Society Logo
ME/CFS Australia Ltd


Facebook
 


E-mail
Email the Society
Donations
Donations

ME/CFS AUSTRALIA (SA) INC

Registered Charity 698

Mailing address:
GPO Box 383,
Adelaide,
South Australia 5001

Office:
266 Port Road,
Hindmarsh,
South Australia 5007
Ph: (08) 8346 3237
('834 MECFS')

Office Hours:
Wednesdays, 10am-3pm

Support Line:
(Mondays and Thursdays,
10am-3pm)
Ph: (08) 8346 3237

SA country callers:
Ph: 1300 128 339
(local call)


FIBROMYALGIA HELP:
Contact
Fibromyalgia SA
at the
Arthritis Foundation of SA
118 Richmond Road,
Marleston 5033
Ph: (08) 8379 5711

ME/CFS Australia (SA) Inc supports the needs of sufferers of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and related illnesses. We do this by providing services and information to members.

ourcommunity.com.auDonate online

Information and Support 2004 is an online appeal that aims to improve our Information and Support Line.

Read more…

Disclaimer

ME/CFS Australia (SA) Inc aims to keep members informed of the various research projects, diets, medications, therapies etc. All communication, both verbal and written, is merely to disseminate information and not to make recommendations or directives.

Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed on this Web site are not necessarily the official views of the Society or its Committee and are not simply an endorsement of products or services.

Support

Eco Pest Control

ME/CFS Australia (SA) Inc wishes to thank Eco Pest Control for its support of the Society.

BankSA & Staff Charitable Fund

ME/CFS Australia (SA) Inc wishes to thank BankSA & Staff Charitable Fund for its support of Talking Point, the Society’s official journal.

Australian ME/CFS Societies

NATIONAL
ME/CFS Australia Ltd
Address: PO Box 7100 Dandenong VIC 3175
Phone: (03) 9793 4500
Fax: (03) 9793 1866
Web: www.mecfs.org.au
Email: ceo@mecfs.org.au

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
ACT ME/CFS Society, Inc
Address: c/o SHOUT, PO Box 717, Mawson ACT 2607
Phone: (02) 6290 1984
Fax: (02) 6290 4475
Web: www.mecfscanberra.org.au
Email: mecfsadmin@shout.org.au

NEW SOUTH WALES
ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Society of NSW Inc
Postal address: PO Box 5403, West Chatswood NSW 1515
Office address: Suite 204, 10 Help Street, Chatswood NSW 2067
Phone: (02) 9904 8433
Fax: (02) 9904 8435
Web: www.me-cfs.org.au
Email: admin@me-cfs.org.au

NORTHERN TERRITORY
ME/CFS Australia (Northern Territory)
Address: PO Box 7100, Dandenong VIC 3175
Support Line: (03) 9791 2199
Admin: (03) 9791 3100
Web: www.mecfs-vic.org.au
Email: admin@mecfs-nt.org.au

QUEENSLAND
ME/CFS/FM Support Association Qld Inc
Address: 27 Scott Street, Toowoomba Qld 4350
Phone: (07) 4632 8173
Phone: (07) 4659 5239
Web: www.mecfsfmq.org.au
Email: mefmtba@bigpond.com

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
ME/CFS Australia (SA) Inc
Postal address: GPO Box 383, Adelaide 5001
Address: 266 Port Road, Hindmarsh, Adelaide 5007
Phone: (08) 8346 3237 ('834 MECFS')
Support line: (08) 8410 8930 or 1300 128 339 for country callers
Web: www.sacfs.asn.au
Email: sacfs@sacfs.asn.au

TASMANIA
ME/CFS Australia (Tasmania)
Address: PO Box 7100, Dandenong VIC 3175
Support Line: (03) 9791 2199
Admin: (03) 9791 3100
Web: www.mecfs-vic.org.au
Email: admin@mecfs-tas.org.au

VICTORIA
ME/CFS Australia (Victoria)
Office address: Suite 5, 106 Foster Street, Dandenong VIC 3175
Postal address: PO Box 7100, Dandenong VIC 3175
Support Line: (03) 9791 2199
Admin: (03) 9791 3100
Web: www.mecfs-vic.org.au
Email: admin@mecfs-vic.org.au

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
The ME/CFS Society of WA (Inc)
Address: The Centre for Neurological Support, The Niche, 11 Aberdare Road, Nedlands, Perth WA 6009
Phone: (08) 9346 7477
Fax: (08) 9346 7534
Web: www.mecfswa.org.au
Email: info@mecfswa.org.au

