WHAT IS M.E.?

M.E.- Myalgic Encephalomyolitis is sometimes known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS) because it often occurs after a viral infection.

M.E. occurs throughout the population, and has been diagnosed in children as young as seven, some of whom are bedridden or in wheelchairs. M.E. was officially recognised as a disease in Britain as recently as January 2002. Today the estimated 240,000 sufferers across Britain is double that of 20 years ago. New discoveries about ME are continually being made. The trigger can be certain infections or a group of viruses, immunisations or environmental toxins. 

M.E./CFS is a serious neurological, circulatory disease, which can also affect the heart, endocrine and immune systems. It provides an umbrella for conditions such as Candidiasis, Gulf War Syndrome, and Organo-Phosphate poisoning. The symptoms of the disease range across the spectrum, including:

• Extreme mental and physical fatigue.
• Severe muscle and joint pain.
• Disturbed, un-refreshing sleep and/or altered sleep patterns
• Hormonal imbalances.
• Nausea.
• Muscular disorders.
• Headaches.
• Poor memory and concentration.
• Digestive problems
• Depression.

It's important to stress that the fatigue experienced by most M.E. sufferers is very different from the 'tiredness' many normal people feel. It is a fatigue that totally drains the sufferer of energy and unlike many other illnesses, exercise may make things far worse. Any physical activity-even walking up or down stairs-may place M.E. sufferers in bed for days or even weeks, and even cause a major relapse. Stress plays a very big role in ME. It is a hidden and therefore, underrated factor.

Scottish Charity Number-SC 034122.