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.
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Questions in the Category: Mobility Adis
Aids and adaptions
I have moderate to severe ME which has been relatively stable for quite some time. I live in a house with a difficult flight of stairs – so my family and I have decided that it would be better for me to also use a downstairs room. This would make life a lot easier for everyone and, as the room overlooks the garden, it would help to brighten up my day! I also use a wheelchair occasionally when outdoors.
My question, which is partly an observation, is that when we have tried to obtain support from an occupational therapist (OT) regarding the use of aids, a blue badge and home adaptions, including the outdoor wheelchair, the response has always been quite negative. I've even been told that going down the route of obtaining, and then relying on aids and adaptions, is going to “hamper my mobilisation and recovery”.
Is this something that happens to other people? And is there anything I can do?
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 a Health Care Professional you can sign-up to receive ME Medical magazine (people with ME/CFS can also nominate their HCP by completing the sign-up form).