People suffering from a debilitating illness, characterized by chronic fatigue, headaches, and muscular join pain, told Slough MP Fiona MacTaggart, what it is like to be an ME patient in Berkshire.
Members of the local ME support group, told the MP about the problems they face living with the illness, few people understand.
Eileen Shoosmith, support group Co-ordinator, said, one of the real problems with ME and FM, is that they are invisible illnesses. Many people with the illness look well, but certainly don't feel that way.
Ms Taggart is backing the groups campaign, for better health care provision for ME sufferers in the region.
When she met with them in Slough last week, members explained that East Berkshire Primary Care Trust currently offers no specialist provision for patients with ME or fibromyalgia, a similar condition characterized by widespread physical pain.
As a result, children with the condition have to travel to Bath for treatment and single people who do not have the support of a partner, find everyday chores a constant and painful battle.
One patient said: It is very difficult to fight for help, when you are so ill.
Members agreed that the benefits system needs to be changed, to enable sufferers to return to work in 'small steps' at the rate that they recover.
They also agreed that early diagnosis by better informed GP's could lead to fewer cases of deterioration among sufferers.
For more information about the groups campaign click here.
ME factfile:
- ME (Myalgic Encephalitus is a chronic illness which affects the nervous and immune systems.
- Also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) by the medical profession, it affects people of all ages.
- Profound lasting fatigue.
- A general feeling of being unwell which increases after normal physical and mental activity.
- Painful and aching muscles/and or joints.
- Persistent headaches and migraines.
- Reduced attention span, inability to plan and organise thoughts.
Miriam
