'CFS' harms everyone, not just M.E. sufferers

This video explains why it isn't just people with M.E. who are harmed by the creation of the bogus disease category of 'CFS' and why it harms everyone misdiagnosed with CFS.

(Note that this is not about mere terminology, it is about the DEFINITIONS of 'CFS' not defining any distinct disease, including M.E., that is why every diagnosis of CFS is a MISdiagnosis.)

Today patients with all sorts of different illnesses are commonly misdiagnosed as having 'CFS.' Under cover of the bogus disease category of CFS, this diverse mix of patients are treated as if they each suffered the exact same specific illness. This is clearly unscientific, and unethical. These patients must be given the opportunity to be diagnosed correctly if they are to have any chance of appropriate treatment or recovery, not given a meaningless 'CFS' misdiagnosis. Patients with M.E. need this same opportunity. Treating this diverse and heterogenous patient group as if their illnesses each shared the same symptoms, aetiology, pathology and response to treatment is inappropriate and highly unlikely to benefit the health and wellbeing of any of the patient groups involved. Treating this 'CFS' group as if they each shared a specific psychological or behavioural illness is also clearly inappropriate. Aside from representing a heterogenous patient group, many (likely the vast majority) of those with the diagnosis are not mentally ill, and do not suffer from behavioural problems. (This includes of course, those patients with authentic M.E.)

Physicians who diagnose 'CFS' in any patient experiencing new onset fatigue without looking and testing for the true cause of the symptoms do their patients -- and themselves -- a great disservice. As Dr Elizabeth Dowsett explains, 'There is no such disease(s) as CFS' (b. [Online]) Some of the conditions commonly misdiagnosed as CFS are very well defined and well-known illnesses and very treatable -- but only once they have been correctly diagnosed. Some conditions are also very serious or can even be fatal if not correctly diagnosed and managed, including Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

Every patient deserves the best possible opportunity for appropriate treatment for their illness, and for recovery. This process must begin with a correct diagnosis if at all possible. A correct diagnosis is half the battle won.

For more information on all aspects of M.E. see:

http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/whatisme.htm

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Myalgic
• Encephalomyelitis
• CFS
• CFIDS
• CFS/ME
• ME/CFS
• activism
• advocacy
• severe

[SAMMYBABYLOVE]

I agree with this! scumbags! i hate medical idiots who think they know everything! when they are so stupid they can not find out and get treatments for m.e suffers! i may become a doctor as it seems they can do what ever they want and say what they want!

[BigWoodyAllen]

I've suffered from M.E. for 24 years,and lived in my own world quite apart from life. At times I feel like an abandoned animal. I haven't done anything wrong and I feel I would be treated better if I abused myself with drugs or alchohol. Shame on you medical world!!!

[cvpmailutube]

Great video, thanks.

I was also misdiagnosed with 'probably CFS' for 8 years, during which time I continued to get worse. Luckily I found out about some rare conditions which fitted my symptoms and my fantastic GP sent me to London to see some specialists.

I now have a diagnosis of EDS Type 3 (Ehler's Danlos) and associated Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndome (POTs) which causes extreme fatigue. I am receiving treatment including steroids & physio and am finally improving!

[AHummingbirdsGuide]

@EutuveX M.E. is transmissable, in early stages and also possibly during relapses!

I know what you mean, I would LOVE to give a 1 month taste of severe ME to soem of my ex doctors. Sigh...

[EutuveX]

@BigWoodyAllen

26 years here...I know how you ( we ) feel...I wish sometimes this was transmittable...I would love to give my doctors some cc of my "all in my mind" blood..

[carlos2004w]

CFS is a massive assasination, a genocide. We are all suffering the same devastating consequences all over the world. It is a genocide and responsibles should pay for it sooner or later. The patients must unite worldwide via internet and fight with the little strength they have before they die miserably after decades of agony and well planned disbelief, rejection and abandonment.

CFS is the largest genocide ever and only growing.

[thingsinevertell]

Superb video, well done.

[purefire47]

i remember watching this a year ago thinking i had cfs. after a successful diagnosis of lyme disease i am on my way to recovery. that bogus diagnosis of cfs wasted 7 months of my life. cfs is a nice way for doctors to tell you they do not know whats wrong with you. keep fighting, and don't accept a diagnosis just because you finally want one, it is worth it to find the answer

[erin517]

You put things into words extremely well, thanks for posting this your right, its so much more than a struggle

[Elfins]

My daughter was mis-diagnosed since she was 10 with CFS and treated with CGT and GET, she got worse. When these doctors wanted her admitted to a long stay Psychiatric unit and were having closed meetings because we objected, we took her to London privately. She was diagnosed with having a rare genetic condition called Ehlers-Danlos.