I've just read the news articles that were published yesterday about the latest claims regarding treatment for people suffering with ME/CFS:
Study finds therapy and exercise best for ME
The biggest-ever study of treatments for ME, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, has found that more people recover if they are helped to try to do more than they think they can – rather than adapting to a life of limited activity.
(link via The Guardian)
The results of this "study" makes me very angry. I have a son with ME/CFS. He gets much worse with exercise, not better!
Articles like this only serve to make it easier for the general public to dismiss this very real medical condition by providing the false notion that anyone with ME/CFS can simply "think" themselves better and that a bit of exercise and fresh air will help. It's simply not true.
It's worth reading the comments that follow the article in The Guardian and the comments in all the other newspapers it was published in. Please note the numerous (and many very angry) comments from people who suffer with ME/CFS or know someone who does!
Please read this:
ME Association press statement about the results of the PACE study
and if you don't know what ME/CFS is, please read this:
Information about Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) via NHS Choices:
CFS is also known as ME, which stands for myalgic encephalomyelitis.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) causes long-term tiredness (fatigue) that affects everyday life. It does not go away with sleep or rest.
If you suffer from ME/CFS, or know someone who does, please leave a comment. I'd be very interested to know your thoughts about this latest study.
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I do hate seeing blanket statements like that - 'studies show' One can manipulate the data from most studies to show whatever one wants. I have an uncommon allergy - and a lot of people telling me it's 'all in your head' - at least, until they see it in action. At least my doc's always take it seriously. It doesn't help any condition to have people minimize it.
ReplyDeleteHi Katie, Thank you for your comment. You are so right. The data can be manipulated and the results skewed to show whatever one wants to show.
ReplyDeleteI think it's all too easy for people to dismiss something serious like your allergy and my son's ME/CFS when they don't have their own personal experience.
It saddens me to think that ME sufferers like my son still have to battle for recognition that ME/CFS is a very real medical condition, and now they will probably have even more difficulty after this latest "study" being given so much attention in the news.
I know someone with ME and she was incensed with this report.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all you say, and understand why it makes you so angry as it certainly would me!
Flighty xx
Thank you for telling me about your friend's reaction to this report, Flighty. I sympathize with her and I appreciate your support about this issue.
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