Notes On CFS
I am posting these descriptions here so that I can reduce the text in the CFS post on which I am working, (meant to finish as an article). That's one thing I begrudge LJ: When they reduced the amount of words allowed for one post. It has sometimes caused me lengthy travails of tedium and also long moments of Dostoevskyan angst and despair. I guess Russians are never happy until they make others into Russians, too.
I had a late dinner last night - but pretty-damn good. Miss Cavandish? Callendar? makes some pretty good, but expensive, non-gf pot pies. Good sized, good taste, and so on. But, I still think they should be a little more like dollar-general Banquet pot pies - like have more peas, carrots, and what-not. And I don't need the pieces of chicken or turkey to be that big - it's not like I am not noticing that they are there. Half the size would be just fine.
I cook mine in a pot. This time, again, I undercooked it. Looks like the big turkey pot pies need 1hr 20mins in a pot, medium / medium-high. Anyway - I saved some of the spicy chicken enchilada soup from yesterday and heated that up. Also made some mashed potatoes for my heart, adding peas, carrots and whatnot. So: Lay down the potatoes, first. Dumped the pie on top of that. And then smothered with the spicy soup. Pretty awesome! Ate about 2/3, which was 1/3 more than I had planned. Consequently, I am now dealing with morning food fatigue.
Fatigue? Fatigue? Who said fatigue??.....
Notes for enquiring minds and ignorant slobs...
3. Sleep Dysfunction:* There is unrefreshed sleep or sleep quantity or rhythm disturbances such as reversed or chaotic diurnal sleep rhythms.
6. ... There may be overload phenomena: cognitive, sensory - e.g., photophobia and hypersensitivity to noise - and/or emotional overload, which may lead to “crash” periods and/or anxiety. - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279099/
Here is a brief and simple description of CFS from the CDC -
ME/CFS Basics: Key points -
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious and often long-lasting illness that keeps people from doing their usual activities.
It makes physical and mental exertion difficult.
Symptoms include trouble thinking, severe tiredness and other symptoms.
There is no known cause or cure. Care usually means treating the symptoms that most affect a person's life.
More Information:
Overview
ME/CFS is a biological illness that affects many body parts. It causes severe fatigue not improved by rest, problems thinking and sleeping, dizziness, pain, and many other symptoms.
People with ME/CFS may not look sick but can't do their normal activities. ME/CFS may get worse after they do any activity -- physical or mental. This symptom is called post-exertional malaise (PEM). After they exert themselves, they may need to stay in bed for an extended time. About 1 in 4 people with ME/CFS are confined to bed at some point in their illness.
[Source: https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/about/index.html - "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome"
Here is part of a very simple description, from Mayo:
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complicated disorder.
It causes extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months. Symptoms worsen with physical or mental activity but don't fully improve with rest.
The cause of ME/CFS is unknown, although there are many theories. Experts believe it might be triggered by a combination of factors.
There's no single test to confirm a diagnosis. You may need a variety of medical tests to rule out other health problems that have similar symptoms. Treatment for the condition focuses on easing symptoms.
Symptoms of ME/CFS can vary from person to person, and the severity of symptoms can fluctuate from day to day. In addition to fatigue, symptoms may include:
Extreme exhaustion after physical or mental exercise.
Problems with memory or thinking skills.
Dizziness that worsens with moving from lying down or sitting to standing.
Muscle or joint pain.
Unrefreshing sleep.
Some people with this condition have headaches, sore throats, and tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpits. People with the condition also may become extra sensitive to light, sound, smells, food and medicines.
[Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360490]
The 1994 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Fukuda criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome comprise the following (3):
1.Primary symptoms that are clinically evaluated, unexplained, persistent or relapsing fatigue, lasting at least 6 months. The fatigue is not the result of ongoing physical exertion, and resting, sleeping, or downgrading activity is non-restorative. The fatigue causes significant impairment in personal, social, and/or occupational domains and represents a substantial reduction in premorbid levels of activity and functional capacity.
