Archive for March, 2009

APPG on ME meeting on Wednesday, April 1

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

Message from Dr Charles Shepherd, ME Association

I was in Central London yesterday and there were plenty of warnings about road closures relating to the afternoon demos that are being planned against the G20 summit meeting.

There is obviously a real potential for chaos in parts of Central London on Wednesday afternoon – but it wasn’t clear if there is going to be a demo in Westminster as well.

With that in mind, plus the need for increased security at the House of Commons, it would be wise to catch an early train if you are going to the APPG and allow for a good 20-minute wait for getting though HOC security at St Stephen’s Gate.

http://www.meassociation.org.uk/content/view/832/161/

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Suffering from the Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Medical Experts Say Get Tested for Celiac Disease

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

Toronto, Ontario (PRWEB) March 5, 2009 — Estimates indicate that up to 20 percent of North Americans, possibly as high as 30 per cent in some countries, cope with the painful and debilitating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). According to the American College of Gastroenterology, all patients with symptoms of IBS should be tested for celiac disease, a lifelong hereditary disorder which has some of the same symptoms.

Celiac disease can make IBS symptoms worse. In some cases, it might even be the cause.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/03/prweb2205484.htm

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Chronic candida (yeast syndrome)

Monday, March 30th, 2009

Chronic candidiasis (yeast overgrowth) is a common North American condition, most typical in females between the ages of 15 and 40.

Candida albicans is normally a benign yeast that resides in the warm crevices of the digestive tract and the vaginal tract. However, when conditions in the body allow this yeast to overgrow, the yeast cells and various toxic byproducts of yeast metabolism can enter the general circulation and significantly disrupt body processes.

http://www.canada.com/Chronic+candida+yeast+syndrome/1355160/story.html

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Accepting the Reality of Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Sunday, March 29th, 2009

Some realities about fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome:

* We don’t know the cause
* We don’t have a cure
* There’s no universally effective treatment
* We’ll likely have to live with some symptoms for the rest of our lives
* In order to feel better, we may have to give up some things we care about

http://chronicfatigue.about.com/b/2009/03/04/accepting-the-reality-of-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.htm

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Newly Appointed Dean to Join UA College of Nursing in July

Sunday, March 29th, 2009

Tempe, AZ -  Following a nationwide search, Joan Shaver, PhD, RN, FAAN, a national leader in nursing administration, education and research, has been appointed dean of The University of Arizona College of Nursing in Tucson.

Dr. Shaver is professor and dean of the College of Nursing at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), a top-10 college of nursing, according to U.S. News and World Report, and currently highly ranked in federal funding for nursing research and research training. She also is a nationally recognized researcher in women’s health, sleep science, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

http://www.evliving.com/2009/03/05/4030/joan-shaver-phd/

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Catastrophizing About Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Saturday, March 28th, 2009

My last post was about self-efficacy, which is the belief that you can do certain things to improve your health. Now, let’s look at the opposite of self-efficacy – catastrophizing.

What is catastrophizing? It’s the distorted believe that nothing is going to improve your health. When someone with a chronic illness like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome catastrophizes, they’re essentially giving up all attempts at trying to manage their illness. It’s no surprise that catastrophizers don’t do as well as those with good self-efficacy.

http://chronicfatigue.about.com/b/2009/03/02/catastrophizing-about-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.htm

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome not the same

Friday, March 27th, 2009

The myofascial tissue is a connective tissue which surrounds muscle sheaths, ligaments, joint capsules, nerve sheath and other tissues. The myofascial acts like a tent, covering and protecting other body parts. In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. But, injuries, stress, inflammation, trauma, and poor posture can cause restriction to fascia and develop trigger points and myofascial pain in the affected muscles.

http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Opinion/Columnists/Pain/colPAIN030209.htm

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Bath doctor leads child fatigue research

Thursday, March 26th, 2009

An expert from Bath has won £730,000 to investigate chronic fatigue syndrome in children.

The ground-breaking research will be carried out by Dr Esther Crawley, who works at the city’s Mineral Water Hospital.

http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/news/Bath-doctor-leads-child-fatigue-research/article-733163-detail/article.html

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Self-Efficacy for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Thursday, March 26th, 2009

How’s your self-efficacy? If you have fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, self-efficacy is one of the more important aspects of managing your illness.

