Study that claims exercise & therapy help ME/CFS

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.

International ME Awareness Day: May 12, 2008

International ME Awareness Day Today, May 12th, 2008 is the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birthday (who is thought to have suffered M.E. on her return from the Crimea)and is the focal point of ME Awareness Month.

INTERNATIONAL ME AWARENESS MONTH

International ME Awareness Month 2008

May is International M.E. Awareness Month and there are events throughout the UK aimed at raising awareness of the neurological illness, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and to raise funds for biomedical research into ME. ME or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a medical condition that my youngest son suffers from. He feels exhausted all the time (mentally as well as physically) and if he is stressed, his symptoms get worse. He was diagnosed in October last year (at the beginning of year 11) and instead of going to school full-time, he has been getting lessons at home from tutors, and going into school occasionally. Please help support ME Awareness Month by mentioning the campaign on your blog or website. Thank you.