Understanding chronic fatigue syndrome

I suffer from a condition known as chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS). It is also know as ME which stands for myalgic encephalomyelitis.  Myalgia means muscle pain and encephalomyelitis means inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. But CFS is the term most doctors prefer to use to diagnose as the symptoms of ME can be rather misleading, although they are infact the same condition. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a long term tiredness disease(fatigue) that affects my life dramatically. It can not be cured with sleep or rest, and can often be confused with lazyness. There are days when I literally cannot move and get out of bed, I physically cannot move. Other days though I will be able to do normal everyday tasks perfectly without a problem. CFS is not simply just an extreme case of tiredness, although it is the main symptom. there are many symptoms such as:

- difficulty sleeping, or insomnia
- muscle and/or joint pain without inflammation
- headaches
- painful lymph nodes that are not enlarged
- sore throat
- cognitive dysfunction, such as difficulty with thinking
- physical or mental exertion that makes symptoms worse
- general malaise or flu-like symptoms
- dizziness and/or nausea
- palpitations, without heart disease
- difficulty controlling body temperature

The cause of Chornic fatigue syndrome is unknown but can be brought on by a viral infection such as glandular fever, or something similar. Although it is more likely that is caused by a combination of physical and psychological factors. There is no cure for CFS, you just have to treat the symptoms, such as maintaing or extending your emotional and physical abilities and managing the physical and emotional effects of your symptoms. I've suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome for around 2 years now, but have only recently been diagnosed. Its taken a toll on my life, and without adequate amount of rest, i will come crashing down. I can barely manage a full day of school, and i never know whether the next day i'm going to be exhausted or okay. It's very hard to cope with on top of other problems.