All in the mind? Why critics are wrong to deny the existence of chronic fatigue.

[SilkyJ]

At last, an honest article by Sonia Poulton. As Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) often overlaps with Fibromyalgia (FMS), I thought those afflicted may find it useful to educate family members and others who refuse to acknowledge this condition exists.

goo.gl/Bmkd7

[Hidden]

This is a great link Silky and I wish everybody could read it. A lot of folks on this forum including me, would feel a whole lot better if more people were to take this condition as seriously as the author suggests readers should. Thanks for posting. Jane x

[SilkyJ in reply to Hidden]

I hope so too, Jane. Perhaps I should have titled it more aptly.

Silky x

[Akasha72]

that's great. I've just finished printing it off to show my family

[SilkyJ in reply to Akasha72]

Brilliant! Hopefully they will see things differently. You should point out this excerpt (below) to them at it just shows how suspect the government are reacting towards ME:

"Like for example, why are records pertaining to ME locked away in our national archives in Kew for 75 years? The normal period would be 30 years. 75 years, the period generally used for documents of extreme public sensitivity and national security, is excessive.

The reason given, that of data protection, is a nonsense as it is perfectly acceptable, and easy, to omit names on official documents. The excuse, supplied in Parliamentary questions by the Department of Work and Pensions, didn't wash with me.

Why, I thought, were they making such an exception? It got me thinking about what information the files actually do contain. And, seeing as the topic of M.E. is still beset with misunderstanding, we could all benefit from some enlightenment on the subject."

Silky x

[Hidden]

Thanks for posting.

[SilkyJ in reply to Hidden]

You're welcome, akram. x

[Ozzygirl64]

I have no room down here for the printer so if I remember I will take the laptop upstairs later and do it. My GP says I am badly fatigued and he categorically says it is not in my mind. The last few days I have been so exhausted I have flopped on the chair after tea and conked out for hours, not that I feel any better as I wake up in agony xxxxx

[SilkyJ in reply to Ozzygirl64]

If I were you, I would INSIST on having a thyroid function test (TFT) done before jumping to conclusions that it is ME. Many hypothyroid patients are undiagnosed as their thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is below the reference range of 10. GPs do not treat by symptoms but only by lab results and the thyroid guidelines are seriously flawed. You can be hypothyroid (underactive) with a TSH of 2!!

Ask for your TSH, free T4 (thyroxine) and most importantly, you free T3 (triiodothyronine) which is not often done. This is a VERY important test as it measures the ACTIVE hormone in your blood. Thyroxine is an INACTIVE hormone which relies on your body to convert it into the ACTIVE hormone T3 which every cell in your body and brain rely on to function. You may want to ask for your thyroid antibody tests to be done too.

Many people are diagnosed with CFS or ME when they actually have undiagnosed thyroid disease, so I would first rule this out. NEVER believe the GP when he says your blood tests are 'normal'. Always ask for a printout, and if s/he won't, then ask to write down the RESULTS from the computer screen, and don't forget to include the REFERENCE RANGES (this is so important as they are different in other parts of the country!)

I would also suggest, that you ask for any TFTs (or make an appointment to get them - they may charge a minimal amount so check with your practice) that have been done in the past and once you have these with reference ranges, you can ask Thyroid Patient Advocacy and Thyroid UK to interpret them and give their views.

All the best and let us know how you get on.

Silky x