Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
By Sally Callow in mefoggydog.org Despite being extra unwell with Covid19/Long Covid myself, I have been beavering away in the background (as much as my weary M.E-slammed body would allow) to try and make ‘the powers that be’ as aware as possible that Covid19 had the potential to cause chronic illness in many people during […]
From the Journal of Translational Medicine. Abstract Background Orthostatic intolerance (OI) is a frequent finding in individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis /chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Published studies have proposed that deconditioning is an important pathophysiological mechanism in various forms of OI, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), however conflicting opinions exist. Deconditioning can be classified objectively […]
from DX Revision Watch. SNOMED CT is a standardized electronic terminology system for recording and sharing symptoms, diagnoses, clinical findings, procedures etc. in primary and secondary care and across other health care settings. Since April 2018, SNOMED CT UK Edition has been the mandatory terminology system for use in NHS primary care, replacing the Read […]
From The ME Association. Overview Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex multi-system disease with a significant impact on the quality of life of patients and their families, yet the majority of ME/CFS patients go unrecognised or undiagnosed. For two decades, the medical education establishment in the UK has been challenged to remedy these […]
By David Tuller, DrPH In a welcome display of scientific acumen, Norwegian research ethics authorities have rejected a proposed study of the woo-woo called the Lightning Process as a treatment for ME/CFS. Since Norway generally appears to be a hotbed of biopsychosocial thinking, this excellent decision is a bit of a surprise. It follows a heated public […]
From ME/CFS Skeptic. After years of waiting, the long-term follow-up results of the GETSET study have finally been published. The control group that received no intervention did just as well as the group that received guided graded exercise self-help. This isn’t the first time that the control group catches up over time. A similar pattern […]
By Dr Keith Geraghty on David F Marks site. I am a research fellow working from the University of Manchester Centre for Primary Care. A major focus of my work is on medically unexplained symptoms and illness. I promote evidence-based medicine and psychology, so like a detective, I spend a lot of my time discerning […]
From #MEAction. On May 16th the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a notice of request for public comments on its systematic review draft report for diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS which will remain open until August 16, 2021. You might not realize it from the above description, but this is the latest milestone in […]
By Cort Johnson in Health Rising. A study seeking to uncover a diagnostic biomarker for chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) that you can participate in from your home? That was unexpected. I had never heard of Dxterity or the CHROME (CHRonic fatigue syndrOME) study until a couple of days ago. The company – a biological diagnostic company based in Los […]
From The ME Association. Against the background of a new NICE Clinical Guideline for ME/CFS (18 August 2021), which has the potential to improve healthcare provision for people with this condition, we have been focusing on health and social care and asking about your recent experiences, what it is you want from the NHS and […]
By Claudia Tanner in iNews. Clare Norton struggles to talk about the day her “beautiful” and “energetic” daughter took her last breaths just days after her 21st birthday. As a mother, she’d felt helpless as she watched Merryn’s agonising six-year fight with severe myalgic encephalomyelitis, known as ME. The disease had left her bed-bound for the […]
I’m reading in social media that those with ME are being asked what research they would like to see done. Really ? What’s researched should be left to the experts, but with coordination so that there’s no duplication of research effort and waste of precious funds. What we need is a proactive, combined national ME […]
By Bianka Jäkel et al in Journal of Transational Medicine. Abstract Background Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex and debilitating disease accompanied by muscular fatigue and pain. A functional measure to assess muscle fatigability of ME/CFS patients is, however, not established in clinical routine. The aim of this study is to evaluate by […]
It’s Not You, It’s M.E. When we first started outWide eyed at the coming yearsWe were so strongWe just bowled alongNo worries, no cares, no fears. Now times have changedWe’re growing apartBody and soulIt’s breaking my heart It’s such a sad fact,You no longer reactTo what I want to doYou don’t hear my wordsIt’s just […]
M.E. And My List The eyes they slowly openA restless night behindSleep didn’t want to come my wayTo rest my buzzing mind I gently rise to find my feetHope the strength is there to greetMy legs like stilts, …..no feelingI fall,…… to stare up at the ceiling It’s gonna be another dayWhere M.E. has its […]
