Patients Are beyond Tired

Patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis are more than tired (or worse, sleepy). The unfortunate name chronic fatigue syndrome has misled doctors, researchers, and the public for too long. I never use the word tired to describe what I'm feeling. I say exhausted or if I'm feeling poetic, like I'm unplugged or like I slammed into a brick wall. Dr. Zaher Nahle, who unfortunately has left his position at Solve ME/CFS Initiative, understood this: 

Darla Nagel is an editor and writing tutor who has an invisible chronic illness. She wants to help other patients and enlighten health care professionals about our experiences. If you’d like to be alerted whenever she writes a new post, sign up by emailing [email protected].