MEDICAL MATTERS
- Medical Matters features questions asked by Members of the ME Association on health-related topics.
- Dr Charles Shepherd and the ME Association's other advisers answer these questions by sharing their expert knowledge.
- Medical Matters is based on the popular ‘Ask the Doctor’ series in ME Essential magazine.
- It is a free resource that supplements the detailed information contained in the full range of literature that can be found in the website shop.
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Questions in the Category: Anaemia
Symptoms – Abnormal red blood cells
After feeling more fatigued than usual, my GP arranged some blood tests – all of which were normal apart an abnormality with my red blood cells called macrocytosis. Can this can be caused by ME? I understand that there has been some research from New Zealand that found abnormally shaped red blood cells that impaired the blood flow in tiny capillaries.
Folic Acid Deficiency
A recent blood test has shown that my folic acid levels are low. My GP thinks this may be due to my rather restrictive diet. But could folic acid deficiency be caused by ME/CFS?
Symptom: Palpitations
Like many people with ME I have occasional palpitations. Does this mean that I might have some form of underlying heart disease? Or is this just another part of having ME? And are there any drug treatments that might be helpful?
Rheumatoid Arthritis
I’ve always had occasional joint pains since developing ME/CFS three years ago but they are definitely getting more frequent and painful. As both my mum and aunt have rheumatoid arthritis, I’m worried that I may also be developing arthritis. My GP isn’t too concerned as there isn’t any swelling or signs of inflammation, but I’m still not happy. What is the difference between joint pains in ME/CFS and true arthritic joint pain?
Idiopathic Chronic Fatigue
What is the difference between chronic fatigue and ME/CFS? A friend of mine has been told by her doctor that she has something called idiopathic chronic fatigue. But I know that she has very similar symptoms to ME/CFS.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Like many people with ME I also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). I have the MEA information leaflet on IBS and have had most of the treatments listed for my various bowel and stomach symptoms. But my symptoms are getting worse, especially the bloating, stomach pain and back pain. My fatigue levels have also increased. I am female, in my early 50s, and have had IBS symptoms for about three years. Do you have any other suggestions?
Anaemia
A friend of mine with ME/CFS takes a daily iron supplement to help with her fatigue. She says I ought to do the same – even though I know I’m not anaemic. This has been confirmed by a recent GP blood test. So is there any evidence that taking iron tablets could help to boost energy levels in ME/CFS? And is it safe to do so if you are not anaemic?
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.
If you are an HCP you can sign-up here to receive ME Medical magazine (people with ME/CFS can also nominate their HCP by completing the sign-up form).