2.The concurrent presence of at least 4 of the 8 following symptoms over a 6-month period:
Impaired short-term memory or concentration.
sore throat.
tender lymph nodes/glands.
myalgia.
multiple-joint pain without swelling or redness.
headache of new type, pattern, or severity.
unrefreshing sleep.
post-exertional fatigue/malaise lasting longer than 24 hours.
The 2003 Canadian ME/CFS Case Criteria (CCC) specifies (4):
Post-exertional malaise must occur with rapid muscle or cognitive fatigability, taking 24 hours or longer to recover.
Unrefreshing sleep, myalgia, and arthralgia must be reported.
Two or more neurological/cognitive manifestations must be present.
At least one of autonomic, neuroendocrine, immune manifestations must be present.
This is a stricter criterion, compared to the Fukada Criteria and it is mainly used as case definition in research. Adults are diagnosed after 6 months of symptoms while pediatric cases were diagnosed after 3 months.
Nearly two decades after Fukada Criteria was introduced, the US Institute of Medicine (IOM), now known as National Academy of Medicine (NAM) proposed new diagnostic criteria in 2015 for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) (5). These clinical diagnostic criteria followed a comprehensive analysis of the literature and expert consultation as below.
1.Substantial reduction/impairment in the ability to engage in pre-illness levels of occupational, educational, social, or personal activities that persists for more than 6 months, is accompanied by fatigue that is often profound, is of new or definite onset, is not the result of ongoing excessive exertion, and is not substantially alleviated by rest.
2.Post-exertional malaise (PEM).
3.Unrefreshing sleep.
4.In addition, patients are required to have at least one of the following two symptoms:
Cognitive impairment.
Orthostatic intolerance.
Symptoms must be present at least half of the time and have moderate, substantial, or severe intensity.
[Source - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279099/]
TWO GRAPHICS: https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(23)00402-0/fulltext ("Diagnosis and Management of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome")
A more detailed description here - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279099/ "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome".
More info (I'll re-hyperlink later)...:
Introducing Meg - 2017. - Nothing about CFS here - BUT, here's an example of whom often gets stricken with CFS; Intelligent, creative, sensitive, ambitious, self-motivated and just plain dazzling.
(Meg experiences major life events).
- I believe her earlier vlog posts about her CFS (2016 "An Update") are now private on her channel.
The Reality Of Moving With Chronic Illness - 2021. It happened to me!
"Left Out" - Subtitled documentary (47 mins).
CFS is a hyper-immune response to now absent viruses, allergens or stimili. This affects all parts of the body directly, and also via the brain. The profusion of cytokine immune chemicals, normally a transient event in response to infection, chronically, toxically bombard the brain. This causes continuing pain. Whether or not there may actually be viruses in the brain or neurons, this cytokine storm continuously flushes out fluid from the brain, in attempt to flush out a virus. Thus the brain becomes dehydrated. Increased toxins in the gut and blood also agitate the brain. In addition, to pain, migraines, dehydration and toxins, inflammation occurs. Chronic subacute inflammation is a fundamental problem in CFS, affecting the brain and circulatory system, encouraging cognitive dementia and chronic circulatory decline.
With all these things hitting the brain, then symptoms like PTSD, paranoia, anxiety, and chronic pain easilly emerge. This physiological assault is a more intense version of how traumatic memories can alter a person's psychology and well being. Thus the following two links...
Central Sensitisation Syndrome 1
Central Sensitisation Syndrome 2 - (longer lecture) (loud)
Peripheral Sensitisation Syndrome
https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_brea_what_happens_when_you_have_a_disease_doctors_can_t_diagnose?fbclid=IwAR0ZKuVpltCdc0Y7HwFImT17CBHsRvw9Qc4oJZsjr4AnYhrVa_UxINGCs5s
Chronic Fatigue - Dr. Alan Pocinki - 42 min lecture
More in earlier posts at a_chronic_ill.
