The Confounding Impact of Post Exertional Malaise Part III - genes, mitchondria, autoimmunity, oh my!
Note: This is a Part Three of a blog about Post Exertional Malaise (PEM). Read parts one and two to catch up. In the first two posts of this series, I wrote about my personal experience with Post Exertional Malaise and what was known about it. Since then, a lot more information is available thanks to increased visibility, research studies, and healthcare system support. This post is a deeper dive on mechanisms of Post Exertional Malaise, and the next post will be what the heck to do about it. To review, Post Exertional Malaise (PEM), according to the CDC is the worsening of symptoms following even minor physical or mental exertion, with symptoms typically worsening 12 to 48 hours after activity and lasting for days or even weeks. Yes, after exercise most normal people will feel tired, sore, lightheaded, or foggy, and then recover within a day or so. People with PEM do not recover so quickly, and remain unwell for days, weeks, or months. P eopl...