Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / ME – Lecture Notes

Overview of Personal Experience with Chronic Illness

• Introduces personal story of illness beginning at age 25.

• Met husband, Omar, during college at Harvard.

• Suffered from a high fever, leading to ongoing health issues.

• Struggled with multiple infections and fatigue for several years, frequently bedridden.

Symptoms and Challenges

• Discusses symptoms such as light sensitivity, severe pain from sounds, and cognitive problems.

• Experienced disbelief from medical professionals, labeled as "just dehydrated" or stressed.

• Documented experiences through video despite significant physical limitations.

• Faced severe isolation and distress, raising questions about potential rare diseases.

Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

• Explains CFS, which some dismiss as made-up, while others recognize the severe impact it can have.

• Statistics highlight that recovery chances diminish significantly after five years of illness.

• Many undergoing challenges related to stigma surrounding illnesses like ME/CFS.

Personal Story of Medical Journey

• Describes ongoing suffering and the emotional toll of living with debilitating illness.