ME refers to myalgic encephalomyelitis, as Terri Wilder was talking about in the segment. And “myalgic” refers to pain; “encephalomyelitis” refers to inflammation of the brain and the spinal cord. It also goes by the term “chronic fatigue syndrome,” so sometimes it’s referred to as ME/CFS. So, it’s a neuroimmune disease that has no approved treatments from the FDA. And many patients become disabled and can’t work.
I’m fortunate that I’m in the — even though some of the worst experiences of my life made me better, and I’m now in the situation where I have a more mild case, and I am able to work. But I use my voice as a journalist, as an advocate, and working for a think tank now, working in public policy, to pursue ideas and situations and telling the story of millions who can’t tell their own stories and who can’t live out their dreams.
And the primary symptom of ME/CFS, and really the primary symptom of long COVID, is called post-exertional malaise, which means that people do minor exertions, which could be taking a shower or walking down the block on their street, and that can leave them bedridden or sick for days, if not weeks, afterwards. So, it makes it impossible to participate in society, if you can’t do basic functions.
— source democracynow.org | Apr 13, 2023