ME – What is it?

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Many people with ME experience a substantial loss of physical and/or cognitive function. On average, they score lower on quality of life surveys than those with other chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, diabetes, heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. People with ME can be housebound or bedbound, with one in four needing round the clock care. On their worst days, people with ME score as disabled as those with rheumatoid arthritis, congestive heart failure or lung disease.

Most people with ME are not able to work full or part time and children are often unable to attend school. People with the most severe form of ME are often severely disabled and can be confined to their bed or chair. It can take as long as 10 years for a person with ME to receive a diagnosis. Many are misdiagnosed or told they don’t have ME at all.

ME is a distinct neuromuscular disease characterized by specific symptoms and characteristics, including muscle fatigability (post-exertional muscle weakness) and neurological dysfunction affecting cognition, autonomic nervous system, or sensory function. In the past, ME has been compared to CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) but a number of studies have shown that ME is a separate clinical entity with distinct underlying biology.

The onset of ME is usually sudden but it can also be gradual, with the symptom relapsing after activity or exertion. It is a relapsing-remitting disorder and a patient’s condition may fluctuate from day to day, week to week or month. Symptoms are triggered by exercise, mental or physical overexertion or stress. ME is a neuroimmune disorder that affects multiple body systems and can involve inflammation.

Although there is no laboratory test for ME, there are consistent biological abnormalities found in research studies. However, due to the lack of funding ME research has been very limited.

While there is no cure for ME, there are things that can be done to help improve symptoms and increase functioning. Affected individuals should talk to their doctors and be aware that there are organisations in their countries which can offer support.

What Is Love?

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Love is a complex emotion and can take many forms. It has inspired writers, philosophers, and scientists for centuries. Love is sometimes viewed as an innate human desire and can have different meanings for each person.

Love has a variety of definitions, but most agree that it encompasses feelings of deep affection and attachment. It can also include mutual growth, support, and respect in relationships. Some people believe that love has spiritual or religious meaning.

Some experts in human behavior and psychology think that love is a fundamental need that drives many of our decisions. They argue that love is a mixture of two basic human desires: lust and attraction and attachment. Lust encourages sexual reproduction, and attraction promotes familial bonding. Scientists also suggest that hormones such as oxytocin, neurotrophins, and pheromones may play a role in love.

Other experts, however, disagree with this theory and say that there are many factors that contribute to love. They think that love is a combination of both emotional and physical needs, such as companionship and safety. They also suggest that social influence and the ability to fulfill personal goals can influence love.

For example, when you first fall in love, your brain’s reward system is flooded with dopamine. This stimulates the ventral tegmental area and makes you feel a rush of passion.

Moreover, if you love someone, you may want to spend more time with them and prioritize their needs over your own. This can make you more likely to commit to a relationship or splurge on gifts for them. It can even make you less interested in work or other activities that might interfere with your relationship.

In addition, your love for someone may drive you to take on certain tasks that might not be easy or enjoyable. For example, you may feel compelled to help your partner when they are sick or injured. Empathy and your fast-growing attachment can fuel these actions, but you should always think carefully before making a decision that might cause harm to your relationship or make them unhappy.

Aside from the physical and emotional aspects of love, it is also a feeling of security and belonging. When you love someone, you want to protect them from harm and provide for their needs. You also feel confident that they will reciprocate your feelings and care for you.

Love is an intense, complex, and universal feeling that can have a profound impact on our lives. It can transform us, our relationships, and our world. It can give us strength and courage to face challenges, and it can teach us how to be a better person. The most important thing is to choose the right type of love for you. Then, you can let it grow and evolve over time. However, it is crucial to communicate with your partner and be mindful of their needs so that you can avoid any misunderstandings. If you do, your love will last a lifetime.