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CFS is very different. Fatigue as a word alone has different meanings to different people. They use it to describe the effect of driving for too long and you ne

CFS is very different. Fatigue as a word alone has different meanings to different people. They use it to describe the effect of driving for too long and you need a rest. Or a poor nights sleep. Or maybe you went hard at the gym or the bar. It is nothing like any of those things. A good tell is that physical effort beyond a point makes it worse, and you need to stay within an energy envelope or you get severe symptoms. All activity is physical effort not just say running. Putting the kettle on for example or refactoring a line of code. You know that nice feeling when you feel better after you’ve been sick. You don’t feel that ever again.

qwertox 3y ago
Thank you for sharing this. I won't tell my situation, but at least I know that exercising does help me, so CFS is very likely not the problem.
- quickthrower2 3y ago
  If you search you can see the criteria use for CFS. Seeing a doctor or three (second opinions matter) experienced in CFS would help. Sorry that you having something hard to diagnose too as it is frustrating!
8A51C 3y ago
Very accurate. The way I try to describe it, like a worn out recharchable battery- only charges to 80%, runs down quickly when you try to use it and takes ages to charge back up again. This is in some way trivialising the suffering, but I find helps people understand a little what it's like. At it's worst whilst I might be able to get out of bed and use the toilet, it takes a level of forethought, planning and effort that is unreasonable. Suffered with fatigue since stem cell transplant in 2011.
- freedomben 3y ago
  Yes, people don't understand that even very basic self care like brushing your teeth or going to the can be completely overwhelming. Just receiving a text or an email when you're feeling can be crushing
- quickthrower2 3y ago
  Sorry to hear that. I am embarrassing mild compared to most stories I read on r/cfs (which is why I just lurk) It has taken years to build back up to almost full time work without it being a boom/bust affair. I can’t imagine the more severe cases because you need energy to manage the problem, like a catch 22.

qwertox 3y ago

Thank you for sharing this. I won't tell my situation, but at least I know that exercising does help me, so CFS is very likely not the problem.

quickthrower2 3y ago
If you search you can see the criteria use for CFS. Seeing a doctor or three (second opinions matter) experienced in CFS would help. Sorry that you having something hard to diagnose too as it is frustrating!

8A51C 3y ago

Very accurate. The way I try to describe it, like a worn out recharchable battery- only charges to 80%, runs down quickly when you try to use it and takes ages to charge back up again. This is in some way trivialising the suffering, but I find helps people understand a little what it's like. At it's worst whilst I might be able to get out of bed and use the toilet, it takes a level of forethought, planning and effort that is unreasonable. Suffered with fatigue since stem cell transplant in 2011.

freedomben 3y ago
Yes, people don't understand that even very basic self care like brushing your teeth or going to the can be completely overwhelming. Just receiving a text or an email when you're feeling can be crushing
quickthrower2 3y ago
Sorry to hear that. I am embarrassing mild compared to most stories I read on r/cfs (which is why I just lurk) It has taken years to build back up to almost full time work without it being a boom/bust affair. I can’t imagine the more severe cases because you need energy to manage the problem, like a catch 22.