Benefit + Awareness

What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis?

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)* is a complex chronic disease characterized by debilitating exhaustion unrelieved by sleep, as well as exacerbations or “flares” of its many symptoms after even minor physical or mental activity. Impacting many body systems, ME can cause everything from chronic pain, cardiac issues and immune problems to neurological symptoms like movement disorders, light sensitivity and intermittent dyslexia. “Mild” ME typically reduces function by at least 50%, while studies report that moderate to severe cases can resemble living with heart failure or end-stage cancer for decades. It has the lowest quality-of-life score of all common diseases, and prior to the pandemic, affected over half a million Canadians and an estimated 17-24 million people worldwide. Despite this, ME is seldom taught in medical schools, and an estimated 90% of patients aren’t even diagnosed. Many cases have a post-viral onset, and the illness can be triggered by coronaviruses such as SARS, MERS…and unfortunately, COVID-19. | learn more

*also referred to as ME/CFS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or SEID

What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex chronic illness that affects over half a million Canadians and around 3-6% of people worldwide. Characterized by widespread burning pain and fatigue unrelieved by sleep, it can also cause other debilitating symptoms including brain fog, irregular heartbeat, severe sleep problems and digestive issues. As with ME, symptoms can vary not just from person to person but from day to day, and some patients may even appear superficially healthy. Nevertheless, fibromyalgic pain can be unrelenting, and the UK’s National Health Service ranks it as one of the 20 most painful health conditions. The illness is also associated with impaired joints, fascia and other connective tissues – an issue shared with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a genetic disorder with which it can co-occur. In fact, fibromyalgia can occur alongside several other serious conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, migraines and autoimmune diseases, and the overlapping symptoms can affect every aspect of a person’s daily life. | learn more