Everyone gets tired once in a while, but chronic fatigue is different from occasional fatigue or tiredness related to exertion or lack of sleep. Clinically known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), the condition is a world away from feeling a bit tired. If you suffer from chronic fatigue, you already know what we are talking about.
It Gets Worse But Doesn’t Go Away
People with chronic fatigue suffer from extreme tiredness and lethargy that does not go away. It gets worse with physical exercise and even mental activity. It does not improve with rest.
Chronic fatigue can be a symptom of other physical or psychological conditions, from digestive disorders to depression. It can also be a primary condition, called chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
The attorneys of Chermol & Fishman, LLC, in Philadelphia, have successfully represented clients disabled by chronic fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome. We help those disabled people receive Social Security disability (SSD) or supplemental security income (SSI) benefits.
Tracking the Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue
While chronic fatigue is profound to the patient, it is difficult for others to observe and assess. That is why it is valuable for people suffering from chronic fatigue to keep a journal of their condition.
A daily log of how the condition affects you can help document that fatigue is truly a disabling condition. Write down how many times you have to take a break during the day, how long each break is, how many naps you have to take and how long you sleep or rest.
It can help to make note of activities that were once easy to accomplish that are now challenging or impossible for you. It is also important to get a medical diagnosis of and treatment for your fatigue.
A Closer Look
The video below can help explain what it can be like for those suffering from chronic fatigue, as well as their families.