Dr Vinod Patel Bsc FRCP MRCGP DRCOG
ME POSITIVE
EAST MIDLANDS
PATRONS
Jon Ashworth MP
Dr Vinod Patel BSc FRCP MRCGP DRCOG
Dr Mike Casselden DipTP MRTPI
A support group
for sufferers of
ME/CFS
and their carers
in the
East Midlands
ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) is a debilitating illness that affects many parts of the body such as the nervous and immune systems.
It is estimated that up to 240,000 people in the UK may suffer from this condition. Symptoms can include:
· Severe fatigue after minor exertion
· A delayed recovery after exertion
· Memory problems
· Sleep disturbances
· Poor concentration
· Muscle pain
· Headaches
· Digestive problems
· Noise sensitivity
· Light sensitivity
· Alcohol intolerance
· Sore throat
· Tender glands
· Poor circulation
· Poor temperature control
As many other conditions can give similar symptoms, it is important these be excluded before a diagnosis of ME/CFS is given. A diagnosis of ME/CFS is also unlikely unless such symptoms have persisted for at least four months.
The aim of our group is to provide support, help and advice to ME/CFS sufferers and their carers. We do this in many ways.
· Newsletter: our regular newsletter is both informative and light hearted. You can read all about our social events as well as keeping up to date with ME/CFS research, coping strategies, treatments and other useful items.
· Social events: we hold social meetings and outings at regular intervals throughout the year. These are very informal, with an opportunity to meet new people and have a chat over a cup of tea.
· Website: our website is a great source of information and provides links to other useful sites.
· News bulletins: our members receive news bulletins about ME/CFS via e-mail.
· Support line: members can ring our support line for some informal, one-to-one support.
How to contact us
GROUP SECRETARIES
Carole Taylor
10 Pulteney Avenue
Loughborough
LE11 2NA
or Caroline
Tel: 0116 270 8437 (not after 9 pm)
______
SUPPORT LINE
Carolyn 01530 834000 (9am to 12 noon)
Ros
Netta 01509 416 234 or
______
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You can also visit our website at:
www.mepositive.talktalk.net
Useful contacts
Action for ME
PO Box 2778
Bristol
BS1 9DJ
Tel: 0845 123 23 80
or: 0117 927 9551
Telephone support: 0845 123 23 14
(11-3pm, Mon-Fri)
Welfare rights helpline: 0845 122 86 48
www.afme.org.uk
ME Association
7 Apollo Office Court
Radclive Road
Gawcott
Buckinghamshire
MK18 4DF
General Tel: (01280) 827 070
Helpline: 0844 576 5326
(10am-12noon, 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm)
www.meassociation.org.uk
25% ME Group
(for the severely affected)
21 Church Street
Troon
Ayrshire
KA10 6HT
Tel: (01292) 318 611
www.25megroup.org
Disability Benefits Enquiry Line
0800 88 22 00
Invest in ME
PO Box 561
Eastleigh
Hampshire
SO50 0GQ
Tel: (02380) 251719 or (07759) 349743
www.investinme.org
TYMES Trust (The Young ME Sufferer)
PO Box 4347
Stock
Ingatestone
CM4 9TE
Tel/Fax: 0845 003 9002
www.tymestrust.org
Citizens Advice Bureau
0844 499 2375
or see website for numbers of local offices
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Carers of Leicestershire and Support Project (CLASP)
Tel: (0116) 251 0999
www.claspthecarerscentre.org.uk
Mosaic: shaping disability services
Advocacy, counselling and other services
Helpline: (0116) 231 4425
www.mosaic1898.co.uk
Leicestershire Centre for Integrated Living (LCIL) – empowering disabled people
Tel: (0116) 222 5005 www.lcil.org.uk
Samaritans
0845 790 9090