Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

 

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a chronic condition characterized by debilitating fatigue and an array of other symptoms. It is estimated by the Canadian Community Health Survey (2005) that at least three percent of Canadians have been diagnosed with the condition and many more cases likely go undiagnosed. CFS/ME is far more prevalent among women, and usually affects people in their 40s and 50s but can affect a person of any age.

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Irene's story illustrates how the illness can develop, its characteristic symptoms and coping strategies:

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Five years ago, Irene was an active 35-year-old woman who worked full-time as an accountant for a small business, tended to her two children and enjoyed jogging. Others described her as being "full of energy" and always "on the go."

 

One day, Irene came down with a bad case of the flu. Two weeks later, she felt a little better, but was still tired and achy. She decided that she would go to work as she thought that getting "up and out" would make her feel better.

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During the short walk from the subway to her office, she started to get a headache and feel extremely tired. After about an hour at the office, while reading her email, Irene could no longer focus on the words, and reading became impossible. She experienced an overwhelming fatigue that "hit her like a brick." Irene was driven home by a colleague who later told others, "I practically had to carry her to the car."

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Upon arriving home, Irene was bedridden for two months, barely able to get up the energy to brush her teeth. She had aches and pains all over, and felt hot and cold intermittently. She tried to watch TV, but could not concentrate on what people were saying. She felt totally debilitated, helpless and frightened.

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Very slowly, Irene regained some of her energy, but was unable to ride a bike with her children, do routine household chores, work for more than one hour per day, or even socialize without experiencing severe fatigue afterward.

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This was completely devastating to Irene, as she had been so full of energy in the past, and had enjoyed her work, playing with her children and socializing with her family and friends. She felt extremely guilty, as she was no longer contributing to the household income and her husband had to take over many of the household and childcare duties. This was putting a strain on their marriage.

After seeing many doctors, Irene was diagnosed with CFS/ME.

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Medical Description

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Doctors and scientists are not sure what causes chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), but the illness often develops following a cold or flu. Genetic studies have been done that show that it is a physical illness, and that people who have close family members who have CFS/ME are at greater risk for developing the illness.

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Source: Women's College Hospital, Environmental Health Clinic, Toronto, Ontario - 2022