What is self-efficacy? It’s defined as “a belief that one can perform specific behaviors to achieve specific health-related goals.” Sounds simple, but research shows that people with self-efficacy do a lot better with these illnesses than people without it.

http://chronicfatigue.about.com/b/2009/02/28/self-efficacy-for-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.htm

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

£730,000 for research into Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in children

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

A new area of ground-breaking research to provide a better understanding of the cause, treatment and prevention of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME in children has secured a prestigious fellowship and funding of £730,000.

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2009/6217.html

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Mental exhaustion can impair exercise performance

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009

A new research has found that mental fatigue can impair a person’s exercise performance. Researchers have found that mentally fatigued people reach physical exhaustion sooner than those who have a rested mind.

http://www.themedguru.com/articles/mental_exhaustion_can_impair_exercise_performance-86120829.html

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

CDC Says CFS can Co-exist with Hypothyroidism

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control, a Department of Health and Human Services, has stated in  their more recently updated information in regard to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) that it can potentially coexist with hypothyroidism. More specifically, they state that symptoms of CFS and hypothyroidism are similar and that when low thyroid hormone has been treated sufficiently, a diagnosis of CFS may still be included if the chronic (severe and ongoing) fatigue and other symptoms persist.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art61161.asp

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Probiotics may help some with chronic fatigue

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Supplements containing “good” bacteria can help some people with chronic fatigue syndrome feel better, but they may make others feel worse, report Swedish researchers who conducted a small study.

http://in.reuters.com/article/health/idINTRE51Q44G20090227

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

DVD about caring for M.E.

Sunday, March 22nd, 2009

Shropshire Enablement Team, the county’s specialist health rehabilitation service, has produced a DVD to teach the basics concepts of pacing, for people with M.E. The DVD features local residents with the illness and costs £10.

Email emma.davies@telfordpct.nhs.uk for more information.


The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Conditions That Cause Mild Adrenal Insufficiency

Saturday, March 21st, 2009

Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones to aid in regulating the body’s metabolism, stress coping, controlling inflammation and sexual functioning. The main adrenal hormone that becomes low with this condition is “cortisol,” and when low levels are detected in a person, it is sometimes referred to as “hypocortisolemia”. Full blown adrenal insufficiency is referred to as “Addison’s Disease.” There are, however, milder forms of adrenal dysfunction as listed below. Some statistics state that about 10% of people with thyroid disease experience a degree of mild adrenal insufficiency.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art61091.asp

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

The role of enterovirus in chronic fatigue syndrome

Friday, March 20th, 2009

Two and a half decades after coining of the term chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), the diagnosis of this illness is still symptom based and the aetiology remains elusive. Enteroviruses are well known causes of acute respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, with tropism for the central nervous system, muscles, and heart. Initial reports of chronic enteroviral infections causing debilitating symptoms in patients with CFS were met with skeptism, and had been largely forgotten for the past decade.

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1770761

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Alkaline Diet for Weight Loss in Less Than a Month

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

If you want to lose weight in less than a month, try alkaline diet for healthy weight loss. It is guaranteed to lose your extra weight in less than a month. It is also great at preventing other major illnesses so you don’t have to worry about it anymore.

http://www.acidalkalinediet.org/alkaline-diet-for-weight-loss/

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

APPG April 2009

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

The next meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on M.E., chaired by Dr Des Turner MP, will take place 1.30-3pm, Wednesday 1 April 2009, Committee Room 20, House of Commons.

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

From fatigued to fantastic

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

When the old get-up-and-go has got up and gone, it may be due to something a bit more serious than aging.

“Generally, both fatigue and pain often reflect an energy crisis in the body,” says Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum. “If the body is no longer able to make energy, it’s tired.”

http://www.connectsavannah.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A12856

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

NHS Collaborative Conference 2009

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

Action for M.E. and AYME, the Association of Young People with M.E., are again supporting the CFS/ME Clinical & Research Network and Collaborative (CCRNC) Conference which will take place in Milton Keynes, 23-24 April 2009.

http://www.afme.org.uk/news.asp?newsid=485

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Signing up to ask the Prime Minister to Petition for Ministers Of Health, MRC and CMO to attend the INVEST in MEConference 29th May 2009

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Petition for Ministers Of Health, MRC and CMO to attend the INVEST in MEConference 29th May 2009.

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/AttendIiME2009/

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Can people think themselves sick?

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

In the New Scientist psychiatrist Simon Wessely, adviser to the Home Office and Ministry of Defence, looks into the idea that people can “think themselves sick”.

