ME and Ophelia

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CHRONICALLY OVERACTIVATED STRESS-CORTISOL STATE:
A LOW CORTISOL RESPONSE TO STRESS MAY BE PRODUCED -
And continuing stressors may increase the release of certain cytokines that cause M.E. symptoms

Every seriously affected Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) sufferer that I have spoken to, complains of stress intolerance, along with an intolerance to exercise and alcohol. Seems to me there is something awry that affects the central nervous system and spine, and in turn the muscles and brain.

In the early days of my illness, I'd suspected cortisol was the problem. Cortisol is the hormone produced by the hypothalamus in the brain to help us handle stress.

I've not given up on this theory because every M.E. patient I've known, has a problem with temperature control, concentration and stress. My understanding of the hypothalamus is that basically it handles those three functions. When I get stressed (even feeling happy or enthusiastic about something can do it) it affects my whole body like it's been attacked internally with poison running through my veins. Alcohol has the same effect.

Here is a copy of the Tip of the Day for May 10, 2004 provided courtesy of ImmuneSupport.com. It pertains to Fibromyalgia (FMS). I am posting it here because it neatly describes what I'm trying to say about M.E. Trouble is, they don't give advice on what to do - or point to any treatments. Here is the tip:

FMS may begin with a chronically overactivated stress-cortisol state. Over time, as the system gradually "tires," a low cortisol response to stress may be produced. In turn, continuing stressors may increase the release of certain cytokines (chemical messengers between cells) that cause pain, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and other problems, while inhibiting the cytokines that promote positive functions such as sleep and tissue repair.

(Source: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses - The Comprehensive Guide, by Katrina Berne, Ph.D. Published by Hunter House books and available at www.hunterhouse.com.)

Note to self: Find info on how to inhibit the cytokines to promote positive functions such as sleep and tissue repair.