My M.E./C.F.S. links

Here are a list of some of my favourite/most used links about M.E. (aka “chronic fatigue syndrome”).

Testing for M.E. – an essential guide including the physical signs.

Useful test list for CFS – some lab tests that should be carried out, including viral tests.

A short list of symptoms.

A comprehensive list of symptoms including a definition of M.E.

The infectious character of M.E.

Research directory.

The 2003 Canadian Clinical Case Definition for ME/CFS – many think it should be a definitive requirement for diagnosis.

CFS Resource directory.

The Irish M.E. Trust.

Foggy Friends – a forum for people with M.E.

What is M.E.? What is C.F.S.?

M.E. Research U.K.

An Open Letter to Those Without CFS/Fibro – for friends and family of the sufferer.

Easy to Swallow – for people with swallowing difficulties.

Wheat-free baking recipes

The CFIDS/ME community on Livejournal has more useful links.

Witch doctors target the sick

Sophia and M.E. – her story

Críona Wilson writes:

My youngest child, Sophia, suffered from severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) for at least six years. This disease is also controversially known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Since 1969 the World Health Organisation (WHO) has categorised M.E. as a physical neurological disease. The doctors and psychiatrist threatened Sophia with sectioning in a mental hospital if she refused to go into a particular M.E. Clinic. They carried out their threat in July 2003. The effects on Sophia’s health were devastating. She died on 25th November 2005. She was only 32.

Críona Wilson’s door was broken down by the English police, who came to remove her daughter Sophia Mirza, who was crippled by M.E. Psychiatrists wanted Sophia to go to an M.E. clinic in which Graded Exercise Therapy (G.E.T.) is used. Sophia was far too ill to engage in this activity, which is harmful and even potentially fatal to M.E. patients. (See clinicians on the dangers of over-exertion by M.E. patients on this page.) Críona later found that a doctor had wanted her sectioned as well.

Sophia never recovered from the experience of being forcibly sectioned and died in November 2005. Sufferers of M.E. and anyone interested in human rights in the health care system should note that there is a trend in England and Germany towards making G.E.T. compulsory for M.E. patients who seek disability or insurance benefits. More deaths will inevitably result.

Críona Wilson was unable to get justice in England. Please spread the story of this abuse of Sophia’s human rights.