And the really interested FB people can explore my tags. Than you for giving me the opportunity of informing you and making you very tired.
I had a late dinner last night - but pretty-damn good. Miss Cavandish? Callendar? makes some pretty good, but expensive, non-gf pot pies. Good sized, good taste, and so on. But, I still think they should be a little more like dollar-general Banquet pot pies - like have more peas, carrots, and what-not. And I don't need the pieces of chicken or turkey to be that big - it's not like I am not noticing that they are there. Half the size would be just fine.
I cook mine in a pot. This time, again, I undercooked it. Looks like the big turkey pot pies need 1hr 20mins in a pot, medium / medium-high. Anyway - I saved some of the spicy chicken enchilada soup from yesterday and heated that up. Also made some mashed potatoes for my heart, adding peas, carrots and whatnot. So: Lay down the potatoes, first. Dumped the pie on top of that. And then smothered with the spicy soup. Pretty awesome! Ate about 2/3, which was 1/3 more than I had planned. Consequently, I am now dealing with morning food fatigue.
Fatigue? Fatigue? Who said fatigue??.....
Notes for enquiring minds and ignorant slobs...
3. Sleep Dysfunction:* There is unrefreshed sleep or sleep quantity or rhythm disturbances such as reversed or chaotic diurnal sleep rhythms.
6. ... There may be overload phenomena: cognitive, sensory - e.g., photophobia and hypersensitivity to noise - and/or emotional overload, which may lead to “crash” periods and/or anxiety. - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279099/
Here is a brief and simple description of CFS from the CDC -
ME/CFS Basics: Key points -
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious and often long-lasting illness that keeps people from doing their usual activities.
It makes physical and mental exertion difficult.
Symptoms include trouble thinking, severe tiredness and other symptoms.
There is no known cause or cure. Care usually means treating the symptoms that most affect a person's life.
More Information:
Overview
ME/CFS is a biological illness that affects many body parts. It causes severe fatigue not improved by rest, problems thinking and sleeping, dizziness, pain, and many other symptoms.
People with ME/CFS may not look sick but can't do their normal activities. ME/CFS may get worse after they do any activity -- physical or mental. This symptom is called post-exertional malaise (PEM). After they exert themselves, they may need to stay in bed for an extended time. About 1 in 4 people with ME/CFS are confined to bed at some point in their illness.
[Source: https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/about/index.html - "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome"
Here is part of a very simple description, from Mayo:
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complicated disorder.
It causes extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months. Symptoms worsen with physical or mental activity but don't fully improve with rest.
The cause of ME/CFS is unknown, although there are many theories. Experts believe it might be triggered by a combination of factors.
There's no single test to confirm a diagnosis. You may need a variety of medical tests to rule out other health problems that have similar symptoms. Treatment for the condition focuses on easing symptoms.
Symptoms of ME/CFS can vary from person to person, and the severity of symptoms can fluctuate from day to day. In addition to fatigue, symptoms may include:
Extreme exhaustion after physical or mental exercise.
Problems with memory or thinking skills.
Dizziness that worsens with moving from lying down or sitting to standing.
Muscle or joint pain.
Unrefreshing sleep.
Some people with this condition have headaches, sore throats, and tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpits. People with the condition also may become extra sensitive to light, sound, smells, food and medicines.
[Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360490]
The 1994 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Fukuda criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome comprise the following (3):
1.Primary symptoms that are clinically evaluated, unexplained, persistent or relapsing fatigue, lasting at least 6 months. The fatigue is not the result of ongoing physical exertion, and resting, sleeping, or downgrading activity is non-restorative. The fatigue causes significant impairment in personal, social, and/or occupational domains and represents a substantial reduction in premorbid levels of activity and functional capacity.
