I’ve just experienced a bad attack and I’m scared that I’m having a heart attack. It started out as pain in my back when breathing in, now I have a pain at the side of my throat on the left, I’ve started to become quite dizzy and my legs feel weak, I also kept getting a very sharp pain on the left side of my chest.
I’ve already been to ER before, and they done all tests including xray but couldn’t see anything wrong.
I am worried that I have some sort of underlying heart condition and I’m going to drop dead.

just as the title says i just want some help finding answers if i can. ive been dealing with health issues since i was about 12 years old, it started as stomach issues and progressed to daily headaches. im turning 24 this year and within the last 5 years my overall symptoms have gotten worse. my skin itches all the times and has for years, its sometimes so bad i make myself bleed and have constant scab on my legs and arms/ scars from scratching all the time. i have really intense brain fog/fatigue constantly as well where i cant even go up amd dowm stairs or take a shower without needing a break. my arms and shoulders hurt so bad i can barely sleep, i used to sleep on my side but hurts my arms, even when on my back. i get so unbalanced just walking or standing that sometimes i almost fall over and have to catch myself. i get really bad stabbing pains all over my body but mostly my shoulder and this one spot on my back near my neck, that spot near my neck on my back is also completely numb most days that when its itchy back there i cant even feel myself scratching it and its frustrating. i barely sleep because my body is in so much pain. i get bad brain fog, i get really bad muscle spasms and my muscles hurt so bad sometimes i cant sit still. i have eye problems, my eyes hurt so bad sometimes i cant look around or blink and my eye will be completely blood shot plus i get really bad headaches. my joints and body just hurt all the time. ive been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and endometriosis but sometimes i worry it could be more and sometimes i just want it to be so i can find a treatment plan. most doctors are clueless though and dont know why my pain is so bad. im currently being tested for MS and EDS but just wondering if anyone who has fibro or MS can let me know how your experience was and your symptoms? i just want to know whats wrong with me so bad and just feel better.. im so tired after 12 years

Penis also feels much smaller than before and I have to kegel in order to stay hard , it feels like it’s stiff at the beginning end of the penis and a strange pain to pernium and bladder area

