Even after hours of sleeping, they still may not have enough energy to do their daily activities. The body of a person with ME is like a cell phone with an old battery that can never be fully recharged. Usually, when you plug in a cell phone overnight, the battery is fully charged in the morning, much like the way most people feel after a good night's sleep – fully recharged. Imagine the body's energy level as a battery on a cell phone. In some cases, people do not return to how they felt before the "crash." People with ME have described PEM as experiencing "the worst flu imaginable," feeling like, "my cells are dying," and "having my life force drained out of me." When people experience PEM, any or all of their symptoms – pain, problems thinking or sleeping, sore throat, headaches, dizziness – may worsen and they may need bedrest for days, weeks or even longer to return to how they felt before the "crash." For some people with ME, something as simple as brushing their teeth, eating, or reading email can cause PEM. This symptom is often described as a "crash" in physical and/or mental energy following even a small amount of activity. The most recognizable symptom of ME is post-exertional malaise (PEM), experienced by all people with ME. Laura Hillenbrand (in The Wall Street Journal), author of Seabiscuit and Unbroken, person with ME since 1987 What are the Symptoms? It takes over your entire life and causes more suffering than I can describe." "My illness is excruciating and difficult to cope with.
What is known is that ME is not a psychiatric disorder and it is not caused by a lack of exercise, contrary to common belief. This can impact the brain and other systems of the body. It is possible that the symptoms of ME result from an abnormal response by the immune system, most often to an infection. Experts do not yet know the exact cause of ME, but many people start feeling the symptoms of ME after contracting a viral or other type of infection, or following surgery, physical trauma, or a change in hormonal status. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (my*al*gic + en*ceph*a*lo*my*eli*tis) (ME), commonly referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome, is a serious, debilitating, chronic disease that affects multiple body systems, including the nervous system, the immune system, and the body's production of energy. If you think you or a loved one may have ME, please see the resources at the bottom of this webpage. People with ME can experience a wide range of symptoms and levels of severity. The purpose of this webpage is to provide clear and correct information on what is known about ME today. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), commonly referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome or ME/CFS, is a widely misunderstood disease. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ("Chronic Fatigue Syndrome") All Health Care Professionals & Patient Safety.Clinical Guidelines, Standards & Quality of Care.Health & Safety in the Home, Workplace & Outdoors.