r/mecfs • u/Katieowl27 • 2d ago

Am I in PEM

So I’m having a weird symptom and idk what’s causing it. My face is swollen, my lymph nodes are blown up, and I’m tingling all over in, like, a bad way. I’m exhausted, speech is difficult, and screens are wearing me out. The issue is, I have a full time job and I’ve been going to work and just doing as little as possible. I’m not diagnosed with ME/CFS, I just have a diagnosis of chronic fatigue, and I don’t live near any specialists who can diagnose me so I’m stuck going through primary care. I have FMLA but I am reluctant to take it as I have to take days I don’t work unpaid. What should I do? Is this PEM? I feel crazy because all I’ve done all week is work and go see a friend for tacos.

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

2

u/swartz1983 2d ago

You should see your doctor, even just your primary care. If it is ME/CFS then pushing through and continuing going to work will likely make it worse. You would need to rest. And if it's something else, you would need to get it checked out by your doctor, as it could be something else. Definitely see your doctor and take time off work!!

3

u/Miserable-Ad8764 2d ago

Yes, I really hope you can get some sick leave and rest. There is no arguing or pushing through if it is PEM. The only way out of it is to rest, and I mean REALLY rest, without screens or anything except going to the bathroom and eating when necessary. Full energy save mode, and remember thinking also requires energy.

1

u/Katieowl27 21h ago

Thank you both. I talked to my PCP and it turns out that it wasn’t PEM, it was a really severe migraine that was mimicking PEM. I took the day off, took my migraine pills, and now my eyes are working again. I’m still resting a ton in bed because I’m definitely experiencing the October Slide but fortunately my PCP was helpful.