First: https://www.reddit.com/HFY/comments/14vo5lb/troublemakers_deaths_pity/
*previous:* https://www.reddit.com/HFY/comments/1crq34h/troublemakers_buried_secrets_bolster_the_weak/
......
Go'mon strutted around the command center, a cape of deep purple silk flowing about his shoulders as he wore his gilded armor. An ornate helmet underneath one arm, the faceplate forged into the visage of a snarling Rak'nal beast. He peered over the shoulders of drone pilots, observing the carnage on the streets in front of the mansion. His black scimitar hung at his belt, the palm of his war gauntlet resting on the hilt, eyebrow crests rising as he saw the expeditionary general's Buzzard explode.
"Casualty report on General Gra'vos?"
He stated to the small Geknosian woman who deftly piloted her drone closer to the wreckage to pull data from the onboard recorder. Her eyes sparkled, reflected in the screen as the data was streamed directly into her brain through a neural implant.
"Deceased, Just like you planned, his provided pleasure slave threw him from the craft and stole the det-sphere you clipped to his belt. You seem to know a lot about how these humans fight."
Go'mon touched the small grooves underneath the elastomer skin of his face where that parasite had shot him with a concealed gun. He laughed bloodily and purred.
"Failure is the greatest teacher in the universe, these parasites have taught me everything they know. Now we just need to see what their true fighting strength is."
"Understood sir, orders?"
"Get a view on the inner courtyard and report to the commanders of the second and third waves their positions and weaponry."
A young lieutenant called out.
"Sir! Twelve UHM-60 Blackhawks en-route to the enemy base! Advise!"
Go'mon stalked over, peering over the satellite observer's shoulder as he followed a chevron of twelve helicopters loaded down with ancient, obsolete human war-droids. He rapped the claws of his war gauntlet against the handle of his scimitar with a purr.
"Send orders to Commander Mar'tek to equip three of his Gallicks with anti-air weaponry, and orders for Commander Rak'don to equip his light attack craft with visual lock on missiles."
"Yes sir, relaying orders now."
Go'mon patted his subordinate on the shoulder hard enough to make them wince as he stepped back to gaze up at the massive map of Golgotha on the big screen. Small purple dots converging on a black dot that symbolized the human base of operations. He noticed that Mar'tek's forces were delayed, having only made it roughly halfway to their staging area. Walking over to the Comm's desk he asked.
"What's taking Commander Mar'tek so long to get into position?"
"A small group of human Saboteurs dropped a pair of buildings across the roadway, they're still clearing the rubble sir."
Go'mon nodded, picking idly at his metal teeth with the sharp point of his war gauntlet's index finger.
"Hm... I thought the parasite's response was oddly punctual, color me surprised they had the wherewithal to keep scouts. Move Mar'tek to the rear of the attack plan and tell Rak'don he's up next."
"Yessir!"
Go'mon chuckled haughtily, exiting the command room and returning to his field office. Setting his helmet on top of his desk he picked up the communication stick for sylva.
"Sylva, Would you kindly deal with that gate once you've landed?~"
There was a pause before.
"I'm too injured to follow that order sir."
Go'mon raised an eyebrow crest at the monotone voice that echoed back through the device.
"you've never refused a command before darling, would you kindly take care of the gate?"
The pause was longer this time, much longer this time. Then, a different, much younger voice came through, filled with fear, but also tainted with determination.
"Fuck you, Go'mon. These are our friends."
The sound of penny whistles and drums accompanied the words before the comms device popped in his gauntlet with the sound of a musket shot. Impossibly thick gray smoke pulsing from the speaker as he snarled and tossed it to the side.
"Bobby, Would you be a dear and retrieve your sister for me?"
The almost seven foot tall brute slowly nodded, eyes dull behind his ceramite mask as he stomped from the command center, bulky combat armor clattering and clunking with each step. Go'mon pressed his metal teeth together with a hiss. That damned warrior corrupted everything he touched with delusions of free will. Go'mon grabbed a fungal cigar from the box General Da'kos had given him as a thank you gift. The sweet, smoky flavor filling his maw as he lit it with the glowing hot blade of his gauntlet's thumb. He relaxed into his chair, flicking his cape out from beneath him as he enjoyed the cigar to relieve some momentary stress. His body suddenly flared with tingling power as the voice of Conquest growled in his ear.
"Kill that boy before he realises your plan. if he finds out your intentions he won't hold back."
Go'mon puffed the cigar and pulled it from his lips, letting it burst into purple flames and crumble away into cinders as he rose from his chair. He stepped out into the command center and commanded.
"Get me a buzzard to that battlefield, Order's from Conquest herself!"
There was a moment of silence as he let his aura roll over the command room, several of the comms officers immediately setting up a Buzzard for his departure.
...
Dust kicked off the ground as Drake's jump pack slowed his fall meters above the ground, He hit the ground and tore it from his back, whipping it into a group of soldiers and hitting it with a jet of pale flames.
The pack detonated in ball of orange fire that vaporized the soldiers, his cape fluttering in the backdraft before he whipped his sword from it's sheath, keen edges wreathed in pale flames as he took a Geknosian's arm off at the elbow as they tried to stuff a blaster pistol in his face. He snatched the blaster pistol from the air, using it to put a kinetic bolt into the faceplate of a powerarmored soldier with a Warhammer, Crumpling it inwards as he slid a foot back, another warhammer crashing into the ground where he'd just been standing. Another kinetic bolt tore off the soldier's pauldron as the hammer swung up at his face, making him reel back as another hammerhead caught him at the small of his back and knocked the air from his lungs. Another hammer slammed into his faceplate, forcing him to kick himself into a flip to land back on his feet. Ears ringing he deflected a Warhammer with his sword before putting another blaster bolt into the wielder's faceplate. But even as they fell back, another hammerblow hit the side of his helmet and smacked him down. Drake rolled out of the way as twenty millimeter high-explosive rounds shredded his assailants, allowing him to get to his feet as the war-bots formed a lethal semicircle, sending high explosive firepowerinto the rear column of the Geknosian assault at a blistering pace. Drake shook his head clear and vaulted over the back of one, hearing it's gun fall silent as he landed in it's cone of fire. Several flowing chops decimated a small squad of Geknosians as he tried to fight his way to the center of the column where the Gallicks hammered the gate with kinetic penetrators. The armored gate shuddering with each blow as Drake dodged war gauntlets and hammers, retaliating with fast slashes and blinding thrusts. Purple blood drenching him as his heart began to pound with battle lust.
He heard a mighty roar and crackle as one of the flying machines opened up with it's chin gun, harassing a gallick with 20mm High explosive rounds to get it's attention off the gates. It's shadow passing overhead with a Buzzard in pursuit as it slalomed low through the buildings to come back for another gun run. There was a ground shaking Boom! as something exploded beyond the rooftops, a Buzzard, smoking from one engine buzzing overhead and away from the battlefield. Drake quickly returned his focus to the battlefield, Smacking a Warhammer to the side with the blaster pistol before thrusting the blade right beneath the soldier's chin, twisting, and pulling free as a war-bot fell forward, a molten pit of slag glowing in it's back as he turned his head to face another column of armor and armored soldiers as they rounded onto the battlefield, a Buzzard painted the deepest, most royal purple he'd ever seen hovered low in front of them.
A geknosian in gold and purple armor fell from the open door, Cape of purple silk flowing behind them as they landed with one palm against the ground, Dark scimitar slashed out to the side as a crescent blade of purple energy was slung straight at Drake. Death's chosen slashed upward at the crescent, but it flowed around his blade, cutting across his chest and bringing with it a foul, draining weakness as a cold, familiar voice called out.
"That one's mine boys!~ all mine!~"
Drake hadn't recognized Go'mon in the ornate armor, but now there was no mistaking it. He tried to take a step forward but his legs buckled beneath him, sending him to his knees as a festering cold spread from the wounds made by the crescent blade that never touched his armor. He looked in confusion at his sword as the pale flames flickered out, then up just as Go'mons armored shin cracked into the side of his helmet, flinging him through a building as his mind reeled with confusion. He pulled himself from the rubble around him, stumbling to the side as a blade of purple energy sliced through the rubble he'd just been buried in without leaving a mark. He tossed the blaster pistol to the side, bringing the free hand to his mouth, intending to rip a ring off with his teeth. But as Go'mon slung another blade of purple energy with a cackle, He missed the ring, biting off his left index finger, ring and all as a boost of power burned the creeping cold away. He spit the severed digit to the ground as the ring still on it puffed into smoke.
"Feeling weak boy?!~ like your power's been drained?~"
Go'mon purred as he took a step forward, aura swelling with power as he held up the black sword.
"The blade of greed will do that if you let it touch you~"
Go'mon took an unfamiliar stance, Blade arched over his head and pointed down as he fell into a low, wide stance, one arm pushed forward as the blades on his war gauntlet's fingers glowed orange with heat. Drake fell into his peasants guard, gripping his sword in two hands as he glared at Go'mon. His gaze flickered off go'mon for a split second as he thought of everyone still in the mansion and the Geknosian chosen surged forward in a flash of purple light to run drake through before kicking him through the back wall of the building, Drake's power draining away like the blood pouring from the hole in his Lorica. He barely deflected Go'mons black blade as Conquest's chosen surged forward with a brutal slash, unable to focus for the split second required to dissipate a ring and refresh his power. Go'mons aura blooming with power with each blow of that black blade. Drake burst through a wall and into an empty street, tumbling ass over head as he desperately held onto his sword.
Angry red blood spilled from the hole in his armor as he got his elbows under him, a pair of golden boots clomping into view as Go'mon gloated, a softly flickering bloom of pale purple flames in his palm.
"All this power, and you don't even know how to properly control or wield it... Don't worry, you won't have it long~"
Drake manage to dissipate the remaining rings on his left hand, an intoxicating burst of power allowing him to launch himself back away from Go'mon as his wounds knitted closed, severed finger growing back with a crunching, fleshy noise. He could feel Go'mons grin behind the snarling visage of his helmet as he fell into a peasants guard, feeling far too weak for having removed five rings. The two stared at each other silently, one of the flying machines spinning to the ground before exploding into a fireball behind Go'mon. Drake fet a deathly calm fall over him as he twisted his sword up into a high guard.
He had to make it back to his people, no matter what. The thumb and pinkie ring on his right hand puffed into smoke as he felt those corvid like wings form at his back, a cold cage of festering ice around the burning sun of rage in his heart. Go'mon took a simple offensive guard, twirling the scimitar with obvious skill in a figure eight in front of him.
The two chosen launched themselves at each other, Drake wreathed in black smoke as Go'mon exploded with pale purple light; the pavement cracking beneath their feet with the violence of the action.
...
Martha tended to the mounting wounded in the infirmary as fast as she could, back splayed open as small gossamer arms allowed her to work on several wounded at once. Many of the ex-slave women helped, binding wounds with clean bandages and splinting broken limbs like they had back at the plantations. Hearing the large wooden doors of the ballroom infirmary slam open, she looked up as Destrier and Caz hauled in a pale remin and a Brutalized young woman. Keeping one hand holding a bundle of gauze against the bleeding wound she was attempting to close up, The young man looking up at her with fear, pain, and hope on his face as he helped hold the gauze down. Pointing to two empty beds she called out.
"Set them there! Where's Drake?! We could really use the walking embodiment of Death right now!"
Destrier hoarsely called back, setting Remin into a bed as the old man struggled to keep his eyes open.
"He's fighting his way towards us from the rear!"
Caz helped the battered young woman into a bed where she curled into the fetal position before the Markswoman swept back out of the infirmary, Huntress humming as she slammed a new flechette into the barrel. Martha continued tying off tattered blood vessels, trying to keep the young man from bleeding out as Cassius appeared next to her, shaking his hands dry after scrubbing them with antiseptic to help close up the gnarly gash in the stomach of the wounded man behind her. Martha's heart pounded in her throat as she finally managed to sew the wound closed before hitting the fighter with a sedative to ease his pain and knock him out. She wanted to cry but held in her tears as she turned around to focus on the same patient as Cassius, but even as she did, the young man placed a bloodied palm on her forearm. She felt a lone tear drip down her snout as she looked at the mans deathly stillness, eyes closed in quiet acceptance of his fate, a grim smile on his face.
Her legs felt weak beneath her as she leaned on Cassius, watching Destrier rush out of the infirmary out of the corner of her eye.
"we're going to need a miracle if we want to make it out of this alive..."
She whimpered as the din of battle echoed dully from outside. That was when a wounded man sat up, grunting as he held the bandages across his torso. She rushed over to stop him from tumbling out of bed when he simply fell through the floor, an odd superposition happening where he was there and not for a split second. But when it faded, there was a note left on the ground, scrawled in blood red, blotchy words.
"I'll be back, and I won't be alone."
Martha could only hope that was true as she turned to continue tending the wounded, Despair filling her heart as more wounded were brought in from the ramparts.
...
Halcyon held the gate, rifle spitting hatred from behind one of the wall's crenellations as one of his Hellions fell next to him, skull split open by gauss slug. Halcyon glanced down at the gate where Thomas and another hulking agri-droid held it against the wall, the gate rattling with each impact of a Gallick's kinetic penetrator, apples of sunlight spreading across the ground where they'd simply sailed straight through. The Geknosian reinforcements turning an already blistering hail of various projectiles and beams becoming an impassable force as several of their light cruisers fired on the helicopters that circled over the battlefield. Missiles streaking upwards and shredding the soft-skinned aircraft, forcing them to take evasive maneuvers and stop the pulse-pounding barrage of their rotary cannons. Halcyon's attention was drawn to the sky as an impossibly loud crash of steel on steel accompanied a streak of pale purple light and void black as they shot into the sky. The black streak getting slammed down by a brutal, unseen strike that made Halcyon's heart leap into his throat. What kind of monster could go toe to toe with Drake, and appear to be winning.
Halcyon, peaked past the cranellation he had his back against, a gauss slug taking his eye out and making him shout in pain as he jerked his head back. Ripping a bundle of gauze from his medi-pack, he rolled it out and bunched it up, pressing it against his vacant and shattered eye socket as a bout of lightheadedness turned the edges of his reduced vision dark.
One of his men crouched beside him flinching when chips of stone exploded from the crenellation they'd been taking cover behind, some sort of heavy weapon having been aimed at them as they darted for Halcyon. Halcyon looked into their eyes, face just as dismayed as he felt, their words barely audible over the din of battle.
"what do we do, sir...?"
Halcyon let out a sigh, shouting over the roar of gunfire.
"Pull back! secure the mansion!"
The fighters didn't need to be told twice as the ramparts were abandoned, leaping from the walls to sprint back to the mansion, The agri-bots forming a phalanx behind them to cover their retreat. But Halcyon couldn't help but feel this is exactly what the Geknosians wanted.
But even as the fighters swarmed into the Mansion, Two figures walked past them.
A hulking man in dark samurai armor wielding an lmg and a smaller woman with a flowing furred cloak and white mask, carrying an ornate rail rifle walked past them through the doors.
Halcyon watched in dismayed confusion as Caz and Destrier stepped out into the sunlight, a jump pack freshly mounted on Destriers back beside his kanabo. Another smaller figure appeared as if from thin air, Cassius spinning the weight at the end of a chain attached to a kama menacingly as the doors closed behind them, massive metal shutters sealing them out as the mansion was locked down. He couldn't help but smile grimly.
There was a reason they were Drake's friends, and it wasn't because they were the best fighters.
It was because when everyone else ran away, they ran towards the fight... regardless of their own safety.
......
Part 109: will be linked here upon release.

