M.E or Chronic Fatigue syndrome. Does anything actually cure it?

My dad has had it 10 years and I want so much for him to get better. He won't entertain the idea of any 'alternative' treatments, which frustrates me as there may be other ways of helping restore energy I feel. IF anyone can suggest anything or tell me of something which has worked I'd be grateful.

Hi, I'm so sorry to hear about you dad. M.E is so difficult to deal with, for everyone involved. A supportive family will be the most important thing. Showing him your support and love will help more than you know. I know even a cuddle can make me feel better some days. And for him to not give up, but not to fight it either.

You have to accept having M.E. You must pace yourself in your everyday life. With chores round the house, walking, socialising, exersize, everything. Then very SLOWLY try to build up your exersize (Yoga is a good start, or go for a short, gentle walk with him, just to get him out the house and stop him getting stiff joints), hobbies, socialising, working and the things you enjoy in life. Being happy is very important too. As depression can be so crippling.

I have had M.E for 9 years and my mum has had it since I was a baby, so I hope I can help. Obviously I don't have the answer or I wouldn't still have it myself! but everyone is so different, what works for some doesn't work for others.

I am better now than I have ever been due to seeing an M.E specialist and being medicated for the M.E, rather than depression, for the first time ever! Having support from a doctor who actually understands, knows what he's talking about, believes you, and doesn't question you has made a world of difference to me.

I didn't like the idea of relying on medication but if it works, then that's all that matters to me now...

Melatonin (this helps with sleeping. I used to take one tablet before bed each night. I now take 1/2 a tablet. May go down to 1/4 eventually. you can get this online, cheap from america if doctor won't prescribe it. the only reasons they dont prescribe it is cos they dont know anything about ME, its relatively new, and its too expensive for them!)

Cymbalta/Duloxotene (Actually an anti-depressant, but taking it to help with pain and concentration. this helped loads when i first started taking it. dose has now gone up from 1 x 30mg, to 1 x 60mg tablet a day)

Eating healthily is vital. (eg, I ate a pizza the other day and was sick) I have to eat things which will give me energy and make me feel better. If I eat crap, I feel crap. Same with drinking. I have become completely intolerant to drink. I can feel it poisoning me. You have to be very careful, especially when on medication.

I saw a food allergist once, that was very useful, as it showed me what food i'm intolerant/allergic too and what I was lacking and foods I should eat more of.

Multi-vitamins, b-12, cod liver oil, evening primrose capsules will also help.

And just enjoy life as much as you can. Being happy makes you feel better. I have stopped worrying about working and cleaning the house and people stressing me out. He needs to make himself happy, surround himself with people he loves, and love who he is with M.E. I know it's hard though. I don't look back at who I used to be, this is the new me, heading for a new path in life. Let it change you for the better. Become a better peron because of it. Thinking positively is a huge thing. Feeling negative just drags you down into depression.

I have also read about 'reverse therapy'. I would like to try this myself. http://www.reverse-therapy.com/

There is lots of info online about M.E. and how to treat it. If you type in google 'chronic fatigue treatment' there's lots of results.

Also get him to ask his doctor to refer him to an M.E. specialist and make him go!!

Wishing you well, and good luck x

Hi! I actually learnt about this last thursday in college, so it's interesting you ask. Firstly, im sorry to say but there is no "cure" as of yet. However, with that said, with the correct treatment and support your father could learn to live quite functionally with his condition. Chances are if he has had it for ten years then it is something he is going to have for good. The cause of ME is not yet known either. It is common for him to feel low and even angry at himself. You need to try and understand his situation to help makes things easier for himself. He is not trying to be difficult, ME is an overwhelming condition which can affect the way your father carries out his activities of daily living. Has he seen his GP about this, because although there is no cure, there is treatment available which can help your father best adapt to his life with ME. He can be seen by an occupational therapist who will help your father to make the most out of life, and who will educate him on energy conservation techniques, who will grade/adapt his activity (make activities such as washing/dressing/socialising/working etc. easier for him), show him how to "pace" his lifestyle (balancing his activity throughout the week) and may also provide him with some equipment which may make daily activities easier to carry out. I hope this helps.

It is so sweet and caring of you to write in for your dad. He is blessed to have you in his life. There is so much misunderstanding about CFIDS/M.E. I've had CFIDS since 1987. As far as I know there is no "cure" yet, but there are many things I do to keep going, and even then, my energy fails often and is not what it should be. My list is at http://www.fms-help.com/what.htm My CFIDS story is at http://www.fms-help.com/fatigue.htm Everyone is different with this illness, but I do hope there will be something that can help your dad. It's a tough illness to have, and it affects everyone in the family too. I know, because my husband has to live with me! Our picture is at http://www.fms-help.com

There are two systems that work for this condition. Both will completely reverse the condition. The first is by those who practice Bio-Magnetic method of healing and is a hands on method. Second is by those who practice Energetics healing method and it will help without the use of hands on.