1611.03 IT'S NOT M.E. IT'S YOU

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a long-term (chronic), fluctuating, neurological condition that causes symptoms affecting many body systems, more commonly the nervous and immune systems. ME affects an estimated 250,000 people in the UK, and around 17 million people worldwide.

Morticia has suffered from ME for around 10 years now, it's a condition that has completely affected her life and the life of our family. The condition is sometimes referred to as 'Chronic Fatigue Syndrome' (CFS) but I feel this term doesn't do it justice. It's still difficult to get medical types to take this seriously and we've encountered some very close minded and judgemental GPs in our time.

My attention was peaked when I saw this on the BBC and initially thought that finally the NHS was rolling out a treatment/therapy. Then my heart sank a little when I found out it was about a 'so called' landmark chronic fatigue trial could treat two-thirds of children who suffer with ME.

The problem with this treatment is that they are suggesting a psychological treatment for a neurological disorder, that's like applying ointment on a severed limb and hoping it'll grow back. Suggesting that ME is 'all in the mind' is detrimental to the many who suffer from this chronic, fluctuating and varied neurological condition that affects sufferers in a variety of ways.

The only positive from this example of frankly lazy journalism is that it's given the whole issue some exposure even if the facts are wrong. I guess any exposure about this - often swept under the carpet condition - is good and it has facilitated some discussion. I'll take this small positive from it.