I moved to get off the sofa the other day and I felt a very audible click in the middle of my back and to the right of my spine. The Thoracic region. The pain at first was very sharp but since then (2 days) the area mostly aches but can sometimes feel like a burning type sensation.
I still have range of motion for the most part but I’m getting numbness, tingling and pain in my arms, particularly my left arm/hand. Some numbness in the lower neck but no pain.
It mostly hurts when I’m lying down. I can walk no problem and even run without it being too much of an issue.
I thought at first it was a slipped disc but apparently Thoracic Disc herniations are quite rare. Is it just muscle sprain/strain?
My main concern is the numbness and tingling I’m feeling

I apologize in advance for my English, I'm not a native speaker.
I'm so so so soooo happy to finally have this done! My surgery was this morning at 8:30am, now it's ~2pm, I'm back at the hotel, chilling, watching Desperate Housewives and eating yoghurt!
So the "short" story time: I'm a female 28y.o. from Lithuania and wanted to get sterilized for a looong time, but unfortunately it's illegal here. Thanks to this reddit I got a recommendation for a doctor in Germany by a fellow redditor. I've sent a letter to the clinic about half a year ago in November I think, and the doctor (Hans-Wilhelm Coenen) contacted me personally, we had a consultation by phone in English, he was very understanding and friendly, no bingos. Agreed operation for 15th of May. So me and mt boyfriend planned everything, got the tickets, hotel and the time was finally here! I was very anxious, because I've never had surgery before and I do not speak German. But everything went sooooo smoothly.

• We flew to Germany on 12th of May, and the next day we went to the clinic to get examination and blood tests done. Everyone was very friendly and it was quick. I met the doctor, we had in person consultation, got all the info how to prepare for the surgery and what to expect.
• Today on 15th of May I was at the hospital at around 7:45am, my anxiety was sky rocketing like crazy, but the nurses were also very very friendly and caring. They showed me and my boyfriend to the pre-op room, I changed into hospital gown, and we chilled for a little bit. Then at about 8:20am the anesthesiologist came, asked all the necessary questions, we exchanged some jokes, and the nurse but the needle in my arm. Then I had to walk to the surgery room, they put me on this operation bed and started the IV. Oh boy was it interesting. I started feeling loopy and felt citrus flavor in my mouth, and poof I'm waking up in the post op room with my boyfriend by my side and the nurses. Was feeling soooooo sleepy.
• After about half an hour I started feeling more concious, they gave me cookies and watetea. Was feeling unexpectedly well. Had the urge to pee and It was no problem, no burning. Also my throat was not sore at all. They gave me ibuprofen and paracetamol through IV. Was shivering a bit.
• The doctor himself came to check on me, asked how I'm feeling, he also informed me that he found endometriosis, but I should get it removed or treated later if it gets bad.I don't know, never felt anything.
• Then after an hour we were let to leave the hospital, the nurse wheeled me outside to wait for Uber, it was very fun!

So now I'm back at the hotel, ate a bananna, yoghurt, feeling a bit dizzy, but thankfully not nauseous. Gas pain is not that bad just uncomfortable. I have energy and want to do stuff haha.
I cannot believe that it's all over, I'm sooo happy!
If you have any questions feel free to ask!

No I am not suicidal, yes I am in therapy, yes I talk about this. But there will be talk about self-harm, in a masochistic-ish but not really type of way.
So I’ll start off by saying I have something called Neurofibromatosis Type 1. It’s a chromosomal mutation that affects the nerves. Basically tumors (called fibromas) grow on my nerve fiber, in addition to numerous other mental symptoms. (All these vary greatly from person to person) I’m some what lucky in that none of mine are visible. Little less lucky I have many of them deeper in my body.
They are on my legs, arms, chest, neck, head, hands, stomach… needless to say they can be any where from uncomfortable to indescribable painful. I have many wrapped around my intestines. These fibromas don’t like to move. Which the gut always is. Which causes pain, which cause inflammation, which causes more pain, and it just cycles on and on and on. This has nearly killed me three times in the past two years. Basically my intestines swole up so much the lining tore, and continued swelling and nearly tore themselves. As such I can’t eat a lot of food I use to love. No read meat, nothing acidic, no dairy, no salt, no wheat, no grease/oil/fat, and for the most part I can’t season my food or potentially experience a level of that I do not possess the ability to describe.
I have one at the base of my spine, and directly on my prostate. The one on my spine happens to crush a nerve that controls certain sexual functions and in effect I have zero sensitivity down there. I cannot climax. I can’t really do it the other way either because again, there is one on my prostate and even the pressure down there alone is already enough for me to feel constant pain.
The ones in my legs and arms occasionally cause me to lose control of my limbs. I’ve fallen down stairs, off my bike, almost crashed my car, broke things. While I’m not restricted from driving, it really isn’t safe for me to do so. I cannot walk long distances, because it can put strain on any fibroma in my body and really fuck me up. I actually have one under my right shoulder blade. Have you ever had upper back pain so intense that you limp? Or just can’t walk at all? Normally I’d just lay down. But I can’t. I can’t lay on my back it puts pressure on the nerve. Can’t lay on my sides because either way I’m either laying on the nerve, or if I’m laying on the opposite side the shoulder in pain isn’t actually resting. I can’t lay on my stomach because then the nerves in my stomach hurt much worse. I can barely sleep at all.
I can’t even go on a fucking walk. I can’t enjoy food. I can’t enjoy sex. I can’t go on a goddamn drive. I can’t work. The worst part is, when I let this shit get to me the stress inflames my gut. Which again, has nearly killed me multiple times in the past two years.
I can’t even allow myself the ability to be upset about this. There is no cure, there is no treatment to slow the progression. Pain killers do not work. Gabapentin helps, but is limited. Weed helps, but gives me crippling paranoia, so off the table. I’m 27 and my life is already destroyed by this and it’s only either going to stay the same or get worse.
Sometimes, when the pain is super bad I use pain displacement. As in, I hurt myself one way to stop feeling pain in another. I usually burn myself. It’s semi-less localized and fairly intense. I won’t describe methods or anything. After a while, I began to notice I liked hurting myself. It was fairly concerning to realize that. I talked about it in therapy. I think it’s less about liking pain and rather having the power to choose what pain to be in. I don’t want to put my partner through seeing me hurt myself for any reason. So I’ve stopped. It’s not really something I want for myself.
Again, I’m not thinking of doing anything stupid. I just needed to vent. Because this shit is a living torture. To know it’s only ever going to get worse is just… a lot. It’s taken so many simple pleasures away from me. Food, exercise, sex, sleep and fuck. Coffee. God I fucking miss coffee. I just want something that feels good. And it feels like I’m never going to get that.

