New or worsening symptoms?

Posted , 3 users are following.

Hi,

So i have had M.E/CFS for a number of years now, and as you all know i have good periods and bad periods. I've been learning gradually how to better manage my condition and have been doing much much better than ever before. However, the last couple of months i have gone through a huge amount of emotional stress and turmoil in my personal life and it has, understandably, flared my M.E up quite badly. I have also noticed over this time period worsening or new symptoms that i didnt previously have, or not as bad as i now have them. The main ones are the muscle spasms, the pain (which has become muc more intense) and the complete lack of strength in my hands and arms. I struggle to open jars, doors, to grip anything or type for any great length of time. I have muscle spasms in my hands and fingers almost daily at the moment. Also, my heart palpitations have become stronger and more noticeable. Is this normal with M.E/CFS? 

I hope someone can help!!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    If you've been going through a period of stress this will drain your already depleted energy levels even more which might explain?what you feel worse at the moment. The worsening of you muscle pain could also be due to stress and you tend to tense up your muscles when stresses which leads to more pain.

    ​You?might find listening to a relaxation CD helpful. You can get ones which take you through different parts of your body where you tense each muscle then release it. You'd be amazed by the tension you can hold in your body without realising it and how much more relaxed and pain free your muscles can be if you can let the tension go. Think about your body right now -:

    How are you sitting?

    ​Is your jaw tense with your teeth clenched together? If so, open your mouth a little and let your jaw relax.

    ​Do your shoulders feel tight and sore? If so, let your arms drop by your sides then bring your shoulders up towards your ears then let them drop. Do this a few times and you should feel the tension come out your body.

    ​Do you have your fingers or toes clenched? If so, give them a waggle and a shake to loosen them.

    ​You can go round your whole body and think how the different parts feel and try to relax them.

    ​If you're going through a hard time try and be good to yourself. Get extra rest,?pace yourself, try relaxation techniques and eat a healthy diet. Last year was very stressful for me and my symptoms got a lot worse but I've got through it and am feeling like I have a bit more energy now. Don't give up hope. You were a bit better in the past so there is no reason why you can't improve again!!!

  • Posted

    Don't know why my reply has strange symbols in it - either my computer or this website is playing up - apologies if it's confusing to read!!

  • Posted

    I have always found that mental stress or effort always makes my ME/CFS far worse than when I overdo things physically and if your stress has been going on for a while, I can well understand that you've been going downhill in the way that you have.

    It's just a fact that the less we can subject ourselves to these sorts of problems the better we willl be able to cope so your priority must be to sort out your personal life as quickly as you can and with the best outcome for yourself. When we have these sorts of conditons, our health has to be the fiirst, second and third priorities in our lives, it's the only attitude that leads to any sort of improvement.

    I do think what you're going through is exactly what you'd expect at the moment, going through stress as you are and I hope that you mange to sort things out and start to feel better soon. :-) .

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