Lifestyle and Attitude

A person who was previously fit and active who contracts ME/CFS will find that it imposes restrictions on their way of life. It is important to come to terms with this. Many find that the 'battle on regardless' attitude which they have applied to ill health in the past will almost certainly fail, and may prolong the period of incapacity. This does not mean retiring to bed in the belief that absolute rest is the best remedy (although bedrest is appropriate in the acute stage) but that you should attempt to pace yourself, endeavouring not to become so active that you are permanently exhausted.

It is important to remain positive about the prospect of recovery. Nobody has managed to determine which factors affect the rate of recovery, so from this position of ignorance you have as much chance as the next person of making useful progress. The period of illness varies from person to person, and even in someone who has had it for a long time it can, for no apparent reason, start to show real signs of improvement.

Adopt sensible changes in your lifestyle and develop a plan: Following a thorough assessment, go on to develop an individual management plan. It is unlikely that one person alone will be able to provide all the answers to all of the problems you face; one idea is a team approach co-ordinated by a key worker with experience and knowledge of chronic fatigue syndromes - perhaps your GP with access to specialist advice.

Whether wishing to remain at work or school whilst enduring a period of ill health, or whether intending to return after a period away, the suggestion is to apply the principles of pacing. This will need the co-operation of your employer or school. Aim for part time attendance with a gradually increasing workload and a flexible approach.

Many people find a relaxation technique of benefit and try to couple this with a form of gentle exercise: yoga, chi gung and t'ai chi are among some of the methods used.