I’m a newbie on this site so this is totally about my impressions. The short answer is yes. I have read about people having Lyme disease, mold, parasites to name only a few.. There seems to be several ways of approaching the big picture which for me is just wanting to feel better, hopefully by actually recovering, or improving but at least by addressing specific symptoms. I haven’t had the extensive tests done that are available. What my doctor did was rule out possibilities like ms, diabetes, thyroid and such. The naturalpath looked at my story and the checklist of symptoms and narrowed it down more but the only treatment from them that helped was my own program of hydrotherapy and acupuncture twice a week for two years. But in terms of feeling diagnosed with ME, I can’t really know for sure even though I had a classic start to getting sick. Two months after a mild flu I had to shut down my dream, a business that was10 years in the making. I was in shock that I couldn’t push myself through it, but the fatigue was too debilitating. But what has helped is following my symptoms like bread crumbs and working towards improving my health, addressing any imbalances every way I can, including emotionally, and spiritually.
I’ve had to address specific issues like my thyroid, gut issues, chronic pain, sleep and more but I have improved. The Book From Fatigue to Fantastic is helpful for doto getting symptoms in check and one’s health maximized. The thing that I believe is unique to this disorder is PEM, post exertion malaise but don’t quote me. I know how much I can push myself, determination wise, and I still can’t accept that I will pay dearly if I do. What happens to me is that usually the next day I have very painful fatigue and my gut can really flare up. Then if I don’t get good sleep It can all get even worse so nipping symptoms in the bud is critical for me. I am able to do about 4 hours a day of mild exertion including mental and that’s my energy envelope.
I think you have to really just tune into what your body is saying. We know ourselves better than anyone else could. Sometimes I read something here and it feels like a yes, try that. It’s frustrating for all of us who have to go it alone without the support of the medical community. But there is a lot of great information right here. Best of luck.