Dr Wessely has researched how illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome and Gulf war syndrome are caused. This has led to controversy and he has received angry letters from people who believe he has dismissed their conditions.

However Dr Wessely has devoted himself to the finding ways of treating these conditions. Speaking to Claire Wilson, Dr Wessley explains how a person’s brain can affect their health.

http://www.hc2d.co.uk/content.php?contentId=10612

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

MEA responds to article in ‘New Scientist’

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

The MEA has sent in the reply below to an article in the current issue of the New Scientist magazine.

http://www.meassociation.org.uk/content/view/813/161/

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

How people can think themselves sick

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

Can people think themselves sick? This is what psychiatrist Simon Wessely explores. His research into the causes of conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome and Gulf war syndrome has led to hate mail, yet far from dismissing these illnesses as imaginary, Wessely has spent his career developing treatments for them. Clare Wilson asks what it’s like to be disliked by people you’re trying to help

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20126997.000-when-illness-is-mostly-in-the-mind.html?full=true

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Annette Barclay talks about ME on the NHS Choices website

Monday, March 16th, 2009

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is long-term tiredness (fatigue) that does not go away with sleep or rest, and affects everyday life.

CFS is also known as ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis). ‘Myalgia’ is muscle pain, and ‘encephalomyelitis’ is inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. ME is a commonly used term, although it is thought to be too specific to cover all the symptoms.

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Chronic-fatigue-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx?url=Pages/what-is-it.aspx

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Petition to the Prime Minister – Invest in ME conference

Sunday, March 15th, 2009

A petition calling the Prime Minister to send a health minister and the Chief Medical Officer to the Invest in ME conference in Westminster on May 29 has been signed by 700 people so far.

For details, and to add your signature, please click here.

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Walk for the ME Association along the South Downs on May 9

Sunday, March 15th, 2009

The ME Association has teamed up with a major events organiser to offer supporters the chance to join a charity walk along the glorious South Downs during ME Awareness Week.

http://www.meassociation.org.uk/content/view/805/161/

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

University to Open Research, Treatment Center for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Sunday, March 15th, 2009

Next year, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) will open an $86 million Center for Molecular Medicine that will include headquarters of the Whittemore Peterson Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease, which will conduct clinical trials and offer treatment for conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and atypical multiple sclerosis.

About.com

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

MEresearch.org.uk – Research database

Sunday, March 15th, 2009

This database consists of the summary data (including abstracts) of over 3,000 research publications on ME and CFS, extracted from MEDLINE and the Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

http://www.meresearch.org.uk/information/researchdbase/index.html

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Lyme documentary scratches beneath the surface

Sunday, March 15th, 2009

In this part of the country, specifically in this state, the term “Lyme disease” is a familiar one. After all, it was the citizens of nearby Lyme who first brought the disease to national attention back in the 1970s.Despite its notorious reputation — one that is growing by leaps and bounds on a worldwide scale — Lyme disease remains a mysterious and surprisingly controversial issue.

http://www.dariennews-review.com/topstories/ci_11739162

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Sleepydust E-zine, Issue #42

Sunday, March 15th, 2009

What’s In This Issue?

• Welcome From Sleepydust!

• Pacing – What’s It All About?

• The Chronic Fatigue Diet – Book Review

• Do You Get That Tired-But-Wired Feeling?

• Please Help To Raise Awareness… Vote!

• This Week’s Personal Story

• Latest News In The ME/CFS & FMS Communities

• Chicken Soup For The Sleepydust Soul

• And Don’t Forget… (Helpful Sections)

• A Few Notes

http://www.sleepydust.net/ezine-issue42-ivw.html

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Invest in ME – NICE GUIDELINES – WHAT’s NEXT?

Saturday, March 14th, 2009

Though NICE, with their well-paid lawyers and establishment machine behind them, have won the Judicial Review brought against them by ME patients this is a pyrrhic victory.

The fact that yet another group of patients have forced NICE to have to defend its policies and guidelines – guidelines meant to make the lives of those same patients better – shows how flawed the NICE organisation is and how little trust patients have in its approach and its conclusions.

Those who manage NICE and who force these unwanted guidelines on to chronically ill patients ought to reflect on the morality of their actions.

http://www.investinme.org/IIME%20Campaigning-NICE-Whats-Next.htm

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

AFME – High Court challenge against NICE is dismissed

Saturday, March 14th, 2009

Today, the judge ruled in favour of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) regarding its guideline on the diagnosis and management of M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Encephalopathy) and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Action for M.E., the country’s biggest M.E. charity, supports the guideline.

