Post Exertional Malaise is the hallmark symptom of #MECFS and is also common in #LongCovid. Video explains the abnormal response to exertion, triggers, symptoms and management. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoCVQWPQwL4
Transcript: Post Exertional Malaise (PEM) also known as Post Exertional Symptom Exacerbation (PESE) is an abnormal response to exertion. Patients have an energy impairment that dramatically limits their activity. When they exceed their available energy they experience a worsening of symptoms and reduction in physical function, typically about 12 to 48 hours after activity. Patients often refer to this as a crash, which can be triggered by physical, cognitive, and emotional activity, and can last for days, weeks or even months, sometimes leading to a relapse and further disability. It can be very disabling, patients often need complete bed rest and additional support. PEM is not fatigue following activity; it's a dramatic deterioration and worsening of symptoms. In addition to debilitating fatigue, patients typically experience a wide range of other symptoms, such as cognitive difficulties, flu-like symptoms, muscle and joint pain, weakness/instability, sound and light sensitivity, gastrointestinal problems, sleep disturbances and many more. The amount of activity that triggers PEM varies with the severity of illness. For milder patients, it could be a short walk, or for more severe patients, it could be as little as talking for too long. Patients are usually only seen on their good days, and their ability to function can be misleading as they need lots of rest before and after an activity. Doing something once, doesn't mean they can do it repeatedly, reliably and safely. PEM is very unpredictable and difficult to manage. While most diseases respond well to exercise, it can actually make patients with PEM significantly worse. Pacing is the best approach to energy management. It involves breaking down activities into small manageable chunks, with periods of rest and relaxation Inbetween. This helps patients stay within their energy limits, and avoid making their condition worse.
