Post-exertion Malaise is Not Real?
If Post-exertional Malaise is very disabling, so what makes some doctors think that this condition may not even exist? Part of this problem is the persistent skepticism that fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome themselves are not real. In addition to this is how activity levels will significantly change after the onset of the condition and the time it takes for the diagnosis to be available.
The diagnostic criteria that are currently being used would require for the symptoms to appear constantly in the past six months. This is such a long time for the patient to be deconditioned. However, the reality behind this condition is that the diagnosis will usually take much longer. If the patient is unable to handle too much exertion in the past 2 or 3 years, it is not really surprising to know that they have been out of shape.
Early research has not revealed any major difference in the overall physical fitness of those who have CFS and individuals who are healthy and deconditioned. It was later found out that the body of a CFS patient seems to have problems with oxygen consumption the following day after an exercise, which the researchers link to the metabolic problem.
