Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are serious, debilitating conditions that affect millions of people in the United States and around the world. ME/CFS can cause significant impairment and disability. Despite substantial efforts by researchers to better understand ME/CFS, there is no known cause or effective treatment. Diagnosing the disease remains a challenge, and patients often struggle with their illness for years before an identification is made. Some health care providers have been skeptical about the serious physiological - rather than psychological - nature of the illness. Once diagnosed, patients often complain of receiving hostility from their health care provider as well as being subjected to treatment strategies that exacerbate their symptoms. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome proposes new diagnostic clinical criteria for ME/CFS and a new term for the illness - systemic exertion intolerance disease(SEID). According to this report, the term myalgic encephalomyelitis does not accurately describe this illness, and the term chronic fatigue syndrome can result in trivialization and stigmatization for patients afflicted with this illness. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome stresses that SEID is a medical - not a psychiatric or psychological - illness. This report lists the major symptoms of SEID and recommends a diagnostic process.One of the report's most important conclusions is that a thorough history, physical examination, and targeted work-up are necessary and often sufficient for diagnosis. The new criteria will allow a large percentage of undiagnosed patients to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome will be a valuable resource to promote the prompt diagnosis of patients with this complex, multisystem, and often devastating disorder; enhance public understanding; and provide a firm foundation for future improvements in diagnosis and treatment.

It is estimated that there are over 100,000 people suffering from M.E. in Britain today. Although not a new disease, M.E. (also known as 'yuppie flu') is at last being recognised and taken seriously. M.E. is short for MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYSELITIS, a term which relates to the parts of the body affected: MYALGIC, the muscles; ENCEPHALO, the brain; and MYSELITIS, the nerves. Until recently, many people suffering from M.E. had great difficulty in finding a diagnosis and a way of dealing effectively with their chronic fatigue. This comprehensive guide provides much-needed information about the disease. It describes the symptoms of M.E., what triggers it and who can get it and also discusses additional problems such as sleep disorders, depression, pain in the joints and difficulties with the eyes, ears and balance. A well-researched, comprehensive guide, LIVING WITH M.E. is THE book to buy for any M.E. sufferer who wants information not speculation.

Written by the nation's most recognized CFIDS' authority, this book is the definitive, up-to-date guide to the history, symptoms, effects, theories, treatment, continuing research, and recent advances on CFIDS. Now anyone touched by this devastating illness can have the solid information they need to understand, treat, and live with CFIDS.

See the world from another unique perspective in the thrilling new novel from the author of I Have No Secrets .Nothing ever happens on Kasia's street. Kasia would know because her illness makes her spend days stuck at home, watching the world outside from her bedroom window. So when she sees what looks like a kidnapping, she's not sure whether she can believe her own eyes... There was a girl in the window opposite - she must have seen it too. When Kasia goes to find her she is told the most shocking thing of all: there is no girl.An eye-opening and compulsive page-turner for readers aged 12 and up.

This practical manual comes from a nationally recognised centre for the condition and is jointly written by health professionals and their patients. They give straightforward and specifci expert advice, accompanied by real life stories, on managing different aspects of everyday life that can affect energy and they show how to put this advice into practice. They understand the way fatigue affects concentration and therefore break their guidance into easy to follow steps that can be worked through at the reader's own pace.