2.The concurrent presence of at least 4 of the 8 following symptoms over a 6-month period:
Impaired short-term memory or concentration.
sore throat.
tender lymph nodes/glands.
myalgia.
multiple-joint pain without swelling or redness.
headache of new type, pattern, or severity.
unrefreshing sleep.
post-exertional fatigue/malaise lasting longer than 24 hours.
The 2003 Canadian ME/CFS Case Criteria (CCC) specifies (4):
Post-exertional malaise must occur with rapid muscle or cognitive fatigability, taking 24 hours or longer to recover.
Unrefreshing sleep, myalgia, and arthralgia must be reported.
Two or more neurological/cognitive manifestations must be present.
At least one of autonomic, neuroendocrine, immune manifestations must be present.
This is a stricter criterion, compared to the Fukada Criteria and it is mainly used as case definition in research. Adults are diagnosed after 6 months of symptoms while pediatric cases were diagnosed after 3 months.
Nearly two decades after Fukada Criteria was introduced, the US Institute of Medicine (IOM), now known as National Academy of Medicine (NAM) proposed new diagnostic criteria in 2015 for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) (5). These clinical diagnostic criteria followed a comprehensive analysis of the literature and expert consultation as below.
1.Substantial reduction/impairment in the ability to engage in pre-illness levels of occupational, educational, social, or personal activities that persists for more than 6 months, is accompanied by fatigue that is often profound, is of new or definite onset, is not the result of ongoing excessive exertion, and is not substantially alleviated by rest.
2.Post-exertional malaise (PEM).
3.Unrefreshing sleep.
4.In addition, patients are required to have at least one of the following two symptoms:
Cognitive impairment.
Orthostatic intolerance.
Symptoms must be present at least half of the time and have moderate, substantial, or severe intensity.
[Source - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279099/]
TWO GRAPHICS: https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(23)00402-0/fulltext ("Diagnosis and Management of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome")
A more detailed description here - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279099/ "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome".
More info (I'll re-hyperlink later)...:
Introducing Meg - 2017. - Nothing about CFS here - BUT, here's an example of whom often gets stricken with CFS; Intelligent, creative, sensitive, ambitious, self-motivated and just plain dazzling.
(Meg experiences major life events).
- I believe her earlier vlog posts about her CFS (2016 "An Update") are now private on her channel.
The Reality Of Moving With Chronic Illness - 2021. It happened to me!
"Left Out" - Subtitled documentary (47 mins).
CFS is a hyper-immune response to now absent viruses, allergens or stimili. This affects all parts of the body directly, and also via the brain. The profusion of cytokine immune chemicals, normally a transient event in response to infection, chronically, toxically bombard the brain. This causes continuing pain. Whether or not there may actually be viruses in the brain or neurons, this cytokine storm continuously flushes out fluid from the brain, in attempt to flush out a virus. Thus the brain becomes dehydrated. Increased toxins in the gut and blood also agitate the brain. In addition, to pain, migraines, dehydration and toxins, inflammation occurs. Chronic subacute inflammation is a fundamental problem in CFS, affecting the brain and circulatory system, encouraging cognitive dementia and chronic circulatory decline.
With all these things hitting the brain, then symptoms like PTSD, paranoia, anxiety, and chronic pain easilly emerge. This physiological assault is a more intense version of how traumatic memories can alter a person's psychology and well being. Thus the following two links...
Central Sensitisation Syndrome 1
Central Sensitisation Syndrome 2 - (longer lecture) (loud)
Peripheral Sensitisation Syndrome
https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_brea_what_happens_when_you_have_a_disease_doctors_can_t_diagnose?fbclid=IwAR0ZKuVpltCdc0Y7HwFImT17CBHsRvw9Qc4oJZsjr4AnYhrVa_UxINGCs5s
Chronic Fatigue - Dr. Alan Pocinki - 42 min lecture
More in earlier posts at a_chronic_ill.
And the really interested FB people can explore my tags. Than you for giving me the opportunity of informing you and making you very tired.