By: JACOB TEITELBAUM, MD in Vitality 101. A recent study by the Stanford University ME/CFS clinical practice is showing remarkable promise in treating chronic fatigue syndrome using the medication Abilify. At high doses, Abilify blocks the brain transmitter dopamine, and is used as an antipsychotic. But at extremely low doses it actually augments dopamine function. It’s reminiscent of […]
From ME Research UK. To coincide with International ME Awareness Day 2021 (12th May), ME Research UK with the financial support of The Gordon Parish Charitable Trust (SCIO Charity no SC045752) announced a £400,000 joint initiative to fund biomedical research into the role of viruses in ME/CFS globally. The reserach Call has been highlighted in the press with […]
By Simon McGrath in ME/CFS Research Review. Publicly funded research aims to benefit patients and the best way to make sure it does is for researchers and funders to partner with patients. This will ensure research prioritises what matters to patients. It will lead to more effective research. And it will help ensure that research […]
The Guilt of M.E. When the beast descends we know the scoreStrength and hope go through the floorWe’ve all been on this road beforeAnother day of guilt Want to take my part in lifeWant to spend some time with wifeWant to cause no further strifeAnother day of guilt Said I’d try and meet with friendsMissed […]
By Brian Hughes, Steven Lubet and David Tuller in Health Affairs Blog. For decades, patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, the poorly understood illness also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome or ME/CFS, have experienced neglect from the medical establishment and dismissal from society at large. In recent months, however, the condition has gained remarkable visibility, […]
From Chronic Illness Inclusion. Our latest Report The ‘I already have a job…’ report, by Chronic Illness Inclusion and Leeds University Business School, sets out how government, employers and the benefits system are failing millions of people in the UK with Energy Limiting Chronic Illnesses – (ELCIs). Although one-in-three disabled people of working age experiences problems […]
By David Tuller, DrPH The Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy recently published an editorial called “Humility and Acceptance: Working Within Our Limits With Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.” The editorial emerged from a collaboration between rehabilitation specialists and patients, mostly from Canada. It confronts the conundrum of whether those experiencing what is called […]
By Lauren Clark in Women’s Health. Gym at 6.30am followed by a G&T 12 hours later. For women who want to live life at their optimum, energy is currency. So, when an illness strikes that robs you of it, you’re left feeling not only devastated, but invisible, too. Here, one writer shares how witnessing up […]
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INTRODUCTION
The York ME Community is an ME Support and Awareness Group. What I believe we need is awareness of the illness to be raised and for that we need people to learn about ME and tell others. There are ME charities, and if in the future you or your friends or business wish to do a charity run or whatever in aid of ME, I will happily help and support that aim. (more…)
Paul Beresford Conservative, Mole ValleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much Government funding was allocated to biomedical research into myalgic encephalomyelitis in the financial years (a) 2017-18, (b) 2018-19 and (c) 2019-20.
Helen Whately Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)In addition to the funding set out above, the National Institute for Health Research, funded through the Department, and the Medical Research Council have recently announced a £3.2 million award to fund research into potential genetic connections to ME/CFS. The project will analyse samples from 20,000 people with ME/CFS to search for genetic differences that may indicate underlying causes or increase the risk of developing the condition.
Written Question to the Department of Health and Social Care on 22 May 2018 by Carol Monaghan SNP, answered by Caroline Dinenage Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
Financial Year
2014-15 £280,442
2015-16 £295,626
2016-17 £130,958
Link to Written Question In Full
The above shows an imbalance when viewed against the cost of ME to the UK economy. A 2017 report from the think tank 2020 health and the Optimum Health Clinic Foundation reported that the cost of CFS/ME to the UK economy was at least £3.3 billion in 2014/15
The figures below show the numbers of people with ME recorded in each country. This will be updated as and when fresh information is sourced. It is also acknowledged that it is difficult to be accurate as ME is still not recognised, therefore not recorded in very many countries.
It’s said that 17 million people in the world have ME/CFS – but this figure is no more than a rough guess based on crude prevalence estimates from developed countries (0.2 to 0.4%, including children) applied to the 7 billion inhabitants of planet Earth! In fact, rigorous, robust estimates of the occurrence of the illness in each country are needed, particularly to plan healthcare and allocate funding for research.
If you can update this information, please let me know the figure, plus source if known. I will be looking to add figures and comments from people living in those countries, so as to have a better feel for how things are there.
