New guidelines for those severely affected by ME

The Sussex ME Society who support those in the county affected by ME has welcomed a recently published guideline for medical professionals that are caring for those most severely affected by the disabling illness.

The document has been produced by a British Association for CFS/ME (BACME) working group that includes experienced clinicians involved in the diagnosis and management of patients with severe ME. It is designed to help professionals dealing with those that are house or bed-bound to feel able to better understand the condition, and find a way forward in managing the complex illness to improve the patients quality of life.

Myalgic encephalopathy (ME) or Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an illness characterised by disabling persistent physical and mental fatigue, pain, cognitive dysfunction and other symptoms.

At its most severe, ME/CFS can lead to individuals becoming housebound, wheelchair user or bed-bound and dependent on family and carers for many or all basic activities of daily living for many years, although others return to health within a much shorter time.

Colin Barton from the Sussex ME Society, says: “Sometimes those most in need are the most neglected and we hope that these guidelines will go some way to resolving that very unfair situation.”

Copies of the guidelines are available by calling 01273 674828 or click here: