Posted by: Maff
on May 30, 2008
I realised the other day that I had never really written about my experiences with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). So I thought today I'd give a (relatively!) brief account of my journey through developing MCS, living with it at its most severe, to the point where I am now largely free from symptoms, save for the odd twitch.
I had been ill since the age of 11 and was diagnosed with ME/CFS at age 12. Having read a lot about my illness during my late teens I was aware that a large number of ME/CFS patients also suffer from allergies and MCS. I had developed hayfever a few years after being diagnosed with ME/CFS so thought it was a very real possibility that I could develop chemical sensitivities at some point.
Posted by: Maff
on May 23, 2008
Back in November of last year I reported on the efforts of the Fair Name Campaign which has the aim of promoting a name which truly represents the medical and patient reality of the illness currently known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the United States and elsewhere.
The majority of patients, as well as some in the medical community (doctors, researchers etc), have felt that the name Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) trivializes what is a very serious and disabling illness. Not only that but it is medically inaccurate and does nothing to confer the fact that it is an organic illness. This has understandably contributed to much of the public, and to the chagrin of sufferers doctors as well, dismissing the condition as "all in the head". The weight of evidence conclusively demonstrates that CFS is not a psychological illness.
Posted by: Maff
on May 16, 2008
The Daily Telegraph (London) this week reported on another study linking chemicals in common household products to autism. This time the culprit is a group of insecticides commonly found in pet shampoos designed to kill fleas.
It seems there is increasing acceptance that an interaction between genetics and environmental triggers (including synthetic chemicals) may be the key to understanding autism which now affects around 1 in 150 children in developed countries.
Posted by: Maff
on May 09, 2008
Many of you will have seen the news this week on this site and elsewhere that seven subtypes of chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) have been catergorized based on new genetic research.
This is fascinating stuff. Not only does it give us a deeper understanding of what is going on in ME/CFS and offer the hope of diagnostic tests and treatments in the not too distant future, but it also puts another (rather large!) nail in the coffin of the idea that the disease is psychological in origin. Let's face it, this idea should have been buried years ago but its proponents (mainly psychiatrists) are a stubburn lot!
Posted by: Maff
on May 02, 2008
As a chronic fatigue syndrome sufferer I have come to realise just how pivotal healthy thyroid and adrenal gland function are to recovery. If your thyroid or adrenal function is below par effectively treating these issues can make a huge difference to how you feel and your ability to function.
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