New Leaflet: Pensions – obtaining an ill-health pension, prognosis & permanency in ME/CFS
We have published a new leaflet to help people who want to claim early retirement on the grounds of ill-health because of ME/CFS.
Disability
ME and Post-Exertional Malaise: “It is much more than fatigue and stiffness…”
We hear from someone with severe ME who describes what Post-Exertional Malaise feels like and the measures that can help when in this situation…
New MEA Leaflets: Prognosis & Quality of Life, Disability Classification & Illness Severity
The new leaflets explain what might be expected from a diagnosis of ME/CFS and how the illness is classed as a disability by the UK Government.
ME Association New Free Leaflet – The Importance of Early & Accurate Diagnosis in ME/CFS
A new FREE 6-page leaflet that helps determine what is required to make an early and accurate diagnosis of ME/CFS.
MEA Monthly Poll: How has M.E. affected your ability to access education?
This month’s website poll is part of our focus on education. Please vote and join the discussion on MEA social media.
The Times: Warning over conflicting medical advice to coronavirus recovery patients
“The NHS is urging people to exercise at a time when many, just like people with post-viral ME, need to rest, recuperate and pace themselves,” Countess of Mar.
Bedbound Midlands singer releases debut album – and is ahead of Taylor Swift in chart!
Kara’s brilliant album, recorded from her sickbed, is performing exceptionally well in the charts. Download your copy today!
A long cross-country walk dedicated to his mum and to the ME Association
M.E. changed his mum from “being called Tigger because she was always so full of life” to someone who now has to count every ounce of energy used in case it runs out and leaves her floored for days.
BBC Spotlight: Covid-19 and Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome with Dr Charles Shepherd
The uncertainty surrounding recovery from Covid-19 is something that we hope is being discussed within the NHS and Government, but pacing and self-management remain the only options for many people.
ME, Myself and I: Caution and Controversy
“Too often we see fractures within the ME/CFS Community that are causing incredible damage to the very people who are on our ‘team’.”
ME Awareness: Living with ME, Self-isolation and Severe Asthma, by Leanne Swift | 29 May 2020
“Worse is the fear of getting this nasty coronavirus. I know if I get it I could be in serious trouble, especially with the Asthma, but even with M.E…”
ME Awareness: The Lost Years: Missionary forced to give up vocation to do battle with ME | 18 May 2020
“I guess my Christian faith sustains me even though a lot of the time I feel like I’m just holding on with my fingertips.”
ME Awareness: “ME is a cruel illness and whether we have it mild or severe, we all still suffer,” by Naomi Gilchrist | 15 May 2020
“I’ve tried so many different methods to manage my symptoms. Medication helps to a degree alongside self-management techniques.”
ME Awareness: BBC News: Eastbourne mum with ME gets some life back after years lost in lockdown | 13 May 2020
Emma spent a decade in isolation at home after becoming severely ill with ME in 2004. She has been interviewed by the BBC together with Dr Shepherd.
ME Awareness: The Lost Years and Rediscovery by Kate Stanforth | 12 May 2020
“I’d like to say once I got the diagnosis, things got easier, but they didn’t. I ended up bedbound then ultimately paralysed in some of the darkest days I’ve experienced.”
ME Awareness Press Release: Brits with devastating illness speak out about years lost in lockdown | 01 May 2020
For ME Awareness, the ME Association will be featuring stories from people with M.E. every day throughout May.
Woman in wheelchair stripped of disability benefits because she can walk four steps in assessment | 03 February 2020
Severely disabled woman told moving from mobility chair to sofa suggested she could walk 200 metres unaided.
Very Severe ME: It’s Time for Something New! By Greg Crowhurst | 16 August 2019
I have cared day and night for my wife who has lain in unspeakable torment, torture and agony, for twenty-six years.
Top 7 Tips for Claiming Disability Benefits with M.E. by Ann Innes | 14 August 2019
The MEA’s Welfare Rights Adviser provides her top-tips for people with M.E. when applying or renewing ESA and PIP.
The ME Show Special: Severe M.E. and Benefits with Gary Burgess | 08 August 2019
We are delighted that Gary Burgess has recorded a special episode that considers the Real impact of Severe M.E. with Jo Moss and Ann Innes.