A patient's journey with myalgic encephalomyelitis

• Published in: BMJ Vol. 330; no. 7492; pp. 648 - 650
• Main Authors: Ong, Bie Nio, Evans, Daphne, Bartlam, Andrew
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London British Medical Journal Publishing Group 19.03.2005; British Medical Association; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; BMJ Publishing Group; BMJ Group
• Edition: International edition
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Biological and medical sciences; Cerebrospinal fluid. Meninges. Spinal cord; Chronic Disease; Chronic diseases; Chronic fatigue syndrome; Chronic illnesses; Clinical Review; Diabetes; Diseases; Doctor patient relationships; Encephalitis; Encephalomyelitis; Fatigue; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic - diagnosis; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic - therapy; General aspects; General practice; Humans; Medical sciences; Narration; Nervous system (semeiology, syndromes); Neurology; Pain; Symptoms; Human; Medicine; Nervous system diseases; Encephalomyelitis; Central nervous system disease; Spinal cord disease; Cerebral disorder
• ISSN: 0959-8138; 0959-8146; 1468-5833; 1756-1833
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.330.7492.648

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) presents patients and their general practitioners with the challenge of managing a life shaped by chronic debilitating illness, pain, and uncertainty. The notion that body limitations resulting from illness must be recognised is shown in the literature on chronic illness, but at the same time it is necessary to understand the social context of change and diversity within which illness is conceptualised. People give meaning to their illness and altered life course with reference to socioeconomic relations, cultural perceptions and beliefs, and their interactions with health and social care services.