Fatigue....with a big F!

I've often wondered if I suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in addition to Fibromyalgia or whether they may in fact be one and the same illness? One of the symptoms that I have on a regular basis that some of you may be able to relate to is; overwhelming, debilitating, indiscriminate, and impromptu, FATIGUE...the 'Big F'!..... I loathe the F'ing 'Big F'!


"We all get tired and fatigued at times", I have often been told.... however, what IS the difference between normal fatigue and the 'big F' fatigue that I am talking about?

'Normal Fatigue', occurs in normal healthy individuals as a response to mental or physical activity, for example; after a period of over exertion such as exercise, or after eating a heavy meal, or lack of sleep or after a period of stress, such as after taking exams. Recovery from normal fatigue comes after a period of rest, and a healthy diet. However 'normal fatigue' can turn to 'Abnormal Fatigue' if a person is put through a prolonged period of physical or emotional exertion or stress, such as working ridiculously long hours for many months, whilst trying to meet tight deadlines or suffering from prolonged abuse. There are also many illnesses, such as: Addison's Disease, Anorexia, Diabetis & Thyroid problems to name but a few, that present with symptoms that include abnormal fatigue.

'Big F' fatigue is 'Abnormal Fatigue' and is the kind of fatigue that I suffer from, however... mine apparently, is part of my Fibromyalgia Syndrome..or is it? Do I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and not have FM at all? I was diagnosed with FM over 15 years ago now and have been living with 'IT' and dealing with  'IT' for all of that time....like an unwanted guest..that I know so well.


But......what is the difference between Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome you may be asking?

From what research findings have told us so far...not a lot....enough to make a distinction, however there are so many similarities that many doctors will class it as one and the same. Please click on the link below to the Fibromyalgia Association UK, to read up on the distinctions between the two conditions, which are both equally debilitating as anyone who suffers from either (or both) of the conditions will know:-

http://www.ukfibromyalgia.com/what-is-fm.html



Although more prevalent in women, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can affect any individual of any age or background. A young woman, Michelle Klein, who was diagnosed with CFS when she was just 16 years of age,  has decided to write a book about her experiences living with the condition, information from which can be found here:- http://www.facebook.com/cfsmonster


The sad thing is that there are millions of people all over the world who have been diagnosed with FM and/or CFS, from all ages and all backgrounds, and for the millions of people who do suffer, there still exists discrimination and ignorance......... and with that, comes more pain.

So do I have FM or actually CFS? Or are they just one and the same? Many medical experts are still baffled, however what I do know is that I have the 'Big F' come visit me on a regular basis, in fact, 'Big F' is here now, so I'm off.....

Have a happy, pain free and stress free day.