I wanted to write a post today about M.E. ( myalgic encephalomyelitis) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as I suffer from the condition, and it’s ME/CFS Awareness Day. I started thinking about what I wanted to write and nearly decided not to write a post after all, as it seems self-indulgent, depressing and looks like a plea for sympathy. I don’t want to be defined by my illness. However, family, friends and colleagues have found it useful when I’ve been open about how it affects me, so here goes…
My symptoms at their worst:
- Constant chronic fatigue. It’s difficult to explain how this type of tiredness feels, the nearest I can get is how you feel when you have flu, with no energy. Rest or sleep often makes little difference. At my worst, I hardly left the house, but have thankfully never been bed-bound, and happily I can now even manage days out.
- Nausea and IBS symptoms.
- Memory and concentration problems. Including not being able to read or not being able to remember/find words.
- Palpitations (very scary).
- Lack of body temperature control.
- I’ve also suffered from depression alongside chronic fatigue.
Negative impact on my life:
- Having to go part-time at work and giving up the idea of a traditional career.
- Loss of confidence.
- Restriction on mental, physical and emotional activities.
- Identity crisis.
Loki, our terrier cross looking somewhat scruffy in his life-jacket.
On a more positive note…
- Going part-time meant we could get a dog, who provides companionship, gentle exercise and an excuse to get out of the house.
- Getting cognitive behavioural therapy, and other types of counselling, which has given me tools to deal with my depression and my tendency towards perfectionism!
- The chance to think about what I really want to spend my energy on and pursue more creative outlets.
- Realising that I have wonderfully supportive friends and family.
- More self-awareness (or Jay would argue that I’ve become a self-help junkie!)
- Appreciation that there are others who suffer to a much greater degree than I do, and I stand in awe of those who manage more severe symptoms and chronic pain.
I have been ill for about five years and was diagnosed about three years ago, after a battery of tests ruled out other conditions. My GP was reluctant to diagnose ME/CFS, not because she didn’t believe it existed, but because it meant there was nothing they could do for me. There is no known/proven cause of ME/CFS, which means it is very difficult to treat.
Recovery is possible, but varies greatly between people, as do symptoms. I am much, much better than I was a few years ago and will hopefully continue to improve.
One of the most inspirational ME/CFS sufferers I’ve come across is Michael Nobbs, whose The Beany #4 I reviewed recently.
5-HTP HELPS with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Research is continually being conducted to improve synthetic medications that will help relieve symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome such as depression.
Research is also being conducted to determine if there is a more natural and healthier way to assist patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Several breakthroughs in this research have been uncovered.
One such breakthrough is 5 Hydroxy Tryphophan, known more commonly as 5-HTP. This nutritional supplement has the ability to relieve certain symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome such as depression and sleep disorders.
How 5-HTP Affects the Body
5-HTP is a well-known nutritional supplement with a reputation for elevating Serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain primarily known for its mood elevating properties and relieving depression. When levels of Serotonin drop the person typically undergoes depression and lethargy.
Doctors normally prescribe a form of SRI (Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor) medication such as Prozac or Zoloft to correct these low Serotonin levels and fight depression. When a person is suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, one main side effect is depression. For this reason 5-HTP may be a great substitute for relieving depression in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients.
Conditions in addition to depression that are associated with low Serotonin levels that can be treated using 5-HTP include sleep problems, anxiety, compulsive disorders (and eating disorders), restless leg syndrome, migraines, Fibromyalgia and low pain threshold.
Because those who suffer from one of these illnesses often have other symptoms (such as depression and sleep disorders, or depression and anxiety) the illness is sometimes called “Low Serotonin Syndrome”. 5-HTP helps to raise the Serotonin levels in the body and relieve these symptoms.
5-HTP for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Depression is one significant symptom of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Because of the effect 5-HTP has on Serotonin levels in the brain, it is potentially an excellent supplement for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers.
When a person is suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome they find it difficult to lift themselves out of a low mood. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome itself causes wariness. If not treated properly depression usually follows.
5-HTP is one choice in natural supplements that not only has a proven record for relieving depression, but also has very few reported side effects.
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