PDF

Download list of ME/CFS organizations as a PDF file (19KB)

Word

Download list of ME/CFS organizations as a Word document (41KB)

Become a Member
Why become a member?
Go to Application Form web page
Download Application Form (PDF, 24KB)


International ME Consensus Criteria

www

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: International Consensus Criteria

PDF

Myalgic encephalomyelitis: International Consensus Criteria (PDF, 195KB)



Canadian Consensus Documents

ME/CFS Guidelines

To further assist busy medical practitioners, Dr Bruce Carruthers, principal author of the ME/CFS Consensus Document and Co-Editor of the FMS Consensus Document, and Marjorie van de Sande, Consensus Coordinator of the Consensus Documents, have written and published Overviews of the Canadian Consensus Documents for ME/CFS and FMS independent of any organisation:

PDF

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Clinical Case Definition and Guidelines for Medical Practitioners – An Overview of the Canadian Consensus Document (PDF, 1MB)

PDF

Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Clinical Case Definition and Guidelines for Medical Practitioners – An Overview of the Canadian Consensus Document (PDF, 1.7MB)



ME/CFS Guidelines

For GPs:

ME/CFS Guidelines

Every GP in South Australia should have on their shelves a copy of a new set of guidelines on how to diagnose and treat ME/CFS.

PDF

ME/CFS Guidelines for GPs
(English)
(PDF, 460KB)

PDF

ME/CFS Guidelines for GPs
(German)
(PDF, 186KB)

For psychiatrists:

ME/CFS Guidelines

The Guidelines for psychiatrists are from Eleanor Stein MD FRCP(C), respected internationally for her work as a psychiatrist on ME/CFS.

PDF

ME/CFS Guidelines for psychiatrists
(English)
(PDF, 460KB)

PDF

ME/CFS Guidelines for psychiatrists
(German)
(PDF, 313KB)

Society seminar

International news

Saturday 28 January 2012

ME/CFS Australia (SA) IncThe Society's first seminar for 2012 will be held next Saturday (4 February).

Here are the details:

ME/CFS Australia (SA) Inc
Seminar
 
Saturday 4 February,
1pm
 
Sofia Conference Room
(situated in Cabra Dominican College),
225 Cross Rd, Cumberland Park

Read more…

 
 
 
For many Fibromyalgia patients, pain takes a back seat to other symptoms

International news

Friday 27 January 2012

From The New Zealand Medical Journal (via ProHealth):

The New Zealand Medical JournalFor many fibromyalgia patients, pain takes a back seat to other symptoms

ProHealth.com
January 19, 2012

Article:
Women with fibromyalgia syndrome in New Zealand: The symptom experience
– Source: The New Zealand Medical Journal, Dec 16, 2011

By Alice Theadom, et al.

Abstract:
Aims: Diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) currently focuses on the experience of widespread pain. However, the symptom experience described by patients with FMS in clinical practice is far more diverse.

This study aims to identify the most common and severe symptoms in female patients diagnosed with FMS.

Read more…

 
 
 
Ampligen for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: still a possibility

International news

Thursday 26 January 2012

From About.com's Adrienne Dellwo:

TabletsAmpligen for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Still a Possibility

By Adrienne Dellwo, About.com Guide
January 21, 2012

NEWSBRIEF: After being rejected 2 years ago, the drug that many thought would become the first FDA-approved treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) apparently isn't off the table. Hemispherx Biopharma Inc. says the FDA has granted an extension that could allow them to make another run at getting Ampligen (rintatolimod) approved.

Here's a little about how the process works: drug companies trying to get a new product approved submit a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA. A rejection doesn't mean, "No, go away." It's more of a, "Not based on the current application." When Ampligen was rejected in December 2009, the FDA detailed for the company what more it would need in order to strengthen its application. The company then has a limited time to submit information under the NDA. Ampligen's NDA was due to expire, but now the company has more time to get information in without having to start a new NDA.

Read more…

 
 
 
CFS and the UK insurance industry

International news

Wednesday 25 January 2012

From Peter Kemp (via Co-Cure):

NHSCFS and the Insurance Industry

By Peter Kemp
Monday 23 January 2012

Being a UK citizen has some disadvantages when it comes to considering the incredible mess that has been made of solving Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Having the National Health Service (NHS) means that the importance and influence of medical/disability insurance is not always so readily appreciated.

