ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia & Long COVID
Recognising the Symptoms
Fatigue
- Sleep does not restore energy
- Exhaustion after minimal effort
- Boom and bust energy cycles
Cognitive Difficulties (“Brain Fog”)
- Mental fuzziness or haziness
- Short-term memory problems
- Difficulty focusing or reading
Sleep Disturbances
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Vivid or unsettling dreams
- Fragmented or non-restorative sleep
Muscle & Joint Pain
- Persistent pain in the head, neck, shoulders, and back
- General muscle soreness or stiffness
- Joint pain and swelling
Skin Issues
- Flushed skin or redness
- Dry, flaky skin
- Frequent unexplained rashes
Chest & Breathing Symptoms
- Tenderness or pain in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Lumpy or sensitive breast tissue
Mental Health Challenges
- Anxiety and depression
- Mood swings
- Panic attacks or heightened emotional sensitivity
Frequent Spots or Acne
- Breakouts on the forehead, back, or chest
Female Hormonal Symptoms
- Worsened symptoms during PMS or menstruation
Heightened Sensitivity
- Overreaction to bright lights, noise, or strong smells
Nerve-Related Symptoms
- Tingling or pins and needles
- Numbness in hands, feet, or limbs
Ear, Nose & Throat
- Recurring sinus infections or sore throats
- Bad breath or oral thrush
- Persistent dry mouth
Digestive & Gut Issues
- Nausea
- Bowel irregularities (IBS-like symptoms)
- Food intolerances or unexplained allergies
- Bladder issues
Other Common Symptoms
- Dry eyes and dry mouth
- Fluctuating body temperature, hot flushes or chills
- Cold hands and feet
- Excessive sweating without exertion