M 30 here. 4 weeks ago I herniated my disc during a bike ride and had to stop within 15min because the pain was too bad. Managed to cycle home, and that same day I started getting a tingling sensation down into both my feet. This only happened if I stood up for more than 10-15min. As soon as I sat down or lay down that tingling would disappear. I never heard of CES at the time so didn’t really know what was going on. The next day I went to an osteopath and 3 days later got an MRI scan done.
As you can see from the image it’s a really bad disc herniation. I got referred to a neurosurgeon a few days later. Luckily, I haven’t experienced any loss of sensation in my genitals or numbness in my thighs. I also think I still have normal function of my bladder. I still can sense when I “need” to pee or poo.
The thing that worries me right now is that burning/tingling sensation I felt in my feet on the day the injury happened. Is there any permanent damage or CES symptoms that can come over time? Or if it didn’t happen back then, then I shouldn’t need to worry too much now?
It’s been 4 weeks, and surprisingly I now don’t have much pain or shooting pains in my legs at all. I have some stiffness in my lower back, but maybe thats cause I have stopped a lot of my usual activity. I was a very active and fit person, typically cycling around 200-300km per week with running included as well. But I have had to stop everything to try and recover. At most, I will go on a 30-60min walk. My hopes is at some point down this long road of recovery that I’ll be able to get back to doing all the sports I love. But I worry a lot every time I think about CES and the initial symptoms I had on the day the injury happened.

So, I feel a duty to add my story as this site was my saviour during our “situation” as we like to call it. In February this year my husband started itching, the itching was so bad it kept him awake at night. A week or so later I finally had a look at his bare back and he was covered in spots and scabs. At first we thought it was chicken pox, scabies looks very similar but as he had already had chicken pox it was possible but not common to contract it a second time. I will ever forget when it dawned on me what he had, it was the absence of anything on his neck or face that led me to search google and discover scabies!! At first we were mildly amused, little did we know the nightmare that was about to begin. We had scabies confirmed by a private doctor who gave us a prescription for permethrin and off we went thinking ok, we will just apply this cream, it will be sorted and we will just get on with our lives. We managed to bypass the prescription and get permethrin for £10 a tube but as we had 2 teenage kids at home we needed at least 2 tubes each for the first round and another 8 for the second, supplies are hit and miss in our area so we had to ring various chemists for stock. We were already into the £100s after the private doctor and the permethrin but felt confident it would work. I stripped all the beds, bagged up our clothes, did the treatment expectantly and cleaned our home like a mad women. The following week we did the same again, every day in between i cleaned daily, vacumed and decontaminated our home Just incase there were any of the blighters Crawling about. By the way scabies will turn you into a paranoid cleaning Machine. I purchased a box of 100 latex gloves. You will need these!! 3-4 days after the second treatment I had new marks and so did my husband, we had followed the instructions to the letter but permethrin had not worked, we spent a further £160 and completed 2 more treatments a week apart then sure as eggs 3-4 days later it started again. It was as if we were just numbing the scabies then they would re-emerge after 3-4 days. I could literally time when I would see new evidence they were still on us. Our 2 kids (late teens) never showed symptoms and seeing as we don’t share a bathroom with them and our house is quite big we decided not to treat them further. We zoned the house so there were rooms just myself and my husband used and I wore gloves around the kitchen or if I needed to go into their spaces. Next treatment we tried was Derbac M. Again we followed the instructions to the letter and 4 days after last treatment there they were again!! I was beside myself with endless cleaning, washing, drying and stripping Bed sheets, it’s exhausting mentally and physically. It was while I was at the hairdressers following another, what I hoped was a successful treatment that I realised they were on my scalp!! Do not listen if anyone tells you they don’t go above the neck they do!! When my hairdresser added dye to my scalp it was incredibly painful, not a feeling I have ever had before and on further inspection I had track marks and burrows On my ears !! It made sense that most of my marks were on my neck upper back and arms now, they had infested my scalp. In frustration I searched this site for an alternative treatment, my doctor would not Prescribe ivermectin and offered me a dermatology appointment but I would have to Wait 6 weeks and still couldn’t guarantee ivermectin. I ordered in desperation benzyl benzoate from an online pharmacy, try to get the lotion rather than the oil, I bought a litre from Irish pharmacy for about £50 and I arrived in 4 days. We applied it head to toe, face, ears and scalp morning and night for 3 nights and 4 days without showering inbeween, everyday I stripped the bed, hoovered the mattress and the bedroom along with my normal decontamination cleaning routine I did every day. Right from the start I blasted all our dirty laundry in the tumble dryer on high heat for 30 minutes then washed on a normal wash cycle, I also tumble dried our pillows every day, we slept apart for 2 months so as not to reinfect each other on the off chance that one of us would be cured before the other. I also made a solution of vodka, water and tea tree oil that I sprayed on carpets, rugs and upholstery every day and after reading online decided to iron our mattress every day too. As I said this situation will drive you insane, the fear that you are never going to be rid of it is real and the fact you cannot see them makes it an unfair game. We waited 9-10 days before our second treatment of BB and again we did 3 nights, 4 days without showering inbeween, the BB cream stings a little in delicate areas but it soon wears off. I also bought cheap toothbrushes from the supermarket 25 pence for a pack of 2 for between toes and toenails. On day 4 I was checking for new marks but there were none, I have had in the last 4 weeks a few scratches and a peppering of tiny scabbed spots but I am happy to trust and believe it’s post scabies, neither of us are itching, we have not had post scabies itch but I think this is because we didn’t do multiple treatments of permethrin . We are now 4 weeks clear after a 9’week battle that almost broke me’ BB was the key to our cure just make sure you apply it literally everywhere. Sub note, our electric bill is over £1500, this has cost approximately £2000 due to 9 weeks of washing and tumble drying for hours, we still don’t know how my husband caught it we were in Egypt mid January but he also had a chiropractor appointment early Feb and he said there was no cover on the treatment bed so we can’t quite nail it down but was one of them. I never had it to the extent of my husband, he was covered head to toe in tracks but I did catch it from sharing a bed before his diagnosis. I hope my story helps someone as I in turn was helped enormously by the Reddit community.

