The STV article references the Neuro Alliance Scotland report and features a person with ME/CFS who did not receive support from the medical services. The article also includes one of the MEA Tweets posted in the lead-up to the published report.
Extracts
Growing up in Aberdeen, Mia was fit, happy and healthy.
She was on the Scottish Rhythmic Gymnastics Squad and competed around the UK, winning several medals.
At the age of 12, however, her life was turned upside down after being diagnosed with ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome.
Mia would watch as her friends went on to college or jobs, whilst being unable to do so herself.
Now 18, Mia explains she has been left feeling “totally lost and devastated” following several visits to doctors and hospitals.
“Over the last six years I have missed out on schooling, had to give up my gymnastics, and have missed out on most things that teenage girls do,” she said.
“I’ve learned to try and manage according to what my body allows me to do.
“Throughout the years, we have found that there is no help or understanding for people suffering with ME.
“I have had several visits to doctors and hospitals and we have been left feeling totally lost and devastated. There has never been any empathy or help.
“We have had to try find alternative treatments and pay for them ourselves with just a little bit of hope each time that at that point it would ease my symptoms and pain even if just for a little while.”