Referrals to the service are made by GP or hospital consultant. We do not currently accept self-referrals. Once your referral has been triaged by our team you will receive a letter offering an initial telephone assessment. This assessment is important as it allows us to assess the symptoms and the impact they are having on an individual. It helps assess what and where treatment interventions are delivered.
Following your initial telephone assessment, we will offer you an appointment at one of our clinics or a home visit if necessary. At this appointment we will agree a management plan with you and identify the number of sessions you are likely to require.
Frequently asked questions
What is ME/CFS?
ME/CFS is a group of symptoms that result in a persistent fatigue state. It is characterised by fluctuating symptoms which can result in a ‘boom and bust’ pattern of energy and activity. ME/CFS is diagnosed when other fatigue causing conditions have been excluded as the cause of your symptoms. Symptoms include:
- Extreme fatigue and post exertional malaise
- Sleep disturbance and non-restorative sleep
- Swollen glands and/or sore throat
- Muscle and joint aches and pains
- Impaired concentration and memory
- Mood changes
- Autonomic regulation problems; such as poor temperature and blood pressure control
- Reduction in the ability to function at your normal level
How is ME/CFS diagnosed?
There is no individual test to diagnose ME/CFS and the symptoms are similar to some other illnesses. Therefore, your doctor will need to take a full history of what is wrong, carry out some tests and rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms. Your doctor should consider ME/CFS if your symptoms cannot be explained by another cause and have lasted for at least four months in an adult.
Updated NICE Guidelines can be find at the link below. These can assist your GP in making a diagnosis, and advising on the recommended medical investigations and management
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy)/chronic fatigue syndrome: diagnosis and management October 2021
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng206
What can I expect from the Service?
We offer a six to eight session energy management programme, which aims to support people self-manage their ME/CFS symptoms. To maximise the benefits of this programme we can offer one to one physiotherapy, occupational therapy and CBT where applicable. This programme can be delivered individually at clinic or in a group setting. We also offer home visits where appropriate. The management programme includes:
- What is ME/CFS
- What is activity?
- Rest and breathing
- Boom and bust
- Energy management principles
- Physical activity
- Pain and posture
- Memory and concentration
- Sleep
- Stress, thoughts and feelings, and assertiveness
- Goal setting and managing setbacks
Are there any support groups for people with ME/CFS?
There is a local support group based in Stockport and three main national charities.
The details are:
Stockport ME Group
Tel: 07752 260086
https://stockportmecfs.co.uk/
Action for ME
Tel: 0117 927 9551 www.actionforme.org.uk/
ME Association
Tel: 0344 576 5326 www.meassociation.org.uk
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