darlodge

Has anyone (or close family or Friends) experienced ME (Myalgic Encephalitis) or CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)?

My Girlfriend has got everyone of the symptoms of ME but we are still waiting for an appointment with a specialist in early March to confirm this. She has been off work now for months (about 5/6) as her doctor has been unable to diagnose the problem. She has tried numerous variations of pills but just when they appear to be working she has another bad week meaning that she is unable to walk very far always sleeping or resting, unable to basic household chores etc.

Some days she is totally normal and able to do everything she used to be able to do. I know a lot of people do not believe in ME but when you see it right in front of your face its hard not to believe it.

Has anyone had to deal with ME? And if so is there anything I can be doing to assist my girlfriend?

I know there is no magical switch that I can press but I fell totally helpless as all I can do is just sit and watch it all happen

I’d appreciate any responses

Thanks
Darren

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

One of my best mates had it in his teen years.

At the time was a top athlete, good at anything sport. He went someone who was so active to almost the opposite...simply due him being physically unable to do it.

He took all sorts of medication, missed most of school (but studies at home). IN adition he had to take pretty much every supplemetary vitamin and mineral under the sun.

It took over 4 years for him to recover to something normal. These days (5 years on) He's pretty much ok, not as good atheletically, but can still (irritatingly ) thrash us all at squash with ease.

The only thing I can suggest is understanding that they are physically limited to what they can do and tire easily, it's becomes obvious when they are about to drop off and fall asleep. So all you can do is be there and support her on the bad days, and on the good days let her do what she wants to do. There are help groups and organisation/charities setup for sufferers although the names escape me, I'm sure a quick google will reveal a few good results.

darlodge

Thanks for the reply Ali.

I was looking around on Google this morning but I am supposed to be working

I am currently doing everything that I can (Physically around the house) but I just feeling like I am not doing enough. If I could fix it I would but if all I can do is offer emotional support then I'll do that. Both of us just want it finished with. She wants to return to work and I want her back to normal

One of my friends also had this at school and she managed to miss 2 years worth of schooling.

I'll have another look at Google tonight

Thanks again
Darren

darlodge

Anyone know anything more?

Darren

VinPetrol

Both my sisters have had ME, one is over it now, the other still has it. Apart from all the suppliments to a healthy diet, try hypnotherapy, because apparently ME can be triggered by something which has affected you badly in the past.

Stick with her and try not to get frustrated if she comes across as "just being lazy" to you, even though u know she is i'll (may think ..."I won't feel like that", but it happens !).

Also if she smokes get her to quit asap ! It had a detramental effect on the immune system.

Hope she gets better soon m8

darlodge

Thanks for the response vin,

Sorry to hear both your sisters have had this. I was unaware that ME could be trigered by a previous memory, I better do some digging

I am prepaird to stick by her, I just wish I could help more. I know what you are saying about the fustration. At first I just was fustrated, but I can actually see that she cannot do anymore than she is curently and this is fustrating her.

We both just want her back to normal.

She has never smoked so that could not be effecting her recovery.

Thanks for the reply.

Darren

douglasb

I know someone who suffered badly from ME a few years ago. I have seen them improve over the years, but they can still have "moments". She finds that taking St Johns Wort (available from health food shops) helps when she is having a bad time.

It sounds like your girlfriend's condition is worse and that St Johns Wort may not be much use, but it can't do any harm to try it. St Johns Wort link

Doug

darlodge

Thanks Doug, we'll have a look

Darren