Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), sometimes also referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has been a much misunderstood illness by the general public.

It is estimated to affect at least 250,000 people in the UK.

It is not just about feeling tired all the time but a debilitating and distressing condition, which is classified by the World Health

Organisation as "a disease of the central nervous system".

The illness may develop gradually or occur as a result of an acute infection or virus.

Common symptoms include: severe exhaustion, unrefreshing sleep, poor concentration and memory, headache, muscle pain, poor temperature control and digestive problems.

A recent national survey revealed that 25 per cent of people with the illness were so severely affected that they were housebound or bedbound and that 77per cent of adults had lost their jobs. ME/CFS can affect anyone at any age and from any ethnic group.

There is currently no cure and more research is needed to improve diagnosis and find effective treatments.

Two national charities, the ME Association and Action for ME are at the forefront of a continuing campaign to get more relevant research done into the illness and for the government to provide more medical support for sufferers.

In Derbyshire, there are specialist NHS support services provided by the Southern Derbyshire CFS/ME Service based at the Derby City General Hospital and sufferers living in the northern part of the county may also be referred to similar support services at Fairlawns in the Sheffield S6 area.

In addition, for the past 20 years a local self help support group, ME Derbyshire, has been providing help to local people with ME/CFS, their families and their carers to improve the quality of their lives in a variety of ways.

No one with this potentially life-changing illness need feel isolated as ME Derbyshire welcomes long-standing sufferers as well as those who have been recently diagnosed to benefit from the information, support and companionship that we offer.

If you feel we can help please contact Valerie on 01332 792430 or Anne on 01332 601590 or visit our Susan Irving,
ME Derbyshire Support Group Committee.

Derby