What is the life expectancy of someone with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / M.E.?

Life expectancy with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / M.E.: what research and real patients say, recent advances, and a medically reviewed summary with sources.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / M.E. life expectancy

Posted Dec 20, 2019 by ME International

A study has shown that life expectancy is the same as for the rest of the population. Sadly, the study also showed that there is an increased risk of suicide, so it is important not to neglect your mental health. However, I expect there is a lot more to be hopeful for these days.

There has been a large increase in research over the last 3 or 4 years and this is set to continue. There is also an ongoing clinical trial of a rituximab, due to end 2017. The results seem encouraging! There are a few other effective treatments available, such as LDN. It is worth finding out what has worked for other people and keep trying.

Posted Feb 21, 2017 by Catherine 1002

Suicide is biggest risk, so learn to deal with life changing illness.
Avoid susceptibility to secondary illnesses by being as healthy as possible - check forums like http://www.cfidsselfhelp.org/library/topic/Energy+Envelope+and+Pacing
http://www.meaction.net/
http://phoenixrising.me/
http://www.drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Main_Page
https://www.healthrising.org/forums/

Posted May 4, 2017 by Ben 1079

I don't think people with CFS will live as long as others without it. I say that cuz the chronic stress it has on your body & mind has consequences. Its very easy to also become very suicidal because of the hopelessness of a better or way it was before life.
There is finally some major research being done so maybe prognosis will change in future.

Posted May 13, 2017 by missylob 1056

Although death rates in ME appear to be quite low, this may be because death is frequently attributed to other causes.

Studies available are small, and few. The good news is that there have been recent advances in research and funding. A few small studies are still better than nothing.

At least one study by Dr. Leonard A. Jason (http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21641846.2016.1236588?src=recsys) did find the life expectancy of someone with ME may be significantly shorter (55.9 years) ralative to the overall US population (73.5 years). This is especially so for cardiovascular (heart) related causes. Suicide rates may also run quite high (several times national averages), especially where there is a lack of support from doctors.

Possibly due to immune system problems, infections and cancer may also be of concern. This can be especially so in extreme cases where muscles weakness can contribute to difficulties with swallowing, leading to aspiration. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/10137694/Emily-didnt-only-have-ME.html)

Posted May 29, 2017 by Maria 200

I'm nor sure.
I had pneumonia three Times...

Posted Aug 27, 2017 by Emy 2050

Average is 57, but that includes people who have chosen to die. We are more prone to some cancers and other illnesses.
That doesn't mean you'll die - I'm 58 and have no plans to die yet!! Research is exciting right now - IiME, Fluge and Mella in Norway, and teams in the USA are doing all sorts of hopeful research.

Posted Sep 5, 2017 by Shirley 2050

Death from ME directly is pretty rare but the condition is often linked to many other conditions and sufferers can suffer from depression too.

Posted Sep 8, 2017 by Sam 1400

Surprisingly short if you have a heart attack, co-infections or cancer (many commit suicide).
Up to 30 years bedridden if no research funds are forthcoming or you are "lucky" enough to linger...
Big battle in USA to get the SSDI benefits we pay into (as corrupt as CDC, NIH, HHS)

Posted Sep 8, 2017 by 2560

This is a question for a medical statistician.
Many factors come into play. Each person has an individual life expectancy.
This would be Determined by health history, medical care and number and type of symptoms experienced by the individual.

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Sharon 1500

15 years shorter than average
Some have decided to take their own lives early

Posted Jan 17, 2018 by Annette 2500

As far as I know the life expectancy of someone with CFS-ME is little if any less than a normal person. Unless of course they commit suicide. Suicide is a problem in our community, so if you do not have a good support system join one of our communities and be sure to use a suicide prevention hotline when needed. Generally speaking most of us still choose to live in spite of the serious pain and suffering; which actually means that we have a high level of pain tolerance and a very high will to live. Therefore seek treatment for pain management and seek a support system of some sort. Health Rising has a forum, and another good one is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Global (a facebook page).

Posted Mar 2, 2018 by Beti 2700

I think life expectancy has to do with managing other conditions or diseases you may have. Stay in top of your annual checkups and medications. Eat well and do some sort of exercise.

Posted Aug 9, 2018 by cathy 2500

our life span is shortened by @ 15year, more if pushed
the complications are; cancer, spinal MS, thyroiditis, anemia, fibro, TMJ
seizures,
but these are also symptoms
and suicide is the worst complication
they are finally saying that this disease is severe and systemic and impedes cell function and most MDs are realizing that GET and CBT are not appropriate for us ... and they are not treatments
more people know that this is real than ever before
so soon there should be more empathy and help for us

Posted Apr 6, 2019 by Fadra 2550

If you take care of yourself, you can live a long and relatively happy life.

Posted Dec 12, 2019 by Joanna 6200

Those that pace themselves can lead a fairly normal life. You just have to realize that you can't do what you did before you got ME.

Posted Dec 21, 2019 by Pam 3550

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20 years younger but hey, I don't think of it.
They are studying a drug in norway at the end of 2017 we will know something

Posted May 12, 2017 by Marisa 1000

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In principle the same as without the disease, although there are some but. Missing scientific studies on the subject.

Posted Sep 11, 2017 by Eduardo Casasnovas 2950

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The person puts it in danger ,herself ,should care what you think, there is no limit to search for the suicide.

Posted Sep 11, 2017 by Haydee de bielik 5120

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According to my knowledge the life expectancy may be normal. It has also been commented that you can reduce the complications according to their evolution.
There is an index highest suicide when people who are sick of EM, they lose all hope, and his life no longer has meaning.
I think by being distracted one can be more exposed to accidents.

Posted Oct 19, 2017 by Heidrun Kroner 2000