symptoms, Medications: to manage pain, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): to help some patients cope with this extraordinarily stressful condition.

BUT. And this is a big BUT!

1. RECOVERY and IMPROVEMENT IS POSSIBLE

2. THERE ARE A MILLION AND ONE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP IMPROVE M.E - INFO YOU WON'T RECEIVE VIA THE NHS

3. SELF MANAGEMENT IS KEY - you have to take the bull by the horns and become your own medical detective to take charge of the situation

4. IT'S A LONG GAME. M.E DIDN'T APPEAR OVERNIGHT (even if it came along after a virus) SO IT WILL TAKE TIME TO GO. BUT PERSISTENCE PREVAILS.

My purpose here is to be of service to you. To provide you with info that will support you in getting yourself back. Check out my upcoming blog posts for more info.....Or book a session with me to help guide you further.

More info on M.E and how to work with Jo

Have you got your life back after M.E? Do let me know what worked for you? Recovery stories are so helpful for those stuck in the mire of it. Hope and belief are everything. 💚 🌻