About two weeks ago I thought about writing a story under 1,000 words. Would you believe ... 2,093 words? Enjoy!
At 9 PM, my roommate Martine pulled her knees closer to her chest and corrected her balance on the bay window bench seat. She never once looked at me as I finished neatening up the living room behind her. I didn’t expect her to notice me. She was waiting for her new love interest, Baylun. Nothing short of setting her clothes on fire would break her concentration before he arrived.
That’s why I didn’t bother to ask her if I looked okay. Yes, I wanted to make a good impression on Baylun because being presentable is being polite. Also, I didn’t want to give Martine any reason to leave me without her monthly half of the rent. If she left despite me being as perfect as I can be, well, nothing I can do about that. And given how intensely she was staring out the window, I wouldn’t be surprised if she expected Baylun to propose tonight. On their third date.
As if she’d read my mind, she spoke without turning her head. “Would you add him to the lease? I mean, if you like Baylun?”
“My Aunt Gloria might okay it. There’s enough room here. We can ask.” Why did I feel the need to appease her and pretend I wouldn’t be uncomfortable as the third wheel in my aunt’s rental house? My best guess is because appeasing and pretending are the cornerstones of my life, I’m very good at them.
Luckily, Martine was already not listening. “He’s here,” she whispered, sliding off the bench seat. After picking up her silk shawl, she partially opened our front door. Footsteps coming up our front steps stopped at what I presumed was the top step.
Beaming, she opened the door and invited him in. The man who entered had to duck to get in and I had to stop myself for apologizing to him. He was well dressed, looked like the proverbial “million dollars” and as he bent to give Martine a kiss on the cheek, I saw his eyes.
I froze for a moment, staring at the wrinkles around his eyes. Inhaling sharply, I blinked and shifted my gaze to Martine. She’d described Baylun as mature for his age. She’d failed to tell me he was at least middle age. That may sound ageist and I’m sorry for that but Martine and I are both 22 years old and Baylun looked twice that. He might be kind and, as Martine mentioned more than once, rich, but he might also be constantly on the lookout for a younger model than the one currently on his arm. Far be it from me to pass judgment without proof, but I would need more than Martine’s affirmation to feel comfortable with him as a roommate.
Introductions were short if not sweet. Baylun extended his hand and shook mine, which gave me some relief. If he’d kissed my hand I would undoubtedly have done nothing except internally cringe.
“Are you ready?” he asked, looking first at Martine who nodded enthusiastically. Then he looked at me and raised his eyebrows as if waiting for a reply. My jaw dropped, in real time.
Martine stared at me for half a second before jumping in to save me. “Lise was just getting her sweater, right, Lise?”
Thanks for covering for me, Martine. My plans for the night included pjs as soon as you guys left, but how could I say no? Except for flat out saying “No” which would be unthinkable.
“Right, I forgot it, and where are we going?” I squished in behind Martine, reached into the closet and took the top sweater from the neatly folded pile in the sweater drawer.
Baylun made a noise that was probably meant to sound like laughter. “Heddon’s Hill. To see the stars. Cloudless night tonight!”
Martine clapped her hands a couple of times, giving me a jolt of second-hand embarrassment. “Baylun asked me to keep it a secret. He brought a bottle of really good wine. It’s in his car, right, babe?”
Baylun didn’t say anything as he put his hand on her cheek like she was a child. She stared at him, as if in a trance. He didn’t purr audibly but that’s the best way I can describe his facial expression. Then I looked him in the eyes and the silence that followed hurt my ears.
A wave of panic immobilized me. I looked away and struggled to put on the sweater.
When he spoke, he whispered but it felt like thunder to my ears. “Perhaps a heavier outer layer?”
Martine snapped back into reality. “You look cold. Grab a hoodie, we’ll meet you in the car.”
That was the out I needed. “You know what, I feel awful. Go ahead, enjoy. I’ll take cold meds and try to be awake when you get back, to hear all about it.” To convey sadness at missing out on being a third wheel and resigned acceptance of impending illness, I grimaced and shrugged.
Martine considered me for a moment before agreeing. She leaned gently against Baylun’s arm and squeezed his hand. “Could we be back in an hour, babe?”
He turned his full attention on her and nodded. “Yes. We will. Goodbye, Lise.”
I thought about saying goodbye and decided a coughing fit would be more suitable. As I covered my mouth with my left elbow, I waved weakly with my right hand. The two lovebirds got into the car and when I heard it backing down the driveway, I poured a couple of teaspoons of night time anti-cold liquid down the sink. To make sure I smelled like I’d taken it, I licked the spoon before washing it.
When they returned, Martine walked in at a slower pace than usual and Baylun put his arm under hers as soon as they were both inside, so she could lean on him. She didn’t seem upset. She also didn’t make eye contact with me. My first thought was she had a bit too much wine, but we’ve had drinks together. She’s always been a little louder, a little more animated after a bit of alcohol. I started wondering if she’d consumed something other than wine while stargazing. Not judging, just trying to find an explanation that didn’t scare me about her health.
Instead of speaking to me, Baylun nodded and continued supporting Martine, helping her through the house. I reasoned he was taking her to the bathroom or her bedroom, so I squeezed in beside him and ran to open her bedroom door. Baylun led her to the far side of her bed so he was facing me, and helped her to lie down.
Except he didn’t lay her down right away. He held her halfway between standing and lying down, stared into my eyes and put his mouth on her neck.
I know how this sounds. My brain undoubtedly recognized the set-up. Yet I was unprepared for what happened.
Baylun retracted his lips, revealing two bloody fangs and touched Martine’s neck as if searching for something. Just before his fingers found them, I saw two wounds on her neck. He positioned his fingers so his fangs went into the wounds. Martine shuddered for a second, then sighed and stopped moving.
I inhaled sharply. Nothing made sense and I couldn’t remember how to move. When I realized my hand was still on the door handle, I leaned on it slightly, turned and ran to the front door.
Baylun met me there. I didn’t hear him walking or running. He wasn’t at the door and then he was, positioned to prevent me from opening it. He wasn’t frowning. He didn’t lean towards me or touch me, for which I was grateful.
But his eyes. They sparkled, they were bright and lively, and they were wrinkle-free. He looked my age, not middle aged. He looked like the guy I’d met an hour earlier, only younger.
I took a step backwards.
He took a step forward and spoke, his voice quiet and calm.
“If you say anything to her about what you saw, I will deny it and she will believe me. Then I will show you what it’s like to burn in hell.”
This was the second time in one night life handed me a “get out of trouble” card and I grabbed it with both hands. Frowning with the hopes of presenting as confused, I asked, “Okay, I thought it was very kind of you to bring her home, but I think I get it. What’s our story if she asks?”
He crossed his arms and studied me for a long moment. “I’m glad you understand. You can take credit for getting her into bed.”
I nodded and brought my left hand to my mouth, trying to look thoughtful. “And you asked her to text when she gets up tomorrow? Or is that too much?”
He chuckled and uncrossed his arms. “That’s just what I was thinking.” He stared at my mouth.
A rush of fear froze me in place. “Everything okay?”
“It will be.” He pointed at the right side of my mouth.
A sharp pain on the side of my face woke me up. It was still dark. I was in my bed. I tried sitting up and learned my pillowcase was stuck to the corner of my mouth.
Instant panic. I picked up the pillow and ran to the bathroom where a quick glance in the mirror above the sink revealed the substance wasn’t glue, it was blood. As awful as that was, my initial reaction was “Better than glue.” A little warm water on a face cloth eased the pillowcase off my skin and I set the case and face cloth on the counter.
For a brief moment I felt absolute relief. I held onto the sides of the sink and took a deep breath.
A drop of blood landed on the right side of the sink.
Blood could be from biting my lip, or inside of my cheek or even my tongue in my sleep. Or a nosebleed.
Another drop of blood landed on the sink.
It was so weird. Nothing hurt. Not my nose, not my lip, not my tongue. I struggled to figure out what I did, why I would be bleeding. Did I do something foolish before I went to bed?
I couldn’t remember going to bed.
Time to look in the mirror. There wasn’t any obvious damage, so I used my fingers to move my lips away from the right side of my mouth.
My canine tooth was missing. Another, sharper tooth was working its way out of the gums. That’s where the blood was coming from.
I leaned in and looked more closely at it. The emerging canine was definitely tearing through the gum, making it bleed.
A scream worked its way up my throat. I stood up, ramrod straight, shut my mouth and gently placed the face cloth on it.
I tiptoed down the hall to Martine’s bedroom door. It was shut. She was breathing in a regular pattern, not quite snoring.
I came back to my bedroom and checked my phone. 4:45 AM. When did I come to bed? Baylun was here, I remembered him with Martine and then at the door. Seems like he’s gone, unless he’s sitting in the dark in the living room or kitchen.
Any other day, Martine would be waking up in two hours. If she does, I don’t doubt she’ll be excited to hear Baylun wants her to text him.
I want to throw up. A few hours ago, life felt so normal. Now a giant canine tooth is pushing its way into my mouth. Maybe the other one is, too. I don’t care to find out. I also don’t want to go to the hospital where I’ll run out of answers before the staff run out of questions.
Maybe I can take a couple of days off work, see if the new dental situation affects my sleep schedule. Maybe I can find a night job.
Or maybe I’m a vampire, condemned to a life of hunting humans and being hunted by humans. I’m going to wait until Martine gets up before posting this. She might have a lot more information on this.
My mind is clearer now. My memories are back. It’s time for me to disappear from Martine’s and my Aunt Gloria’s lives. I can do it. I must do it. For their safety, and for mine. Everything is not okay. Not yet.

