Myalgic encephalomyelitis, can be caused by persistent viral infection or damage to the immune system. Stress can also be a factor.
I've had it for years on and off. When I get it bad mine can last from six weeks to three months.
It causes muscle pains, tenderness, weakness, severe muscle fatigue, nausea, numbness, pins and needles, depression, poor memory, poor sleep, panic attacks, fever and headaches, gastro-intestinal infection, chronic tiredness and respiratory tract infection.
It's not good to stay in bed all the time. One needs a little exercise and fresh air.
I did my chores in the morning and rested all afternoon and evening.
I found stress does tend to trigger it off more.
I was diagnosed with Epstein Barr last year, which is part of ME.
A doctor I once had, refused to believe I had ME – he claimed I'd be in a wheelchair if I had it, which was absolute rubbish.
Yes, it has affected some people this way, especially children and teenagers.
But it can affect different people in different ways.
Some are able to cope better than others. I was ever so poorly throughout January, February, March.
My doctor gave me a Kenalog injection (which covers many things) and I felt so much better after it.
Kenalog is a very good drug, but can only be used four times a year – it can also do wonders for osteoarthritis pain.
The injection has to be given just below the waist at the rear.
I remember going into Aldi with ME and lifting a pack of 12 bottles of water, and it felt like lifting a very heavy, huge paving slab – that's how weak you feel.
What's worse for me personally is having to walk half-a-mile to catch the bus and back as I don't have a car or anyone to shop for me.
It's an awful struggle but I know I have to do it and I'm now 71. I love living in the countryside, no matter what.
S Cowley Doe,
Ashen.