Where I give a figure tbc, it means this is the figure I have heard, but am seeking a source to confirm.
UK: 260,000. The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) estimates the prevalence of CFS / ME to be 'at least' 0.2% to 0.4% of the UK population, implying up to 1 in 250 people affected, or 260,000 in total.28 Sept 2017
(The University of Bristol research in 2011 estimated the number of 11 to 16 year olds with ME at one in 100).
Ireland: 10,000 - 19,000. According to The Irish ME/CFS Association.
USA: 836,000 - 2.5 million According to an Institute of Medicine (IOM) report published in 2015, an estimated 836,000 to 2.5 million Americans suffer from ME/CFS, but most of them have not been diagnosed.
Canada: 560,000. A 2017 Statistics Canada survey revealed that more than 560,000 Canadians reported that they have the disease.
Sweden: 40,000. Riksföreningen för ME-patienter (RME, the Swedish ME Association) estimates that approx 40 000 people in Sweden are living with ME/CFS. Most of them have not been diagnosed.
Australia: 250,000 From Emerge Australia.
Italy: 500,000 tbc.
Malta: Due to unwillingness to diagnose and lack of knowledge on ME, it's difficult for doctors to give an accurate figure. Some doctors say it is approx. 0.02 % same as in Europe.
Portugal: 40,000 tbc.
Romania: 80,000 tbc. Based upon other European ratios, there are as many as 80,000 people living in Romania with M.E.
Slovakia: 20,000 tbc. It's estimated that there are approximately 20,000 people with ME living in Slovakia (in line with other European ratios).
Denmark: 10,000-20,000. Not recognised as a physical illness. Denmark has no national registration of ME patients. The estimate of 10-20.000 patients rely on NICE estimate that 0,2-0.4% of the population has ME. Diagnosing, treatment and health authorities recognition of ME is close to non-existent, even though their parliament voted to change all that...back in March, 2019.
Austria: Not recognised as a physical illness.
Worldwide: 17 million. This figure is given by NHS Choices.
15 - 30 million. This figure is given by #MEAction.
To read the ME Research Summary 2019 by ME Action covering the previous ten years, click on the link below:
As you will know, Hansard is an edited verbatim record of all matters discussed in Parliament and records all votes and written ministerial statements. You may be interested in when ME has been mentioned, and so a link to that record is below.
Carol Monaghan SNP spoke in Westminster Hall about the need for support and funds for ME Research. Many other MP's spoke passionately on the subject as it affects their constituents UK wide. Click on the link below to watch the full debate.
There has since been an All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) formed to discuss the way ahead in helping MP's Constituents with ME. Contact your MP to ensure they're representing you !
To watch the video of Carol Monaghan MP addressing Parliament on M.E., click on the link below:
As we all know, especially those who need Wheelchairs or Mobility Scooters to get around, vehicles parking on pavements and blocking our way can have a major effect on our lives. It can mean that we are likely to put ourselves in danger by going onto busy roads because of inconsiderate parking. 
If you live in York, and you see a vehicle parked across a dropped kerb, call the council's hotline on 0800 138 1119 and the Civil Enforcement Officers will respond and are able to issue tickets. We know this won't help you right then and there, but the hope is that the more people report it, the more people get tickets, then slowly behaviour will start to change.
There are so many questions banded about as to the story of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), but this video gives a better and fuller insight than most. Once you've watched it, please copy the link and spread the word to raise awareness. Thank you.
To watch this video, click on the link below:
The York Access Group is a Facebook group which is aimed at improving Accessibility in York for those trying to get around with a Disability. Feedback on bad, and good Accessibility of shops, streets, cafes, restaurants and any other facilities are welcomed.
It's also the place to discuss mobility aids from walking sticks to scooters. If this sounds like a group for you, you're most welcome ! Due to lockdown, there has been very little opportunity to access anywhere, but hopefully this will change in the not too distant future !
After a pretty tough time, the guys riding as part of The Nomadic Knights group, made it to Everest Base Camp. I hope we can use this story to gain interest from media sources to help raise awareness for us all. It's the least the guys deserve for all their efforts.
19 May 2017.
“Very pleased to report that we reached Mt Qomolangma (Everest) Base Camp with the ME Awareness Flag at 1528hrs on Thursday 18th May. Three and a half hours after we had planned but time in Tibet can sometimes be very fluid. The base camp is located at 5200m, walking to the final destination was challenging in itself due to low oxygen levels.
