MEDICAL MATTERS
- Medical Matters features questions asked by Members of the ME Association on health-related topics.
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Questions in the Category: Creatine Kinase
Blood Test: Creatine Kinase
I was interested to read about the new research study from the ME Biobank that looked at the results from all the common blood tests that should be arranged before a diagnosis of ME is made. This study found that people with severe ME often have a reduced blood level of creatine kinase (CK) – something that I also have. But when I asked my doctor to explain why I was told that it was ‘nothing to worry about’. So what is creatine kinase? And why do people with severe ME have a reduced level of CK in their blood?
Dr Charles Shepherd
Dr Shepherd has been Trustee and Hon. Medical Adviser to the ME Association for more than 40 years. He is integral to the charity's activities and provides information and support based on his professional knowledge, personal experience as a doctor with ME/CFS, and the understanding gained from helping many thousands of people with the condition. He was a member of the comittee responsible for the 2021 NICE Clinical Guideline and is a recognised expert on ME/CFS in the UK. His knowledge extends to Post-Viral Fatigue Syndromes (PVFS), Myalgic Encephalopathy/Encephalomyelitis (ME), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) or Long Covid.
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Medical Matters is based on the popular ‘Ask the Doctor‘ series featured in the highly-regarded member’s magazine, ME Essential, and in the healthcare professional magazine, ME Medical. Both are produced by the ME Association and published as hard-copy magazines every 3 months and sent to members and healthcare professionals by post to home or business addresses.
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