Posted by TENA/DIAMOND on 3/3/2009, 6:27 pm, in reply to "Re: What is ME/CFS? #5"
Endocrine System Symptoms
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The endocrine system is an integrated group of small organs that release and regulate hormones in our bodies. Researchers have discovered a number of endocrine abnormalities in ME/CFS patients, leading to symptoms such as:
Low-grade fever or below average body temperature
Heat and/or cold intolerance
Weight gain or loss not related to changes in diet
Alcohol intolerance
Hot flashes or sweating episodes not related to menopause
To learn more about how the endocrine system works and how it affects ME/CFS, read “Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Hormonal Imbalance.”
Nervous System Symptoms
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ME/CFS often begins with an infection, exposure to a toxin, or some significant physical or psychological stressor that results in damage to the central nervous system (CNS). CNS abnormalities can lead to symptoms such as:
Orthostatic intolerance – a significant change in blood pressure and/or heart rate upon standing that can result in lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, tremors, sweating, pallor, fatigue, visual disturbances, difficulty breathing or swallowing, headache or swollen bluish-colored legs.
Breathing irregularities such as holding your breath, irregular breathing, or shortness of breath following exercise.
Irritable bowel syndrome – chronic abdominal pain, constipation and/or diarrhea, cramping and bloating
Visual disturbances – blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain, frequent prescription changes
Burning sensations in the face or extremities.
Chest pain.
Hypersensitivity
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ME/CFS patients often report being extremely sensitive to light, sound and odors. It’s as if all of their senses have kicked onto overdrive. For them, going to a mall can be an overwhelming experience. They feel bombarded by all of the lights, crowd noise and strong odors from food courts, perfume counters and candle shops. Some have found it helpful to wear earphones and use an iPod or CD player to listen to calming music when they are out in public. This helps block out crowd and traffic noises and allows them to focus on the music.
Some ME/CFS patients are also hypersensitive to touch (allodynia). In fact, some are so sensitive that even wearing clothes hurts. They generally stick to clothes made from very soft fabrics and often buy one size larger so the clothes don’t cling to their bodies.
This hypersensitivity can lead to both mental and physical overload. When mentally overloaded, patients may have difficulty making decisions and find they are no longer able to multi-task. Physical overload can result in impaired coordination, dizziness, clumsiness, numbness, tingling and nausea.
TENA/DIAMOND
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
A ROSE FROM MOM AND I !!
TENA/DIAMOND
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
A ROSE FROM MOM AND I !!
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