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International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Fibromyalgia Awareness Day occurs each year on the birthday of Florence Nightingale (May 12, 1820). Nightingale was believed to have ME/CFS.
The CFIDS Association of America champions the international day and week observed worldwide, most notably in England, South Africa, the US, Canada, and Australia. The purpose of the week and focus day are to draw attention to the illness, inform the public of their options should they be struggling with ME/CFS or suspect they have it, and raise funds toward finding a cure.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a complex and debilitating chronic illness. This is a middle age disease, striking primarily women, people in their 30s and 40s during the prime of life. However, it can afflict any gender and any age. Over one million people in the US and tens of millions worldwide suffer.
Symptoms include:
Visual blurring, light sensitivity, and eye pain
Difficulty maintaining an upright posture
Dizziness, balance problems, and fainting
Chills and night sweats
Trouble sleeping
Gastrointestinal disturbances
Allergies and sensitivities to foods, odors, chemicals, medications
Brain fog and cognitive impairment
Gynecological problems, including PMS
Irritability, depression, and mood swings
The severity of ME/CFS varies greatly. About 25 percent of people with ME/CFS are disabled by the illness, and most symptoms are invisible to others.
Common conditions that occur along with ME/CFS include:
Fibromyalgia
Orthostatic intolerance
Irritable bowel syndrome
Interstitial cystitis
Temporomandibular joint disorder
Chronic pelvic pain
Multiple chemical sensitivity
Studies show fewer than 20 percent of ME/CFS patients in the United States are correctly diagnosed. Diagnosing ME/CFS is challenging because there is still not one conclusive diagnostic test or biomarker.
The cause is unknown, and no cure exists for ME/CFS. This event began in 1992.