ME/CFS

[LouLo1998]

Morning!
Hope someone may be able to help/advise - I am struggling with what I think is ME/CFS, i have an underactive thyroid that is well medicated and been under control for the past 5 ish years! I have had a referral go through for the ME service but they have a waiting list of around 5 months and I am mind numbingly exhausted all the time, some days I struggle to function..can anyone recommend somewhere I can go privately I could go for a diagnosis? That was I can work from there. Preferably someone/somewhere in or around North Somerset/Somerset.

Thanks so much in advance x

I was diagnosed with ME in 1994. The waits are long for clinic (I was re-referred a couple of years ago), but being brutally honest, there’s no great rush because they can’t do anything anyway. They will just teach you to pace, but most sufferers have already sussed that out long before they get to clinic.

Read up on pacing, it is so important. Under no circumstances try to “push through”. You will just lower your baseline (the amount of activity you can do with feeling ill-effects) and make yourself more sick. This can be difficult if you have unsupportive family/friends who don’t understand ME and try to push you to do more. You really have to dig your heels in for the sake of your own health. Eat healthily, and try to sleep as much as you can.

If you need a diagnosis quickly, for work etc then your GP can diagnose. Find the NICE guidelines. They just need to do a questionnaire with you and some blood tests to rule out other conditions first. Good luck! x

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I have chronic fatigue due to illnesses (psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia), I’ve applied and now got ill health retirement, I was off sick and literally hibernated for 6/7 months. I feel a lot brighter now but I certainly pace myself. DH is great with helping shopping/cookung/cleaning. We also have a weekly cleaner to do the living areas, occasionally my bedroom. I have to say it’s been easier since retiring, I’m 54.