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Writer Ali Smith is the latest in a lengthy line of renowned people whose careers have been interrupted by an illness which is commonly described, as it is here (Ali Smith at Winter Wordfest, Cambridge News, 24 November 2011 -- http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Whats-on-leisure/Choice/Ali-Smith-22112011.htm), as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Such celebrities, including actors and politicians, may give those of us suffering with M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) some clues to a solution.
None of us knows the answer but we may raise some intelligent questions that deserve an attempt at least: Why is it that some people become ill with quite a common virus such as Epstein-Barr (Glandular Fever), or others like Chicken Pox, shingles, or flu-like illnesses and get over it relatively quickly, never for it to occur in a lifetime? Why do others, like Ali, take 18 months; Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, more than a year and Barbara Windsor, more than two years but, once recovered, seem to be able to return to normal working life without relapsing? And why is it that previously ordinarily fit and healthy people, with no record of physical or psychiatric illness, such as Laura Hillenbrand, author of best-selling film "Seabiscuit", as well as millions of others, including this Research Psychologist, diagnosed with M.E. 23 years ago, remain ill, with no end in sight?
There are theories, of course - a more severe attack for some than others; onset when victim already weak; damaged immune system; re-activating dormant viruses, etc. but such examples as Ali and the others demonstrate that we are not talking about the same things. The indiscriminate term Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) robs known organic causes of their individual identity and stifles enquiry about other less clear but suspicious origins of M.E., such as adverse reactions to vaccinations and chemical poisoning that leaves others unaffected. CFS is not a synonym for M.E but so long as it continues to be treated as though it is and such questions as I have raised are ignored, people with M.E. will remain largely invisible and neglected.
Yours sincerely
drjohngreensmith@mecommunitytrust. org
Dr John H Greensmith
ME Community Trust. org
Writer Ali Smith is the latest in a lengthy line of renowned people whose careers have been interrupted by an illness which is commonly described, as it is here (Ali Smith at Winter Wordfest, Cambridge News, 24 November 2011 -- http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Whats-on-leisure/Choice/Ali-Smith-22112011.htm), as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Such celebrities, including actors and politicians, may give those of us suffering with M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) some clues to a solution.
None of us knows the answer but we may raise some intelligent questions that deserve an attempt at least: Why is it that some people become ill with quite a common virus such as Epstein-Barr (Glandular Fever), or others like Chicken Pox, shingles, or flu-like illnesses and get over it relatively quickly, never for it to occur in a lifetime? Why do others, like Ali, take 18 months; Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, more than a year and Barbara Windsor, more than two years but, once recovered, seem to be able to return to normal working life without relapsing? And why is it that previously ordinarily fit and healthy people, with no record of physical or psychiatric illness, such as Laura Hillenbrand, author of best-selling film "Seabiscuit", as well as millions of others, including this Research Psychologist, diagnosed with M.E. 23 years ago, remain ill, with no end in sight?
There are theories, of course - a more severe attack for some than others; onset when victim already weak; damaged immune system; re-activating dormant viruses, etc. but such examples as Ali and the others demonstrate that we are not talking about the same things. The indiscriminate term Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) robs known organic causes of their individual identity and stifles enquiry about other less clear but suspicious origins of M.E., such as adverse reactions to vaccinations and chemical poisoning that leaves others unaffected. CFS is not a synonym for M.E but so long as it continues to be treated as though it is and such questions as I have raised are ignored, people with M.E. will remain largely invisible and neglected.
Yours sincerely
drjohngreensmith@mecommunitytrust. org
Dr John H Greensmith
ME Community Trust. org