ME Question & Answer Session 2

I have had more questions from ME sufferers, so I have decided to create a second ME Question & Answer Session post, as the answers may be helpful for other people with ME who read my blog.

Q: Are ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome the same?

ME stands for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.  Mya = muscle, algic = pain, encephalo = brain, myelos = marrow, itis = inflammation. So overall ME means muscle pain and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a group of symptoms including fatigue which after months of testing have no other diagnosis. I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome after a year of tests. I did not have muscle pain, which can also be diagnosed as Fibromyalgia, nor did I have inflammation of the brain and spinal cord which were checked after a CT scan.

However the terms can be used interchangeably.

Q: How bad were your symptoms at your worst?

At my worst I had severe fatigue, brain fog, poor concentration, dizziness, muscle weakness, sudden collapsing, sensitivity to light and sound, extreme fatigue on light exertion and insomnia.

Q: Other than a vegan diet have you found any other useful changes that have helped you improve?

Yes having a more relaxed lifestyle. Working part-time so I have time to meditate, do yoga and be creative. I have learned that people with ME/CFS often hyperventilate and are stressed out easily. They need to learn to slow down and slow their breathing down. Buteyko breathing is helpful. Counselling is also helpful and they may have an unresolved emotional trauma from the past which is draining their energy and needs to be faced and released.

Q: Do you take any supplements of any sorts or any other form of medication?

I take a liquid multi vitamin and digestive enzymes. I also take a probiotic supplement to support the good bacteria in the gut. I don’t take any medication.

If you have any questions about ME/CFS please do not hesitate to contact me as I will be happy to help!

4 thoughts on “ME Question & Answer Session 2

  1. Live with a chronic illness and treating it at home myself with the knowledge I acquired over the years into alternative health. A friend of mine suffers from ME and she is treating herself naturally as well. We’re both vegetarians. Don’t know if you know about Frequnsea…you can look it up. 🙂

    1. It’s good to meet someone else who is treating chronic illness naturally. I looked up Frequensea but it is only sold in the US. We have a similar version in the UK which I take on a daily basis called Source of Life Liquid Gold. 🙂

      1. Oh, I know that one from the health shops. Yes, Frequensea is US based. Don’t know if you might find any useful info from this UK dr, who treats naturally. http://www.drstephenferguson.com/
        He is doing a free discourse soon in Catford about his work, which might be of interest to you. Normally when people go, they get a massive discount on the consultation. You can email him to find out more if you like. I’ve seen him on a few occasions.

        Wishing you well. 🙂

        1. Thanks. My health is very good at the moment. I visited a local nutritionist and bio-resonance practitioner during the worst of my illness in 2010 and haven’t had fatigue since 2011. I still have minor symptoms such as eczema which I am working on healing at the moment. I love to spread awareness about ME/CFS and share my experiences to help other people. Best wishes, Kate 🙂

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