Living with Me and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Paperback

by Gerald Coakley (Author), Beverly Knops (Author)

Chronic fatigue conditions are some of the most frustrating, life-altering and stigmatized illnesses, so why are they still so poorly understood?

ME/CFS affects roughly 17 million people worldwide. Medicalscience still cannot explain why some people get chronic fatigue syndromes and, distressingly, there are few effective treatments. While many people with ME/CFS are able to live a fairly normal life, a significant minority have symptoms so severe that they are confined to their house, or even their bed, and suicide rates are well above the national average.

Living with ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, by consultant rheumatologist Dr Gerald Coakley and occupational therapist Beverly Knops, is a much-needed, evidence-based guide for people struggling with ME/CFS - as well as their friends and family - that provides practical information and accessible advice on how to manage and live with this challenging condition, at all stages of severity. It will explore:

- The causes and management options for ME/CFS
- The impact of the condition on work, education and emotional wellbeing
- The importance of a balanced, nutritious diet in managing your symptoms
- Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS) and other fatigue-related syndromes
- Advice for carers and questions to ask your doctor
- Life after ME/CFS

This essential, concise book, and its empowering patient stories of hope, will equip readers with the knowledge, strategies and support to navigate and manage this challenging condition.

Author Biography

Dr Gerald Coakley has worked in the NHS for over 30 years. He has been a Consultant Physician and Rheumatologist in South London since 2000 and was a Director of Medical Education for 10 years. Since 2001, he has been involved in the care of people with ME/CFS, and runs a weekly private Fatigue Clinic at Keats House and at The Harley Street Clinic.

Beverly Knops Dip COT, MRCOT, MBACME is a Specialist Occupational Therapist with more than thirty years' experience. She has spent the majority of her career working with people experiencing persistent pain and fatigue. She worked in North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) for twenty-nine years, starting in the rheumatology service, then moving into the Specialist Pain and ME/CFS services. She also spent a period of nine years working one day a week for the Bath Paediatric ME/CFS service, developing her knowledge and expertise in this age group. In 2012, Beverly started work as an associate therapist with Vitality360, a private company working exclusively with people experiencing pain and fatigue. She now leads this specialist team full-time. Beverly is a trustee of the British Association of Clinicians working in ME/CFS (BACME) and is passionate about sharing knowledge and skills with other health professionals.