So I recently made my first post here on this subreddit and my first post in general ( still new on Reddit even though I made the account years ago ), about getting a change from Tilidin to Tapentadol. I was taking Tilidin for my back pain for 10 years and Doc and I came to the conclusion that it is time for a substance change without increasing the overall dose too much. It is often heard that just changing around the substance is helping many people in dealing with their pain and Doc was not opposed to it, luckily. ( Found myself a great one ) Now I been to the doc again to discuss the latest ECG and blood test. Nothing worry-some there except a low-ish hemoglobin, and I told him about a pain I don't really get controlled for the last 4-5 weeks. It's right between my shoulder blades on the spine including the muscles left and right from it, and it makes walking and sitting a tragedy, but worst, totally messes with my sleep.
I do take 150mg of Tapentadol in the morning and evening and it was always really effective in what it did, just that this pain always punched through again after some hours. The IR Tapentadol I had ( 50mg/pill ) was not the best help. I had to take two sometimes three to tackle it so I can sleep, or move right after waking up from pain. He doesn't like me being dependent on so much IR medication, which I can totally understand ( the IR comes with a high, which makes an addiction "worse" and so on ), so the decision was made to change the substance again.
The surprising part is, that he went very high in the list instantly. Not a small jump to Morphine or Oxycodone, no. I will now test some Fentanyl Patches for a month. Damn. I have a lot of respect for that. Being from the medical field I know of its potency, and also dangers, so while I am thankful, I am also approaching the whole situation with a lot of respect. It's the 2nd lowest dosage of patches you can get, so we didn't go overboard there, but it still is a significant jump. That said I am happy that he listens to me and we approach everything on a professional non-judgemental level. After having been through years of terrible experiences with doctors in my youth. It's reaffirming and makes me happy / good for my psychological well-being to have such interactions. I am "excited" to see how this will turn out. I have high hopes for it and don't mind at all going over to patches and away from pills and IR pills. As I told my doctor: " I don't get happiness from being high, I get happiness from being able to live my life and do the things I love without pain stopping me from doing them. " I still don't have a proper diagnose, which is sad, but I get more than proper treatment ( many different medication , physical therapy, soon psychological therapy and so on ) so I really can't complain. A new set of diagnostics will be done in a few months in a special clinic focused on muscle / spine / etc pain. Maybe that will shine some light in the dark.
So...that was a lot longer than expected. I don't have any friends to share this with, so I thought I share it with you people. The ones that are the most likely to understand. Thanks for reading, and as a good measure, sorry for any spelling mistakes or impropewrong words. English is not my first language. x) Enjoy your day, I hope it's as sunny and warm as mine. C17

I have a problem. Lately I’ve been having blackouts. Time seems to escape me. I’d be having a normal day then suddenly.
Blackness
I wake up having skipped considerable hours. Not knowing why it happened nor what I did in my precious lost time. The weirdest part. I keep waking up with burns on my body, burns from cigarettes.
Even with these recent gaps in my timeline. I managed to live an uneventful life. I’d wake up, go to work. Get back. Drink a cola. Smoke. Lose time. Wake up in bed. Start over.
Things were fine until I turned on the news…
Latest victim of the Cigarette Killer has been found. The young man appears to have cigarette burns all over his body, with the main cause of death being the severance of the carotid artery.
My heart stopped. The Cigarette Killer? Is this how he kills them? He burns them then…
Am I under threat?
Whenever I lose time, I wake up with more burns than before. What the hell is happening?!
I decided to record myself. I set up a camera aimed right at me in my room. I wanted to know what happens when I black out. I sat in bed, drank my drink and lit a cigarette, and waited.
Blackness
I’m awake. I’m still in bed. That’s good right? I went over to check the footage on my computer.
It’s been deleted. What the fuck?
Amidst my confusion I turned to the news channel.
The Cigarette Killer strikes again. A young woman has been found dead inside an abandoned factory, with the killer’s signature burn marks covering her body
Oh my god. I recognize her. That’s my neighbor.
There’s a pain that’s hurting my shoulder. I took off my shirt and checked. It’s another cigarette burn.
This can’t be.
I locked all my doors and threw away the keys. I requested time off work. I got a pair of handcuffs and cuffed myself to the radiator. I swallowed the key that unlocks it.
There is no way I am leaving this fucking radiator. I had some food and a cola to to keep me energized, and a bucket to relieve myself in. I threw away my cigarettes as the thought of the killings terrified me.
Blackness
I’m up… But not… Where am I?
I looked around, I’m tied to a table. I can’t move. I scream for help. But nothing.
Smoke blew onto my face. A man greeted me, with a cigarette in his hand.
“Have you been losing time? Chuckles Did you think you were going crazy?”
“What is this? Who are you?”
“It’s me. I am the Cigarette Killer.”
“What?!”
“I drugged your drinks, I’ve been burning you slowly over time while you were out”
“So I’m not the kille-”
“No dumbass, hahahaha. I love that you thought so. But it’s time now. You ready?”
He burned one last cigarette on my forehead.
I felt a blade cut through my throat.

I have a problem. Lately I’ve been having blackouts. Time seems to escape me. I’d be having a normal day then suddenly.
Blackness
I wake up having skipped considerable hours. Not knowing why it happened nor what I did in my precious lost time.
The weirdest part. I keep waking up with burns on my body, burns from cigarettes.
Even with these recent gaps in my timeline. I managed to live an uneventful life. I’d wake up, go to work. Get back. Drink a cola. Smoke. Lose time. Wake up in bed. Start over.
Things were fine until I turned on the news…
Latest victim of the Cigarette Killer has been found. The young man appears to have cigarette burns all over his body, with the main cause of death being the severance of the carotid artery.
My heart stopped. The Cigarette Killer? Is this how he kills them? He burns them then…
Am I under threat?
Whenever I lose time, I wake up with more burns than before. What the hell is happening?!
I decided to record myself. I set up a camera aimed right at me in my room. I wanted to know what happens when I black out. I sat in bed, drank my drink and lit a cigarette, and waited.
Blackness
I’m awake. I’m still in bed.
That’s good right?
I went over to check the footage on my computer.
It’s been deleted. What the fuck?
Amidst my confusion I turned to the news channel.
The Cigarette Killer strikes again. A young woman has been found dead inside an abandoned factory, with the killer’s signature burn marks covering her body
Oh my god. I recognize her. That’s my neighbor.
There’s a pain that’s hurting my shoulder. I took off my shirt and checked. It’s another cigarette burn.
This can’t be.
I locked all my doors and threw away the keys. I requested time off work. I got a pair of handcuffs and cuffed myself to the radiator. I swallowed the key that unlocks it.
There is no way I am leaving this fucking radiator. I had some food and a cola to to keep me energized, and a bucket to relieve myself in. I threw away my cigarettes as the thought of the killings terrified me.
Blackness
I’m up… But not… Where am I?
I looked around, I’m tied to a table. I can’t move. I scream for help. But nothing.
Smoke blew onto my face. A man greeted me, with a cigarette in his hand.
“Have you been losing time? Chuckles Did you think you were going crazy?”
“What is this? Who are you?”
“It’s me. I am the Cigarette Killer.”
“What?!”
“I drugged your drinks, I’ve been burning you slowly over time while you were out”
“So I’m not the kille-”
“No dumbass, hahahaha. I love that you thought so. But it’s time now. You ready?”
He burned one last cigarette on my forehead.
I felt a blade cut through my throat.

