Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a debilitating syndrome that is characterised by extreme fatigue or tiredness that persists even with rest, and is not explained by any underlying medical condition.
CFS/ME is not simply fatigue. It is a very complex, multi-system, chronic illness, and many other symptoms occur. These can include:
- problems with thinking, concentrating, and memory loss
- issues with vision or clumsiness
- sleep disturbances/problems
- pain or aches in the muscles and/or joints, or muscle twitching, tingling, or numbness
- headaches/migraines
- a drop in blood pressure, feeling dizzy, off balance or pale
- palpitations, increased heart rate or shortness of breath with exertion or on standing
- allergies or sensitivities to light, smells, touch, sound, foods, chemicals and medications
- gastrointestinal changes such as IBS, nausea, bloating, constipation, and/or diarrhoea
- urinary problems
- sore throat, tender lymph nodes and a flu-like symptoms
- marked weight change, either extreme loss or gain
- inability to cope with temperature changes
The cause(s) of CFS/ME is largely unknown, although there is much research being done as there are many theories. There is therefore no known prevention or cure. However, we here at St Jude’s Clinic believe in a “Cause & Effect” model, and have seen many people return to life as normal as a result of following our treatment programme.
Below are some case studies of a number of people who have attended the clinic in search of relief from their debilitating CFS/ME.