The guideline was challenged in a judicial review at the Royal Courts of Justice, The Strand, London, 11-12 February 2009.

The case generated considerable interest among the 250,000 people in the UK who have M.E., as some patients hoped the legal proceedings would lead to the withdrawal of the guideline.

http://www.afme.org.uk/news.asp?newsid=493

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

ME Association – High Court supports ME treatments that are ineffective or harmful

Saturday, March 14th, 2009

The legal challenge to the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS was lost in the High Court today – when it was dismissed by Mr Justice Simon. More details as soon as we can get them. Please find The ME Association’s immediate response below.

People with ME/CFS now face a situation where doctors will continue to recommend two forms of treatments that many people with the illness find ineffective or even harmful.

The ME Association is disappointed that the High Court Judicial Review of the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS found in favour of NICE.

Recommendations that two controversial treatments – cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and graded exercise treatment (GET) – be offered as front-line treatments for those with mild to moderate forms of the illness remain unchanged.

This is despite the findings of the largest-ever survey of ME patient opinion carried out by The ME Association last year which found that only 26% were helped by CBT – while 56% reported that GET made them feel worse.

http://www.meassociation.org.uk/content/view/814/161/

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Eastern Daily Press report on outcome of Judicial Review

Saturday, March 14th, 2009

A graduate from Norwich and his fellow ME sufferer have lost their battle for different types of medical treatment to be available on the NHS.

Kevin Short, 47, a former engineer from Norwich, has had his complaints dismissed as misconceived by a High Court judge. He was fighting alongside Douglas Fraser, a former professional concert pianist from London.

Mr Short has had myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME, since the 1980s and has problems with mobility. He has been campaigning for years to end the misconception that it is “yuppie flu”, and says that it is a physical not a psychological condition.

http://www.meassociation.org.uk/content/view/816/70/

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

NICEmecourt.co.uk – Judicial Review in the High Court

Saturday, March 14th, 2009

The Verdict

Both cases were dismissed by the Judge in court this morning

We have been unsuccessful this time

The Judge gave no reasons in court this morning for the dismissal

The reasons were given to the parties (claimants and lawyers) in private.

http://www.nicemecourt.co.uk/index.html

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Glasgow Herald report on outcome of Judicial Review

Saturday, March 14th, 2009

Charities have condemned a court decision to throw out a bid by two ME sufferers to change guidance given to NHS doctors on treating the condition.

Douglas Fraser, a former violinist for the Scottish Philharmonic Orchestra, and Kevin Short, an engineer from Norfolk, argued that the guideline issued by Nice, the England and Wales NHS spending watchdog, unlawfully restricted the range of treatments available.

They claimed that decisions made by Nice were biased, or appeared to be biased, and that this was a view “shared across the ME community”.

Mr Fraser and Mr Short, who both suffer from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, have had their careers curtailed by the illness.

Guidelines for diagnosis and management of ME were  introduced last August and recommended that ME  sufferers be treated with cognitive behavioural  therapy and graded exercise therapy, in an effort to  alleviate symptoms.

Lawyers for the two men complained that Nice’s  panel of experts had a “predisposition” for  recommending the two therapies to the exclusion of  other treatments.

http://www.meassociation.org.uk/content/view/819/70/

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

NICE statement on the outcome of the Judicial Review

Saturday, March 14th, 2009

The High Court has today ruled in favour of NICE on all grounds brought against the Institute in the judicial review of its clinical guideline on chronic fatigue syndrome / Myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). The claim against NICE was brought by two CFS/ME patients. The grounds of challenge, all of which the Judge has dismissed, included an allegation of bias against the guideline development group and its members, that the guideline is irrational compared to the evidence, and claims about the classification of the condition and treatments recommended.
Professor Peter Littlejohns, NICE Clinical and Public Health Director, responded to the High Court judgement saying:

“We are pleased to have won convincingly on all counts in this case – this judgment is a welcome endorsement of the rigorous methods we use to produce our guidelines. This result is very good news for the thousands of people with CFS/ME, who can continue to benefit from evidence-based diagnosis, management and care for this disabling condition.

http://www.meassociation.org.uk/content/view/815/70/

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

The You Docs: Easy ways to get energy

Friday, March 13th, 2009

Some ill-advised folks might say that the greatest nutritional discovery of the past decade has been the Baconator (a whopping 830 calories — we don’t think so). The real nutritional hero: ribose. This special sugar is made in your body. It doesn’t come from food, but you can get it in a supplement.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/health/401302_stayyou26.html

