ME/ CFS is a chronic illness, affecting the immune, hormone and central nervous systems. The main symptoms are severe and overwhelming fatigue, muscle pain and weakness, flu-like feelings (e.g. sore throat, enlarged glands and joint pains), sleep and mood disturbance. Many other symptoms can occur. Symptoms fluctuate from day to day and the patient experiences periods of relapse and partial recovery.
Some form of infection (e.g. flu, glandular fever, hepatitis, tonsillitis) is the most usual trigger. Less common triggers include vaccinations (e.g. Hepatitis B), pesticides (e.g. organophosphate sheep dip) and major stressful events.
A diagnosis has to be made on the typical pattern of symptoms together with exclusion of the many other causes of chronic fatigue. Your doctor may offer you a number of routine blood tests in order to exclude other conditions.
Over time, most sufferers gradually improve, although there may be occasional setbacks, due to infections, operations and stressful events.
There is no one treatment which is effective
for everybody, but some things increase the likelihood of improvement.
Sufficient rest, especially in the early stages and during setbacks is
advisable. On the other hand, prolonged bed rest beyond the acute stage has its
dangers, since the patient can become trapped in a vicious circle of immobility
and weakness.
You will need to find a balance of rest and activity. A good, healthy diet with
plenty of fruit and vegetables can help. Alternative therapies, such as
acupuncture and homeopathy, may be worth a try. Evening primrose oil has been
shown to relieve symptoms.
Morecambe Bay ME Group is an association of local people, both sufferers and carers, who have come together with the following aims:
Monthly meetings with a speaker
Speaker meetings are held in the Friends' Meeting
House,
Social groups
meet informally in cafés or people's homes, in various locations around the Bay
area.
They are informal opportunities to get together with
other people with ME for a friendly chat.
The meetings last as long as people want them to.
Click here for news about
forthcoming socials
For further details please check your newsletter, or telephone your local contact, or email info@bayme.org.
Group
Newsletter
A newsletter appears every couple of months. We are always delighted to hear from members
with feedback about, or information for, the newsletter.
To be placed on the mailing list please telephone your local contact or email info@bayme.org.
People caring for those with ME/CFS may feel isolated and resentful and become depressed by the long term nature of the illness. The group is aware of carers’ problems, and offers support.
Getting Benefits
Rights for ME: a caseworker provides advice
on accessing benefits and pensions, in partnership with Lancaster CAB. He
carries out home visits across the
To learn more about
Morecambe Bay ME Group, please telephone your local
contact, or email info@bayme.org.
Action for ME:
Telephone: 0845 123 2380
http://www.afme.org.uk
Association of Young People with ME
Telephone: 0845 123 2389
http://www.ayme.org.uk
ME Association:
Telephone: 0870 444 1836
http://www.meassociation.org.uk
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort is taken to ensure that the information contained in this website is accurate, Morecambe Bay ME Group accept no responsibility for action taken as a result of reading material contained on their website. Morecambe Bay ME Group are not qualified medical professionals. If you suspect you may be an ME/ CFS sufferer you should contact your GP for advice.
Registered Charity no. 1084277