To the incurable disease „Chronic Erschöpfungssyndrom“ (Myalgic encephalomyelitis) sufferers worldwide 17 million people, including up to 240,000 in Germany. Chronic fatigue as a Symptom of many diseases is not identical with this distinctive syndrome.
Fatigue?
In contrast to the perception of outsiders has to do with fatigue, with exhaustion. The Affected are not tired, but your body can barely produce more energy. With fatigue that has nothing to do with it.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
Often the correct diagnosis: Myalgic Enzephalomyelitits (ME) falls only after years.
What are the symptoms?
The patients are extremely exhausted and constantly. You suffer from increased sensitivity to light and have problems to concentrate. Fatigue, irritability, and perceptual disturbances are not part of the keynotes, in contrast to other diseases associated with fatigue. To suffer Affected under mental disorders, to include their side effects fatigue – can; for example, in the case of a Depression.
Pain and cramps
Many patients suffer from severe pain in head, muscles and joints. To twitching and spasms in the muscles, sleep disturbances and neuro-cognitive symptoms. The sensitivity to light is sometimes so great, that the person Concerned must remain in darkened rooms.
The German society for ME / CFS warns on its Homepage: „In specialist circles and institutions, ME is understood/CFS often as psychologically due to the abuse and in the context of outdated research results.“ It takes sometimes take years for Affected received a reliable diagnosis. Only a few Doctors are informed in Germany about the disease, and Sufferers have extreme difficulties to get adequate medical care.“
A regulated everyday life is not possible
The Aalborg University was held in 2015, the quality of life of those Affected is often even lower than in the case of lung cancer patients, or people who suffered a stroke. So could leave up to a quarter of the Affected the house, many were dependent on care, and about 60 % incapable of work.
(Dr. Utz Anhalt)