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Welfare Reform – Committee amendments

Friday, March 13th, 2009

Welfare Reform – Committee amendments

The Committee of MPs tasked with scrutinising the Welfare Reform Bill posted its amendments to the draft legislation on the Bill’s parliamentary bills and legislation webpage on 4 March.

http://www.afme.org.uk/news.asp?newsid=489

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

M.E. / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Sleepydust Video

Friday, March 13th, 2009

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Next meeting of All Party Parliamentary Group on ME – April 1

Friday, March 13th, 2009

The next meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on M.E., chaired by Dr Des Turner MP, will take place 1.30-3pm, Wednesday 1 April 2009, Committee Room 20, House of Commons.

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Could Antidepressants Prevent Post-Exertional Malaise in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Thursday, March 12th, 2009

A new study suggests that certain antidepressant drugs may protect against one of the hallmark symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome: post-exertional malaise.

Post-exertional malaise is an inability to recover from exertion that distinguishes normal fatigue from that associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. It’s been linked to abnormalities in the blood following exercise that currently are being studied as a possible biomarker and diagnostic tool for the condition.

http://chronicfatigue.about.com/b/2009/02/26/could-antidepressants-prevent-post-exertional-malaise-in-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.htm

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Appointments to the Standing Commission on Carers

Thursday, March 12th, 2009

The Standing Commission on Carers, which provides independent expert advice to Government on the development and delivery of the National Strategy for Carers, is looking to make public appointments to the Commission.

http://www.meassociation.org.uk/content/view/793/70/

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Exercise is better in the morning if you have a stressful job, study suggests

Wednesday, March 11th, 2009

Taking exercise before work is more effective if you have a stressful job, as mental fatigue can affect physical performance, say scientists.

Telegraph.co.uk

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

New drug, Savella, brings hope for fibromyalgia patients

Wednesday, March 11th, 2009

Hard to define and even harder to treat, fibromyalgia has become one of the most controversial medical conditions of the past quarter-century. Affecting an estimated 5.8 million Americans, it has been recognized as a disease by the American Medical Association since 1987.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/medicine/article977812.ece

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Controversial Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Definition Examined

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

What is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS)? Depends on who you ask. Multiple definitions are vying for supremacy, including two different definitions that are currently being used in research. The separate definitions are muddying the waters and providing contradictory results.

About.com

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Can sustained arousal explain the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Monday, March 9th, 2009

We present an integrative model of disease mechanisms in the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), unifying empirical findings from different research traditions. Based upon the Cognitive activation theory of stress (CATS), we argue that new data on cardiovascular and thermoregulatory regulation indicate a state of permanent arousal responses – sustained arousal – in this condition.

http://7thspace.com/headlines/304187/can_sustained_arousal_explain_the_chronic_fatigue_syndrome.html

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

UCB announces top-line outcomes for proof-of-concept studies

Monday, March 9th, 2009

Lacosamide in migraine prophylaxis and rotigotine in fibromyalgia syndrome did not achieve statistical significance for their primary endpoints

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29302876/

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Fight-or-flight response linked to chronic stress disorders­—study

Sunday, March 8th, 2009

Merging the fields of engineering with medicine, researchers at the University of Alberta have introduced an unconventional perspective on severely disabling chronic stress disorders with their novel treatment proposal.

http://www.gateway.ualberta.ca/articles/news/2009/02/24/fight-or-flight-response-linked-chronic-stress-disorders-study

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Mental fatigue can lower physical endurance

Sunday, March 8th, 2009

Washington, Feb 24 (ANI): Researchers from Bangor University have found that mental fatigue can have an adverse impact on the physical performance of individuals.

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/health/mental-fatigue-can-lower-physical-endurance_100159081.html

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Childhood Stress Induced by Trauma Increases Risk of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Saturday, March 7th, 2009

(NaturalNews) Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a condition marked by persistent cycles of fatigue and recovery accompanied by diverse symptoms affecting multiple organ systems. It causes long-term tiredness which cannot be relieved by rest or sleep.

http://www.naturalnews.com/025631.html

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Author Pratchett blames his Alzheimer’s on mercury fillings

Friday, March 6th, 2009

Terry Pratchet has reopened the controversy about the safety of mercury-based tooth fillings by blaming them for his Alzheimer’s disease.

