GP sympathetic to ME/CFS?

[ednewmy]

Hi all,

I was just wondering if anyone knows of a GP who is sympathetic to sufferers of ME/CFS? I have been suffering with these types of symptoms on and off for years and have really really struggled the last 8 months. I have an ok GP who is relatively understanding, but I feel like I'm not making any progress towards a diagnosis (whether that be ME/CFS or something else) and still feel like she's one of those "pull yourself together" type of GPs.

Also she's based at DMC so getting appointments in a sensible time frame is about as easy as making contact with alien life forms.

Any leads would be much appreciated, and also if anyone has been referred to any good specialists, it would be good to know about them too so I can ask to be referred.

Many thanks.

[langlounge]

Hi

You've probably done this but just in case - have you had a full screen for autoantibodies? Several autoimmune illnesses cause extreme fatigue and "ME-type" symptoms. GPs are hopeless at identifying these illnesses. My mother was told she had ME and dismissed - in fact she had autoimmune disease which was never diagnosed - only discovered sadly by autopsy in the end. Should add, diagnosis and treatment would have helped (don't want to sound scary here). If you haven't had autoantibody screen, would go to a Medicentre and get one, about ?20 and you can have the results in a day. Also, make sure you check the results of any blood tests yourself - GPs hereabouts are masterly at getting people's results mixed up/not passing them on/not being able to understand them - even though the lab spells out the results for them. One local GP told a patient with autoimmune disease that an antibody result of 1:2560 was harmless. He thought it was a fraction, ie one over 2560, in fact, this represents a ratio - how many times they have to dilute the blood before there's no trace of the antibody left...Beggars belief, but true.

[monica]

Hi ednewmy, I can sympathise with you. I was diagnosed with Adrenal Fatigue last year, after a traumatic break up. I registered with the lovely Dr Stephens at the Gardens surgery, who sent me for tests and after months of appointments and tests, I am now on the road to recovery. I also saw a private practitioner Dr Barry Peatfield, who is a medical endocrinologist, and Nutritional Therapist.

If you would like any info please pm me

Good Luck