45F 180lbs autism, osteoarthritis in right hip, bone on bone, naproxen 500mg, paracetamol, codiene 15mg x 4 a day. Iron, vitamin K, calcium, vit-d, multi vitamins, turmeric.
UK.
In March, I saw my GP, regarding continence issues, (bladder and bowel) severe pain in my hip, problems with my mobility. He called me a drug addict, (his exact words, said it 4-5 times during the consultation) and told me to do a urine sample because it was an infection and probably due to my age. Results came back borderline but I can’t get back because I have difficulty walking there.
I have stopped taking all the medication because I’m scared that I have become an addict. I can’t afford to be addicted to drugs because I have to look after children with additional needs and my elderly father.
Now, my mobility is getting worse. I’m getting the same hip pain, stiffness, etc. in the morning and sometimes evening, both legs don’t work. I’m Not paralysed, just numb and it’s like walking through a swimming pool if that makes sense. I’m also getting lower back pain with it at well.
It’s not consistent so it’s not all the time, just mainly mornings and evenings. It has happened just now and I’ve had to sit down.
I use a rollator to walk, so I push down on the handles to lift myself up and take the strain off my hips, so if something happens when I’m out I can just use the rollator to sit down, or lift myself up and carry on.
I have notices clicking in my knees as well now.
Has the arthritis spread?

To get the best ayurvedic back pain treatment in Delhi book your appointment today at the best ayurvedic clinic, Ayurhridayam. The sore area is massaged with herbal oil, called abhyanga. The Kati Vasti is one of the greatest and most efficient Ayurvedic treatments for back pain. Our experienced will choose the right treatment option for you.

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), often known as ME/CFS, has a broad spectrum of symptoms that persist a long period. It is determined by basic signs and criteria. Post-exertional malaise (PEM), substantial impairment in capacity to accomplish tasks that were typical before the illness, and sleep issues are some of the key symptoms of Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) .
Orthostatic intolerance (difficulty sitting and standing) and cognitive issues. Long-lasting discomfort and a broad spectrum of body systems are also frequent symptoms.
The reason is unknown, however it might be due to metabolic, genetic, viral, or physical or psychological stress. For lack of a universal diagnostic test, the diagnosis is figured by symptoms.
A person with CFS becomes weary from working hard, and it doesn't get better when they rest. Many conditions cause fatigue, but none cause the amount of tiredness and functioning issues found in CFS.
Many individuals with CFS may improve with time, but many will remain unwell and incapacitated for a long period. No authorised therapies or medications for the underlying cause. Instead, treatment aims to alleviate distressing symptoms.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends pacing (personal activity management) to prevent symptoms from worsening. Some patients may benefit with Rinatolimod (a medication intended for treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome ), psychotherapy, and tailored activity management, however research is limited.
It affects 1% of persons who see their doctor regularly, although the figure fluctuates since epidemiological studies define the disorder differently. According to official estimates, CFS affects 836,000-2.5 million Americans and 250,000-1,250,000 Britons.
Women have CFS at a rate of 1-2% higher than males. Most individuals acquire it between 40 and 60. Even youngsters may be affected. The prevalence of CFS in children is unknown, however it is thought to be about 0.5 percent. One of the most prevalent reasons students miss class is chronic fatigue syndrome.
CFS affects one's health, happiness, and productivity, as well as loneliness and alienation. However, several aspects of the illness remain unclear. Disability is diagnosed and treated by doctors, researchers, and others. The evidence for the causes and therapies isn't always consistent.

Common Symptoms

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) proposes the following diagnostic criteria for unwell people:

• Ability to perform things before the sickness. Weariness follows a decline in activity. It must last six months.
• Symptoms worsen if you do anything little before the condition. Exercise may make you sick, and the symptoms generally appear 12 to 48 hours later. Some term it a "crash," although it might last a long time. Also known as Post-exercise malaise (PEM).
• Sleep problems make it difficult to remain awake, fall asleep, or stay asleep.
• Memory and reasoning are poor (cognitive dysfunction, sometimes described as "brain fog")
• Standing or sitting upright may cause dizziness, weakness, fainting, or visual issues (orthostatic intolerance)

While other common symptoms may occur that not all ME/CFS people report
People who have a cold or the flu can have pain in their muscles, joints, and neck or armpits.
People who have a sore throat, irritable bowel syndrome, a cold, or night sweats, as well as people who have allergies and sensitivities to food and other things, can have a hard time breathing.

Functional Capacity of a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosed Patient

People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can accomplish many things. Many individuals with CFS live regular lives, while others are bedridden and unable of self-care. Most CFS patients must miss job, school, and family time for a lengthy period.
Men and women have the same symptoms and limitations, and many suffer from severe chronic pain. Inactivity is blamed for this. The complexity of things has also changed.
AIDS causes as much agony and anguish as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, COPD, and end-stage renal failure. Even while major conditions like multiple sclerosis, congestive heart failure, or type 2 diabetes exist, CFS has a greater effect on a person's capacity to function and well-being.
Symptoms go in and out of remission, making treatment difficult. People who feel better may overexert themselves, causing worsening symptoms and relapse of their disease. A percent of persons with CFS are permanently housebound or bedridden for years. An illness that prevents around 75% of them from working.
More over half of them were on disability or sick leave, and just a fifth worked full-time. Children with CFS are the major cause for absenteeism.
The quality-of-life questionnaire found that patients with CFS had reduced "vitality," "physical functioning," "general health," "physical role," and "social functioning." However, CFS patients' "role emotional" and "mental health" subscales were identical to or slightly lower than healthy people's. Every year, the US spends a lot of money on healthcare.

Cognitive Dysfunction of a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosed Patient

Cognitive Dysfunction is one of the most devastating aspects of CFS, affecting people's ability to work and interact. It's estimated that 50-80% of CFS sufferers experience cognitive issues. Problems with attention, memory, and reaction time are typical cognitive symptoms.
Measured cognitive abilities are lacking, which may impair everyday living. For example, they make more errors, forget things, and have problems responding when spoken to.
In addition, activities requiring long-term working memory are slower. These defects generally support up the patient's views. As far as I can see, your ability to move swiftly, think clearly, and talk clearly hasn't altered.
People with poor health were more likely to report cognitive issues. People with CFS who could accomplish more physically had less visual perception and language processing issues.
Several reasons may be at play when it comes to disparities between what individuals claim they are and what they really are. It's difficult to compare participants' cognitive capacities before and after illness since there aren't any measures that accurately evaluate CFS's distinctive cognitive impairments.
CFS patients have higher neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms than non-CFS patients. The cause is unclear. Many theories exist to explain why cognitive symptoms and illness coexist.
Some experts believe psychological factors contribute to or cause the disease. Others believe the sickness generates physiological and social changes that manifest as symptoms.

Therapies Known to Have Worked with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The CDC says talking to a therapist may help patients cope with their conditions. Counseling and behavioural treatments may benefit some patients, but they may not enhance their quality of life, according to a 2015 NIH analysis.
This means that these treatments should not be utilised alone, but rather as part of a larger strategy. The same article claims that therapy may help with weariness, function, and overall improvement. However, these methods have been understudied in several CFS patient subgroups. Those who had psychotherapy or behavioral treatment reported few unpleasant side effects.
IOM 2015 study indicates it's unclear whether Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) assists persons with cognitive disorders. It's unclear why CBT is used to help patients feel better about their illness. A 2014 research found little indication that CBT participants were more active.
The authors claim that those who received CBT were adjusting to the condition rather than improving.
Patient organisations have long opposed CBT as a CFS treatment. Also questioned is the model's explanation The MEA studied 493 CBT patients in the UK in 2012.
Due to the findings of this research, the MEA concluded in 2015 that CBT should not be the principal therapy for CFS. There's a "false model of causality," says Dr. Charles Shepherd, a MEA medical adviser. This paradigm ignores the wide range of clinical manifestations and illness processes that fall within the ME/CFS umbrella.
A 2019 research of ME/CFS patients in the UK revealed that CBT didn't help for over half of them, and that Graded Exercise Therapy made most individuals worse.

