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Don't feel isolated with illness
SIR — I am writing to draw your readers' attention to ME Awareness Week, which this year takes place from May 10-16.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), sometimes also referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has been a much misunderstood illness by the general public. It is estimated to affect at least 250,000 people in the UK. It is not just about feeling tired all the time but a debilitating and distressing condition, which is classified by the World Health Organisation as “a disease of the central nervous system”.
The illness may develop gradually or occur as a result of an acute infection or virus. Common symptoms include: overwhelming exhaustion, unrefreshing sleep, poor concentration and memory, headache, muscle pain, poor temperature control and digestive problems.
National surveys have revealed that 25% of people with the illness were so severely affected that they have at some time been housebound or bedbound and that over 70% of adults had lost their jobs. The illness also accounts for 51% of school days being lost due to sickness. ME/CFS can affect anyone at any age and from any ethnic group. There is currently no cure and more research is needed to improve diagnosis and find effective treatments.
Two national charities, the ME Association and Action for ME are at the forefront of a continuing campaign to get more relevant research done into the illness and for the government to provide more medical support for sufferers.
In Derbyshire, there are specialist NHS support services provided by the Southern Derbyshire CFS/ME Service based at the Derby City General Hospital and sufferers living in the northern part of the county may also be referred to similar support services at Fairlawns in the Sheffield area.
In addition, for over 20 years a local self help support group, ME Derbyshire, has been providing help to local people with ME/CFS, their families and their carers to improve the quality of their lives in a variety of ways.
No-one with this potentially life-changing illness need feel isolated as ME Derbyshire welcomes long-standing sufferers as well as those who have been recently diagnosed to benefit from the information, support and companionship that we offer.
If you feel we can help please contact me on (01332) 864120; Valerie on (01332) 792430; or visit our website: www.me-derbyshire.org.uk
John Smith,
Secretary, ME Derbyshire Support Group.
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Weather for Chesterfield
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
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