Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)
I have have been involved with CFS/ME since 1996. The reason is now, thankfully, in the past but I am maintaining the site for those who might be interested. Like almost everyone associated with CFS/ME, I was frustrated by the lack of sensible information given to patients by doctors. This led me to do a lot of research to find out as much as possible about the illness. I did discover that the Internet is a morass of misinformation, some of it very dangerous, often given by doctors out to sell their latest book about a miracle cure. Treat all information with great care and that includes what you read here. Only act on something if it seems sensible and logical to you.
This page gives some of my opinions about CFS/ME/CFIDS. There are three other sites that I can recommend.
I have written some articles which you may find interesting. They are personal views based on my experiences and the kind of research I had to do to find out about the illness. I don't expect everyone to agree with me - especially with regard to alternative therapies - but you might find them interesting. How you use the information is entirely up to you - that is your personal right but also your responsibility. Follow the links.
Overall, though, I want to give a message of hope. CFS is a nasty illness but most people do recover. I have a very poor view of most so-called support groups and the national organisations. They all seem to be convinced that CFS/ME is incurable. This is not true and not the message that newly diagnosed person wants to hear. Recovery, full and complete recovery, occurs but it may take time. I have this feeling that recovery depends on avoiding the things that make you worse as much as doing the things that make you better.
Read on and make up your own mind.
Alternative therapies in CFS/ME
This page outlines my concern that the use of alternative therapies is very damaging to the perception of this illness by doctors and that reliance on these dubious treatments might be dangerous and prolong the illness.
This outlines my personal view as to cause, nature and perpetuation of this illness.
This page describes two different models of the illness. In the absence of any other information, a model is useful in that it suggests a treatment.
This outlines the only treatment I know of which works. It is programme based and simple.
Advice to anyone in the early stages of CFS/ME
This outlines the kind of advice that I wish I had been given.
Alternative "medicine" - a modern superstition?
This page puts the viewpoint that belief in most forms of alternative "medicine" is a form of superstition and has no place in a modern scientific society.
Updated: 24 October 2003