Hi all,
I was just wondering if anyone’s experienced something similar.
For context I’m a 23yo female who eats decent and is quite physically healthy. This all started right when I had come back from a big holiday and was at a stressful point in my life looking for a new job.
About 8 months ago I started feeling a deep, almost tearing pain during sex. At the time I had two partners; at first I felt a slight tearing pain with partner A, then the next time with partner B it was quite painful and there was some blood when I wiped after. After that time, I had a severe stomach ache that lasted a week. After that I went to the doctor and had an ultrasound which all came back fine. I also tested positive to HPV but my cervical screening results came back fine.
I started dating partner B and every single time it is painful, especially right after my period. I also always bleed a small amount after.
I then saw a pelvic floor therapist and started doing pelvic stretches, she noted that I urinate too much each day (around 14 times). I’ve got that down to 8 and have continued stretches. However I don’t seem to be feeling any improvement. I recently saw a gyno and she told me to go back to the PFT.
I have very sore hips and a feeling of rawness down there, but that’s about the only other symptoms I have.
I now have very little stress in my life as I have gotten my dream job and love my boyfriend.
I guess I’m curious if anyone has had this before and it hasn’t been a hypertonic pelvic floor? Or if it is, how long they had to do stretches before improvement?
I’m feeling so disheartened that I can’t enjoy sex anymore. If you have any tips, please help a girl out. I can’t keep doing this pain x

Hi guys, long time lurker here,
(Excuse the formatting, I've slept for about 3 hours, which is what has prompted me to ask for help from the people who know best.)
A bit about me: I am 5ft2, 150-ish lbs, I have diagnosed EDS which causes a lot of pain and discomfort, major thyroid issues which contribute to overheating, I wake up at the smallest noise/change, and I run way way too hot when sleeping. Other words, I'm a delight in the bedroom hahaha!
I'm currently sleeping on an IKEA VATNESTROM mattress, which I bought for the natural latex and wool materials. I was an idiot and bought it in 'firm' because I was sleeping on a memory foam beforehand which was killing my back, hips, even my ankles, to lay on. So I thought I'd double down and go for as supportive as possible. Looool.
I sleep mostly with cotton or bamboo bedsheets, I believe the cotton is 400 threadcount, they are crisp and cool to touch - so whatever they are. I also sleep with a fan on mostly for sound, sometimes pointed at me sometimes not. I changed my duvet to the GRUSSTARR 2.5 tog from IKEA so it's thinner. However I pointed the fan at myself last night as I woke up boiling hot and I then got far too cold. Can't bloody win.
The main problem is that the mattress is too hard for my shoulder, and after a year of sleeping on this mattress something has to change. The firm has meant that my neck, hips, back, and legs don't hurt anymore, which is AMAZING, but my shoulders are so painful in the middle of the night that I then can't get back to sleep.
I am a lifelong side sleeper. I have tried to change it, but I just can't sleep on my back and when I do I get sleep paralysis, so I'd rather avoid that if possible.
I can't do memory foam as I do not like the sinking feeling, and I need something supportive but soft due to my condition, as well as being super breathable because I turn into lava at night.
I've been looking at:

• Talalay standard double topper - worried re: latex not being soft enough & running warm
• Wool only mattress topper - conscious that it will compress after a year or two so not sustainable
• IKEA TUSTNA mattress topper
• Cotton only topper (?)
• Microcoil topper - for support and breathability but can't find a natural one that's not wool based (compression)
• I saw the IKEA cooling pad and though that could help (??)
• Cotton or merino wool "Mattress Enhancer" and forgoing the topper altogether
• Or just giving up and resigning myself to not sleeping forever

I can't afford a sleep system or a bedjet, and we don't have AC in the UK. I also can't open the windows as I live on a freight train line so it gets really really loud at night. I have to keep my bedroom door closed as I have cats that like to jump on my head when I'm sleeping so I have to keep them out (as much as it breaks my heart).
My boyfriend has to sleep in another room due to my terrible sleep and he has the TUSTNA topper and it has made his sleep much more comfortable from his shitty landlord special mattress, but he did say that it runs quite warm for him, so it might be an absolute disaster for me.
I feel kind of stuck really. I've been looking at this reddit and also researching mattresses on/off for the last few years and I'm at the point of information overload to where I'm just paralysed and not doing enough to fix it. I wake up feeling like I've barely slept even on the nights that I sleep 9 hours, and feel like a little old lady. Whomp whomp.
Hope you're all having a lovely day! <3

From the moment I heard her whispered name, a chill settled deep within my bones, a prelude to the terror that would soon consume my very existence. The Lady, they called her, an entity shrouded in tales so dark, they seemed to blot out the light of day whenever spoken. I was a non-believer, a skeptic who laughed in the face of the supernatural. How I wish I could return to that blissful ignorance, but some truths, once revealed, are impossible to unsee.
It began innocently enough, a dare amongst friends on a night fueled by the reckless invincibility of youth. We were gathered around the flickering light of a campfire, the darkness of the woods pressing in on us with an almost palpable intensity. "Invoke The Lady," they said, a challenge thrown down with the gauntlet of peer pressure. "Show us you're not afraid."
Fool that I was, I accepted, mocking the very notion that some spectral woman could instill fear in me. "The Lady, The Lady, The Lady," I called into the night, my voice steady but my heart beginning to betray a flicker of unease.
The words had barely left my lips when the air around us shifted, a coldness seeping into my very marrow. Silence fell, a heavy, oppressive silence that seemed to smother all life in the forest. And then, I saw her.
She emerged from the shadows, a figure so pale she seemed to glow in the moonlight. Her hair, black as the void, flowed around her like a living thing, and her eyes... her eyes were a gray so piercing, so devoid of humanity, that to meet her gaze was to feel your soul being stripped bare.
Panic surged through me, a primal, screaming urge to flee, but I was rooted to the spot, trapped by those merciless eyes. She moved towards me, each step deliberate, relishing the terror that coursed through my veins. I wanted to scream, to beg for mercy, but my voice was a prisoner in my throat, choked off by fear.
When she was but a breath away, she stopped, and the world seemed to hold its breath with her. "You sought me," she whispered, her voice a melody of nightmares, a sound that promised despair and madness. "Now you have found me."
I could do nothing but stare as her hair began to writhe and twist, snakes made of shadow and malice. With a sudden, violent motion, it shot forward, wrapping around me in a cold embrace. I expected pain, expected to be torn asunder, but instead, there was only cold, an abyssal chill that threatened to extinguish the very fire of my soul.
Her face loomed close to mine, close enough that I could see the torment etched into her features, a mirror of the agony she inflicted. "Look upon me," she commanded, and I was powerless to disobey.
What I saw in that moment was not a face, but a void, an absence of all things, a darkness so profound that my mind fractured at its touch. It was the face of oblivion, of all fears made manifest. I felt myself slipping, falling into that endless void, my screams lost in the silence of her embrace.
When I awoke, it was to a world forever changed. The forest was gone, replaced by the sterile white of a hospital room. They told me I was found alone, catatonic, my eyes wide with an unseeing terror. My friends, those who had dared me to call upon The Lady, were nowhere to be found, vanished without a trace.
I alone returned from that night, but what came back was not the same person who had uttered that fateful challenge. I am haunted, forever marked by the touch of The Lady. I see her in my dreams, in the shadows of my room, in every reflective surface, waiting, always waiting.
They say I am mad, but madness is a mercy I have not been granted. For I know the truth, a truth that burns in my mind with the ferocity of a thousand suns. The Lady is real, and she is the embodiment of every fear, every horror, every nightmare that has ever plagued the hearts of humanity.
And she has seen me.

Hi all,
Our useless landlords decided to remove our in-ground pool and are building an eye sore of a granny flat in its place. We were hoping to purchase the place now we hate it..
Not knowing my rights as the renter I foolishly let them do it and now they are taking advantage. The owner and or builders are coming onto the property and random times and being a pain. We have been woken on 2 separate Saturdays at 0700 after clearly telling the owner no one was allowed to enter our property on the weekend as we are home during this time. They agreed but alas I've had to confront them twice and tell them to leave. One builder even had the gall to them knock on my front door and ask what the problem is.
Now to the crux of my post. There is nothing in writing for any of this and I want to use it as a way to exit the property without the usual exit requirements and still get our bond back. I would love any suggestions or insight anyone might be able to provide me.
They've turned what we were hoping was going to be our home into hell... And I want to return the favour.