HELP ME! What I Wish Families Knew About ME/CFS, subtitled, MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS (ME) Also Known As: CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME by Rebecca Susan Culbertson, MSW/LISW. Foreword by Dr. Cherla Meisterman, PhD, LISW. HELP ME! This book pleads for families, partners and friends to educate themselves about this horrific illness that literally rips families apart. Divorce rates are over 75% for couples when a spouse has been diagnosed with ME/CFS. A frightening statistic. This book is written for those who have been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Fibromyalgia, or any other chronic debilitating disease. It is written for those who are in limbo, suffering still without a diagnosis, and this book is also written to educate families and friends of persons with ME/CFS. This book will help you learn how to maintain your dignity while dealing with doctors who doubt your illness. You will discover self reporting charts later in this book for use with family, physicians, employers and others. It is difficult to maintain your self confidence if persons in your life do not understand the current state of your functioning. It is of vital importance to educate those around you, when you are able. This book can be a tool to that end. The book provides information about when and how to apply for disability insurance you certainly deserve. Are you watching your former financial security implode right before your eyes? Learn how to deal with creditors and how to manage financial debt with less stress. The book will teach you techniques that the author has used in her Family Therapy Practice with patients in living lives of positivity, seeking happiness, and practicing humility. Learn methods of living with ME/CFS while still setting life goals to realistically achieve your dreams. And importantly, the book is written from the viewpoint of having been diagnosed with ME/CFS herself, and then filtered through her professional perspective as a psychotherapist. Michael McVicker a Prevention Specialist and Family Therapist, concludes this book, (in Chapter 26) with THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A PERSONAL SUPPORT SYSTEM. Michael uses true life storytelling mixed with humor to inform families from his section titled, A VIEW FROM THE SIDELINE. He tells his story from watching (at times helplessly) and supporting his spouse, the author of this book, through the misery this illness brings. He also writes through the lens of being a stepfather to their two teenage sons, and watching their ascent into adulthood. He deals with topics not currently addressed in other ME/CFS literature currently available, including sex and intimacy. Divorce is seldom the most ecological solution to this real life crisis. Divorce only exacerbates the familial problems. Dr. Cherla Meisterman, PhD, LISW, (Dr. Cherla's Musings, Chapter 18) offers methods of treating patients with ME/CFS, and attempts to invite other professional therapists to join her in treating this very needy population. With divorce rates so high, questions arise about why more ME/CFS patients do not seek psychotherapy treatment. To me, as a ME/CFS sufferer, it is very clear. Treatment is financially prohibitive, and more importantly persons with this diagnosis have been told verbally and nonverbally, over and over "it's all in your head". So why would any ME/CFS patient want to go to psychotherapy? ("Why go and prove the wrong headed physicians correct - "it's all in my head"?) If the patient is supported by his or her partner, and if the patient feels believed that their illness is real, then psychotherapy may become an option that could potentially save relationships and lower divorce rates. Dr. Cherla addresses how to go about selecting the best therapist for you, and things to consider prior to making that phone call. There are worksheets included for your written expression, and for use with physicians, family members, and others.

Chronic fatigue conditions are some of the most frustrating, life-altering and stigmatized illnesses, so why are they still so poorly understood? ME/CFS affects roughly 17 million people worldwide. Medicalscience still cannot explain why some people get chronic fatigue syndromes and, distressingly, there are few effective treatments. While many people with ME/CFS are able to live a fairly normal life, a significant minority have symptoms so severe that they are confined to their house, or even their bed, and suicide rates are well above the national average. Living with ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, by consultant rheumatologist Dr Gerald Coakley and occupational therapist Beverly Knops, is a much-needed, evidence-based guide for people struggling with ME/CFS - as well as their friends and family - that provides practical information and accessible advice on how to manage and live with this challenging condition, at all stages of severity. It will explore: - The causes and management options for ME/CFS - The impact of the condition on work, education and emotional wellbeing - The importance of a balanced, nutritious diet in managing your symptoms - Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS) and other fatigue-related syndromes - Advice for carers and questions to ask your doctor - Life after ME/CFS This essential, concise book, and its empowering patient stories of hope, will equip readers with the knowledge, strategies and support to navigate and manage this challenging condition.

This book provides a helpful structure and framework for understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and its effects as well as practical exercises to help address some of the symptoms that patients may experience.

I hope that if you have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) (or know someone who has) you will find this book useful. M.E. can affect different people in different ways. Some people are able to carry on with a normal life as long as they pace themselves, others are housebound or even bedridden. This book is about my story, how I developed M.E. and how I have tried to search for an answer and treatment for the symptoms I experience.

Explore the complexities of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) with 'Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Understanding, Managing, and Thriving.' This comprehensive guide delves into every aspect of CFS, from its historical roots and diagnostic challenges to the latest research and innovative treatments. Discover practical strategies for managing daily life, coping with the emotional impact, and building a supportive network. Each chapter offers in-depth insights, personal stories, and expert advice to help patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals navigate the often misunderstood world of CFS. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with CFS for years, this book provides the knowledge and tools to thrive despite the limitations. Join us in shedding light on CFS and advocating for a future filled with hope and progress.