David's Posts

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious, long-term, multi-system illness that affects the nervous, immune, and energy metabolism systems. [1, 2, 3] Core Symptoms Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM): The hallmark feature—a severe, delayed worsening of symptoms and physical or mental exhaustion (a "crash") triggered by minor exertion. It can last for days, weeks, or longer. [1, 2, 3] Profound Fatigue: Severe, disabling exhaustion lasting 6 months or more that does not improve with rest. [1, 2] Unrefreshing Sleep: Sleeping for normal or long hours without feeling rested. [1, 2] Cognitive Dysfunction: Often called "brain fog," including trouble with memory, focus, and slow processing. [1, 2] Orthostatic Intolerance: Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint when standing or sitting upright, which often improves when lying down. [1, 2] Other Signs: Muscle or joint aches, headaches, tender lymph nodes, and extreme sensitivity to light, sound, or chemicals. [1, 2] Causes and Triggers The exact cause is unknown, though it is often triggered by viral infections (such as Epstein-Barr virus or SARS-CoV-2/Long COVID), physical or emotional trauma, or severe stress. [1, 2, 3] It involves underlying issues like immune system dysregulation, mitochondrial and energy production dysfunction, and autonomic nervous system imbalances. [1, 2, 3] Diagnosis and Management Diagnosis: There is no single lab test for ME/CFS. It is diagnosed clinically by evaluating symptom history and ruling out other conditions. You can review diagnostic guidance via the CDC ME/CFS Overview. [1, 2, 3] Treatment: There is currently no cure. Management focuses on activity pacing (staying within your energy envelope to avoid PEM), treating specific symptoms (like sleep or pain issues), and orthostatic support. Graded exercise therapy is no longer recommended in modern clinical guidelines. [1, 2, 3]

If you are taking naproxen to manage your arthritis flares, it could be the cause of the tinnitus. It makes mine much worse & constant. I have PsA and my wife has RA. Methotrexate helps manage the main symptoms but the side effects can be tough. I just started trying a second biologic because the first wasn't doing anything. Shingles is brutal. With all that going on, I can see how it would be difficult for your mental health. I'm hoping you get some relief. I've been thinking about you.

Hi David, when reading you talk about your hearing loss, I've remembered that about 50 years ago, I was in a concert of The Who in London, one of my favourite groups from those days, and the loudspeakers sound was so aloud that I suffered an eardrum damage which came into a hearing loss that I've gragged all my life without major problems, wild things of youth !! The important is to look ahead.👍