Conditions at base camp were extremely windy (good for flag flying) with intermittent clouds with no particular destination in mind and the sun was not ideal for photos."
The York ME Community
@YorkMEAwareness
This is open to any organisation or individual looking to have a bit of fun whilst supporting your local community. We're recruiting teams for our 6th season right now ! Although the aim is spreading ME Awareness, as a bonus we have also raised over £920.00 for Invest in ME Research, so why not join us ?
One of the major questions raised is the blending of ME with CFS. This chart on the Hummingbirds site illustrates the many differences between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).
Dr Byron Hyde has dedicated his medical career to looking into M.E.
In this interview Dr. Byron Hyde, founder of the Nightingale Research Foundation in Ottawa, Canada, emphasizes the brain and enteroviruses. He also emphasizes his belief that Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are separate issues.
To watch this interview on YouTube, click on the link below:
As has been stated by Dr Sarah Jarvis and others, it’s possible that the Coronavirus could trigger M.E. in those people who get through the worst of the virus, and are seen to be in the recovery phase.
Please do not think that once you’re in that phase that you should just get back to your normal routine. As someone who has just passed his 14th anniversary with ME, the most important thing you can do is rest.
Resting should be from both physical and mental / cognitive activities.
Do not push beyond what your body is telling you. Your head might tell you something different, and you’ll be keen to make up for lost time, but please take advantage of this lockdown to recover properly. If you push beyond your limited energies now, and M.E. follows, it could change your life for years to come.
Be sensible and rest up. Take care.
Time For Unrest: Why Patients With ME Are Demanding Justice.
If you want the full story on ME and will read just one article about it, please make it this one,
Those within the ME Community have always known how damaging being prescribed Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) can be to their future health. We have a broken energy production system and therefore normal rules do not apply. The PACE Trial tried to show that it helps, but has been debunked by scientists and researchers worldwide. The PACE Trial in fact is now held up as an example of how NOT to conduct such trials.
To understand better the truth of GET and The PACE Trial, click on the link below to watch two short videos.
We are the ME/CFS Biomedical Partnership, a collaboration between researchers and people with ME/CFS, carers and the public.
The DecodeME DNA study aims to help us understand the disease and ultimately find treatments.
To read more, or get involved, click on the link below:
The York Inset Scooter Club is based in York (UK) and has a membership of around 250.
They are a thriving, active club and look to support local charities when they can. They have an annual Mods and Rockers charity ride out, and for 2019 supported The York ME Community.
They headed off from The York Eye (Clifford’s Tower) on Sun 28 Apr on a run out to the coast, set off by the Mayor of York and the York Normandy Veterans.
All money raised will be used to raise the profile of ME in York through posters being produced and put up in local business premises, clubs, schools, GP Surgeries and venues.
THE FOLLOWING EVENTS ARE CURRENTLY SUSPENDED, EXCEPT FOR THE ME AWARENESS HOUR, WHICH IS ON TWITTER. STAY SAFE, BE KIND.
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The first Monday of each month at 11 am - The York ME Community Coffee Club at Bar Convent, 17 Blossom Street, York. There is parking available just around the corner at Nunnery Lane Car Park. Blue Badge holders can park for free.
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The third Wednesday of each month - at 2 pm - The York ME Community Coffee Club at The Novotel, York. Parking is free at the hotel.
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Weekly - Every Wed, 8 pm - 9 pm on Twitter, ME Awareness Hour using the #MEAwarenesshour hashtag.
I had a very productive meeting with Cllr Aspden and Cllr Runciman of City of York Council where they have stated they will back efforts to raise awareness of ME, understanding that much more is needed to increase understanding of this debilitating disorder, in York and across the UK. I will be aiming to keep up the pressure to ensure future support.
The motion put before Council with regard to support in raising ME Awareness in York was passed unanimously !
The City of York Council has followed through on their promise by lighting up the city walls and Clifford's Tower in blue over the ME Awareness Weeks since that meeting.
We had a brilliant day at York Explore Library raising ME Awareness. Lots of interest in what we're doing from local health groups, charities, the council and most heart warmingly, from those dealing with ME themselves who now know we're here for them.
If you'd like to hear more about ME, get in touch.
