MSP wants action to make a difference for ME sufferers
Kevin Craigens
A review on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome will need to make a difference for those who suffer from it to make it worthwhile, according to MSP Beatrice Wishart.
In a debate in Parliament today (Thursday), the Shetland MSP highlighted her concern about misunderstandings of the condition.
Also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), the condition can affect anyone, including children but is more common for women and those aged between 20 and 40-years-old.
Symptoms include extreme tiredness, taking a long time to recover from activity, feeling tired after rest and broken sleep patterns.
Ms Wishart called on the Scottish Government to take action on ME.
She told the chamber: “ME is a much-misunderstood condition with symptoms that fluctuate from mild to very severe between individuals living with it.
“20,000 people across Scotland are diagnosed with ME. Not only a statistic, but each a person, a family, a story.
“This review will not be worth the hard work that has already gone into it if it does not go some way to improving, empowering, and assisting, those 20,000 people’s lives.”
Avalina Kreska
I applaud MSP Beatrice Wishart.
It’s also one of the hardest condition to diagnose as many GP’s don’t believe it exists! I remember being told once by the Shetland NHS when I wanted my condition re-evaluated to still reflect that I suffer from M.E –
‘Well, good luck with that!’
I was diagnosed with M.E. in my teens and have suffered for most of my life with a severe lack of energy. I still have to be incredibly careful how much energy I assert into everyday activities.
Reducing one’s stress levels certainly helps, that much I have achieved of late.
My doctor in the 1980s originally told me there was good chance I would end up in a wheel-chair in five years, I’m happy to say, that never happened, yet in the 21st century, G.P’s understanding of this condition that could severely impact a person’s life is STILL in it’s infancy, it seems. I gave up looking for a re-evaluation as I figured that I was ‘managing’ my condition; there was not a lot more that could be achieved without the use of pharmaceutical drugs (not a route I’d be happy to go down).
Good luck, Beatrice!
イトウコウイチ
I like MSP Beatrice Wishart”ｓ suit … Nice tartume Scotish check design… I can tell she has pride in Shetland and Socts lady….