Sir, Margaret McCartney's article about medically unexplained symptoms contains a number of false assumptions ("If it's in the mind, it's still the real thing", Life & Arts, March 22-23).

Statement by The ME Association

The ME Association fully shares the concerns of a growing number of our members who have been contacting us about the strong psychiatric/psychological bias to the presentations that will be given to a meeting on CFS at the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM) on April 28. 

Dr Ben Goldacre, the well known critic of bad science, is presenting a two-part programme on BBC Radio 4 looking at nutritional medicine and nutritional therapists.

Letter to the Editor from Neil Riley

As Chairman of The ME Association, I am delighted that Margaret McCartney turns to our website for information about this devastating illness we call myalgic encephalopathy ("if it’s in the mind, it’s still the real thing”). 

Weekend columnist, Margaret McCartney, 22 March 2008

'If it's in the mind, it's still the real thing'

 

This is an interesting and useful short research report from doctors in Singapore who have looked at the incidence of post-infectious fatigue syndrome in people recovering from a tropical infection known as dengue fever.

All 'domiciliary care workers' – the people who are paid to come into people's homes to help with things like washing and dressing – will soon need to register with a government body, the General Social Care Council (GSCC).

We have been given the following information about NHS services for people with ME/CFS in North Wales. A referral from the patient's GP will be required to access them.

From the Daily Telegraph, 18 March 2008

A simple blood test may revolutionise the way we treat patients with ME, reports Bob Ward.

Mon 17 Mar, 9:00pm - 10:00pm 60mins
Hypnotherapy

New dietetic research published tomorrow shows that Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is not helped by low sugar, low yeast diets, compared to a well balanced and healthy diet¹. The research, funded by The ME Association and carried out by the infection and immunity group based at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, looked at different dietary treatments of patients diagnosed with ME/CFS. 

Shropshire ME Group will be holding their annual conference at the Lord Hill Hotel, Shrewsbury, on Wednesday May 14.

From the Toronto Globe and Mail, 8 March 2008. Words by Zoe Cormier.

NORWICH, ENGLAND -- Anna Debbage suffers from wanderlust. At this very moment, she is backpacking in Thailand, which isn't unusual for someone her age, except that she hasn't exactly lived her 26 years to the fullest. Ms. Debbage has yet to finish high school, has never dated seriously and, until a few months ago, knew precious little about the infamous terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. 

Most children with ME get better  – even though recent research shows that tots as young as two years old can be affected by the illness, the founder chairman of a national ME children's charity told a meeting in Carlisle on Saturday.

The ME Association is shortly going to start a fund-raising drive for money to cover the costs of running such things as the ME Connect Helpline, our website and to raise money for our research fund.

From the Aprl 2008 issue of "SHE" magazine

Claire Donaldson, 33, a complementary therapist and acupuncturist, is single and lives in York. Six years ago, while working as an investment banker, she developed overwhelming fatigue and aches. 

From the Cumbria News and Star, 1 March 2008

The personal information of Cumbrian NHS patients has been lost – and they have not been told. A computer memory stick containing the names and addresses of patients suffering from ME was lost by Cumbria Primary Care Trust, it emerged this week.

Intrepid adventurers Ed Stafford and Luke Collyer fly out from Britain today for South America – to prepare for the start of their 4,000-mile trek along the Amazon River for The ME Association and five other charities. They are pictured here with Ed's sister Janie, who has ME.

A new member of the Worcestershire ME Group has offered to start holding meetings in Droitwich.