If you have ME, it may feel like you’re constantly fighting a losing battle against the condition that’s leaving you exhausted, unable to sleep and, in some cases, bedbound. But the good news is that ME can be managed with the help of your doctor. There is no cure, but there are treatments that can help ease symptoms and improve your quality of life.
One option is energy management, also called pacing, which involves matching your level of activity to your limited amount of energy. In addition, your doctor may prescribe medications to help with sleep disorders and pain. It is important to note that people with ME are sensitive to medication so it is recommended that you start at low doses.
Another option is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is believed to reduce the negative effects of ME on your mood and body. CBT can be used with or without other types of treatment, and can include a range of techniques, including relaxation and meditation.
Other options include pain relievers, dietary supplements and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is important to work with your doctor and listen to their recommendations as not all treatments are right for everyone with ME.
Many people with ME find that their symptoms come and go over time, which makes it difficult to predict what is going to happen in the future. The good news is that the majority of people who have ME experience improvement and some recover completely.
In some cases, ME can come on suddenly, often after an infection or after a surgery; it can also be triggered by large hormonal shifts, such as those that occur during pregnancy and menopause. However, for many people, ME develops gradually over a period of months.
While there is no clear cause for ME, some researchers have suggested that certain genetics and environmental factors may play a role. Studies have also found that some people who have ME are related to each other.
Research is ongoing to identify the causes of ME and the best ways to treat it. Scientists are particularly interested in discovering the immune system abnormalities that are seen in ME patients.
ME is not a psychological disorder and it is not caused by lack of exercise, which is a common myth. ME is a physical illness that affects the brain, muscles and immune system.
There is currently no known cause of ME and it can be extremely challenging to diagnose. This is why it’s so important to see a doctor who has experience treating ME and knows how to interpret the patient’s symptoms. It is also important to seek a diagnosis quickly because people with ME can go years before they receive a correct diagnosis and 90% of those who have ME never get diagnosed at all.