Health & wellbeing

Meet Sally: An Interview on Chronic Fatigue

Werribee
12 May 2020

Today is CFS/ME & Fibromyalgia International Awareness Day!

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a condition that causes extreme fatigue in individuals, unrefreshing sleep and rest, and increased exhaustion when completing everyday tasks. Currently, there is no cure and the condition is not really understood by our medical professionals as no single cause can be identified to lead to the condition developing. However, there are some theories as to why it develops, including:

  • Viruses and infections
  • Weakened immune system and allergies
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Stress
  • Genetic predisposition

 

CFS can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, geography and more. However, it is more common in middle-aged women than other groups of people.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a bit of an umbrella term for several different variations of the condition. There are two types of CFS:

  1. Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)
  2. Systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID)

 

What are the symptoms of CFS?

The main symptom is of course fatigue, but it is so severe it impacts a person’s everyday life and is more than simply being tired. Those with the condition experience extreme fatigue from the completion of physical and mental activities as well as being at a high risk of developing insomnia and numerous other kinds of sleep disorders. It can also reduce someone’s ability to concentrate, as well as causing memory loss, blood pressure issues (orthostatic intolerance), muscle and joint pains, headaches, sore throats and tenderness in one’s neck and armpits.

Our Youth Advocates Anthea and Clare sat down with Sally, who spoke about the experiences with their diagnosis. Check it out here or click the image below!

 

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