The Strength of Research

I've recently been looking at research about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and it's amazing how much I felt that I could relate. It made me feel less alone, and that others feel exactly the same way, and that more was being done for our cause. However, whilst I was researching I found a shocking statistic, that made me incredibly frustrated:

"At least 1 million Americans have CFS, more than have lung cancer or MS; yet more than 80% go undiagnosed."

Another fact I found (unfortunately I can't find the source now!) showed that many people with CFS suffer more than those in final stages of other illnesses, yet the research is so limited, and lacks major funding! However, some new research is promising and is really capturing what it is like to be chronically ill. Here are a few glimpses of research I found that really summarised how I feel, and what I go through.

CFS Patients Strive To Remain Active:

Prior to illness patients were energetic. “When this pattern was interrupted by illness, participants attempted to maintain their previous level of occupational engagement. Negative associations and emotions were described in response to the concept of doing nothing or limited activity. A recurring cycle was reported of increasing activity levels when symptoms improved, followed by post exertional symptoms… patients expressed negative feelings and beliefs towards the concept of doing nothing and therefore sought to push their activity levels … ” (Pemberton & Cox)

“Not being able to be with friends, or attend school, made the adolescents feel different and forgotten. They felt alienated in their own bodies and were struggling to be visible to themselves and to their surroundings. Spending less time with friends and more time with their parents constituted a threat to independence and development. Yet they managed to envision a better future despite all the difficulties.” (Winger et al.)