The author of the Discworld series describes the fillings – which millions of Britons have – as “toxic waste”.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/feb/15/mercury-fillings-alzheimers

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Welfare Reform Bill under scrutiny

Thursday, March 5th, 2009

Action for M.E. has written to every member of the Welfare Reform Bill Committee, asking them to ensure that the new legislation includes adequate safeguards for people with long-term fluctuating conditions like M.E.

http://www.afme.org.uk/news.asp?newsid=478

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

How to Set & Reach Your Goals

Thursday, March 5th, 2009

When you have fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS), it can be hard to reach even simple goals. However, goals become even more important when your health is at stake. While you’ll likely have to go slowly and carefully, setting goals and working to achieve them can get your treatment and self-management on track, help raise your self-esteem, and even change your brain chemistry – achieving goals (even small ones!) raises your norepinephrine level, which can alleviate some symptoms.

http://chronicfatigue.about.com/b/2009/02/12/setting-reaching-goals-with-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.htm

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Yoga For Fibromyalgia: Reduce Pain and Improve Your Quality of Life

Thursday, March 5th, 2009

Back in March 2008 , I told you about yet another invisible illness that I’ve had the pleasure of being diagnosed with. Fibromalgia. It was also at that appointment where I learned of the 20+ pounds I had put on in less than a year.

http://livingwithcfs.wordpress.com/2008/06/21/yoga-for-fibromyalgia-reduce-pain-and-improve-your-quality-of-life/

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Help for ME sufferers

Wednesday, March 4th, 2009
DEVELOPMENT of intervention techniques for ME sufferers is set to continue.

Health Minister Eddie Teare gave the reassurance in response to a written question from John Houghton (Douglas North) in the House of Keys.

http://www.iomtoday.co.im/health-news/Help-for-ME-sufferers.4991256.jp

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

“Cracking the Foundations – The Pacific Fatigue Lab and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Wednesday, March 4th, 2009

Could a small lab in the Central Valley of California shake the CFS research field with a quake of epic proportions? Change how the disease is viewed? How it’s defined? Legitimize the disease once and for all? It’s possible that given enough resources the Pacific Fatigue Lab at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California may do all of these.

http://aboutmecfs.org/News/PRJan09Pacific.aspx

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Campaign For A Fair Name: ME/CFC

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

CFS is a multi-system disease which causes extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, cognitive dysfunction, hypersensitivity, orthostatic intolerance, digestive disturbances, depression, poor immune response, and cardiac and respiratory problems. According to the CDC, studies show that disability in CFIDS patients is comparable to multiple sclerosis, AIDS, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, end-stage renal disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

http://livingwithcfs.wordpress.com/2008/10/07/campaign-for-a-fair-name-mecfc/

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

NHS watchdog’s restriction of osteoporosis drug ‘unlawful’

Monday, March 2nd, 2009

National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence wrongly failed to disclose economic reasoning behind decision, judge rules.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/feb/19/osteoporosis-nhs-nice-protelos

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Living Well With Chronic Illness

Monday, March 2nd, 2009

This issue is so important, and that is because; When you suffer from chronic illness, although you are being treated (even successfully), going back to your former life before you were sick may be impossible. I hear this all the time from others suffering with CFS and FM, and I am certain it holds true for many others suffering with chronic disease as well. The biggest problem, is that many of us “define” ourselves through our work, or what we do for a living.

http://www.capessa.com/members/BlogActions.aspx?g=441857&m=2480761

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Probing Question: Does homeopathy work?

Sunday, March 1st, 2009

Mahatama Ghandi used it. So did Mark Twain and John D. Rockefeller. Cindy Crawford, Paul McCartney, Oprah Winfrey and Prince Charles are all said to be fans. The object of their admiration? Homeopathy, a non-toxic method of treating illnesses characterized as pure genius by its fans and pure quackery by its opponents.

http://live.psu.edu/story/37417

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!

Help for ME sufferers

Sunday, March 1st, 2009
DEVELOPMENT of intervention techniques for ME sufferers is set to continue.

Health Minister Eddie Teare gave the reassurance in response to a written question from John Houghton (Douglas North) in the House of Keys.

http://www.iomtoday.co.im/health-news/Help-for-ME-sufferers.4991256.jp

The administrators of the ‘Living With ME’ website do not advocate the use of any particular type of medication, treatment or healthcare! YOU should ALWAYS seek advice from a DOCTOR / GP / CONSULTANT before undertaking or ceasing any treatment!