A Few Brief Guidelines On Living With M.E.
- We advise all our members to try to obtain a diagnosis. Various other conditions can produce similar symptoms, and some of these can be readily tested for and treated. The local NHS clinic specialising in ME (or CFS - chronic fatigue syndrome - as doctors currently prefer to call it) is the Leeds Chronic Fatigue Service. Ask your doctor for a referral to Dr Philip Stanley at Seacroft Hospital, Leeds. If you would like us to tell you more about the Leeds Chronic Fatigue Service, phone one of our helpline contacts
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- Many people find that much progress can be made by adjusting diet and by learning how to balance rest and activity so as to make the most of your limited energy and give your body a chance to recover. You may find it is worth finding out as much as you can about both of these areas. The Leeds Chronic Fatigue Service give detailed advice on activity management which many people find very useful. Other sources of information include M.E. - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Practical Guide by Dr Anne MacIntyre and Dr Sarah Myhill's web site, www.drmyhill.co.uk
- Many M.E. sufferers try complementary therapies and/or therapies offered by private doctors, and many of them seem to find something which helps them, but unfortunately there is no one therapy which works for everyone. If you decide to try a therapy, we suggest the following:
- Bear in mind that these therapies (complementary ones included) are not necessarily harmless and can make you feel worse as well as better.
- Try to find as much as you can about the therapy first, and make sure that there is no conflict with any other condition you may have, or with anything else that you might be taking (e.g. drugs from your doctor).
- Do not spend more than you can afford. Bear in mind that it is possible to spend thousands of pounds and still not feel any better.
Sources of information about therapies include our helplines (who may be able to give you information on local therapists) and Action for M.E.'s therapy information sheets.
- Many M.E. sufferers are able to obtain benefits from the DSS. Basic information about these can be obtained from our helplines, but for more detailed information and advice please contact DIAL , CAB , the Local Welfare Rights Unit , or the Action for ME Welfare Benefits Helpline . In particular, we suggest that members take advice before filling in claim forms for DSS benefits, especially the IB50 All Work Test Form for Incapacity Benefit, which can be misleading if taken at face value. The M.E. Association produces very good leaflets on filling in the forms for Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance. If you get turned down for benefit, do consider appealing. We find that our members usually obtain their benefit if they do so. Seek advice as above and send for the "tribunal information pack" which is produced by Action for M.E.
Important - Please Note
- These guidelines are for information only and should not be used in place of advice from appropriately qualified and experienced professionals.
- The views given may not be those of the Leeds & District ME Group, the President, the Website Manager, or the Executive Committee.
- We try to make sure all information is accurate and up to date. Any use you make of this information is your own responsibility.
- The Leeds & District ME Group does not recommend any particular treatments or services. Before trying any new therapy you should discuss it with your doctor. A therapy which helps some people might not help you, and could possibly make you worse.
- These comments also apply to information which is given at our meetings and via our helplines and email etc.
