Sly Saint
Senior Member (Voting Rights)
I Have ME/CFS or Long COVID; Where do I go from here?
https://workwellfoundation.org/i-have-me-cfs-or-long-covid-where-do-i-go-from-here/
Living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) or long COVID can present significant challenges that affect physical and cognitive well-being.
These debilitating conditions can leave people unable to function normally due to fatigue, impaired cognition, disrupted sleep, and increased pain.
ME/CFS is characterized by a unique condition called post-exertional malaise (PEM), sometimes called post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PESE). Even minor physical or mental exertion can worsen symptoms and decrease overall functioning.
A subset of people with Long COVID also experience PEM/PESE.
Post-viral fatigue is part of the normal healing process after an acute viral infection. Some people with COVID recover quickly, whereas others take longer, but eventually, they recover. Others may not recover and develop ME/CFS.
We distinguish between post-viral fatigue and delayed worsening of symptoms after exertion (e.g., PEM/PESE). Post-viral fatigue typically occurs in direct response to exertion, leading to increasingly punishing fatigue with additional effort. In PEM/PESE, there is a delay in exertional crashes, sometimes up to 24-48 hours later. This delay makes it easy to overshoot activities and experience a crash characterized by worsening symptoms.
Luckily, with the correct knowledge and support, you can take steps to understand PEM/PESE and improve your quality of life.
This blog explores practical strategies for managing ME/CFS and long COVID.
https://workwellfoundation.org/i-have-me-cfs-or-long-covid-where-do-i-go-from-here/