Though it may seem contradictory, I believe this may make the UK an attractive target for insurance companies should they wish to exert influence over CFS policies. This is because in countries like the USA, although insurance companies may already have established links to healthcare providers, those providers in turn, probably have knowledge and experience of the kind of pressures that vested interests could exert. Forewarned is forearmed, as they say.

In the UK, however, doctors may see patients with insurance claims as a small minority of their medical practice. They may encounter pharmaceutical company reps on a daily basis, and be familiar with the strategies they employ. But they may be less prepared to notice, let alone look for, opinions that could be influenced by the vested interests of health insurance companies. This may be especially so when such influences reach them indirectly; i.e. via medical journals or the media.

Read more…

 
 
 
Mother suffering debilitating condition tells of verbal abuse distress

International news

Wednesday 25 January 2012

From the UK's This Is Somerset:

Emma and Bethany Hall
Emma and Bethany Hall

Mother suffering debilitating condition tells of verbal abuse distress

Saturday, January 21, 2012

A Wells disabled mum subjected to harrowing mimicry and taunts from members of the public has made an impassioned plea for tolerance and understanding.

Gemma Hall has fibromyalgia, a debilitating condition which leaves her with chronic and severe pain and profound fatigue.

It affects the 27-year-old’s walking style and she often uses a mobility frame or scooter.

But Gemma’s determination to lead as normal a life as possible for herself – and her eight-year-old daughter Bethany – has been left distressed by the cruel jibes of members of the public.

And she is not alone.

Read more…

 
 
 
Foods that aggravate Fibromyalgia and their substitutes

International news

Tuesday 24 January 2012

From Fox 4 News Kansas City:

Foods that Aggravate Fibromyalgia and Their Substitutes

Read more…

 
 
 
Portraits of Americans living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

International news

Tuesday 24 January 2012

From US photography journal Feature Shoot:

Thilde Jensen photoPortraits of American's Living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

by MAJA DANIELS on JANUARY 20, 2012

Danish photographer Thilde Jensen came to New York City in 1997. Six years later her life and career was cut short by a sudden development of severe Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS). The urban life she had previously navigated with ease transformed into a toxic war zone. Her immune system crashed, forcing her unto a survivalistic journey, unravelling the comfort and construct of her previous life. The ensuing years were a lesson in basic survival – camping in the woods, while wearing a respirator when entering supermarkets, doctors’ offices, and banks. To her surprise an otherwise invisible subculture of people emerged who shared this isolated existence. Her photographs are a personal account of life on the edge of modern civilization as one of the human canaries, the first casualties to a ubiquitous synthetic chemical culture. Of her series ‘Canaries’ Thilde writes:

Read more…

 
 
 
Dr. Kevin White's response to Fibromyalgia disbelievers

International news

Monday 23 January 2012

From Dr. Kevin White (via YouTube):

Dr. Kevin White's Humorous Rant about Fibro Disbelievers

Read more…

 
 
 
eReader benefits for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

International news

Monday 23 January 2012

From About.com's Adrienne Dellwo:

 

eReaderseReader Benefits for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

By Adrienne Dellwo, About.com Guide
January 21, 2012

I got an eReader for Christmas, and not only do I love it, I've discovered several benefits for someone with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.

  1. Convenience. If you've got insomnia, like me, it's great to be able to download a book at 2 a.m. It also saves you a trip to the store, which can be taxing for us.
  2. Light weight. My hands often get achy from holding onto a book, especially a heavy one. My eReader is easier to hold, and when my hands get tired, I can lay it on a lap desk or prop it up on a pillow - something that doesn't work with a book.
  3. Search feature. How often does brain fog strike while you're reading? I frequently find myself coming across a name and not being able to remember who that character is. Now, I can do a quick search and refresh my memory.
  4. Less clutter. We certainly don't need more stuff laying around, gathering dust (which many of us are allergic to.)

Of course, there are some possible drawbacks to consider. eReaders are expensive to buy, but if you read a lot you'll eventually save money because books are cheaper. You do have to learn the technical aspects, which can be difficult for the foggy headed. If you aren't tech savvy, you might want to have someone show you how to navigate. I haven't had any eye strain from the screen, but I know some people do better with paper. For me, since it's not lit up like a computer screen, it's a nice relief from my laptop or the TV.

Read more…

 
 
 
Toxic Tiredness examined on TV

International news

Sunday 22 January 2012

From Scottish newspaper The Stornoway Gazette:

Allison MacColl
Allison MacColl, a nurse and
mother from the Isle of
Lewis who suffers from ME
and features on the new BBC
ALBA documentary.

Toxic Tiredness examined on TV

Published on Friday 20 January 2012 12:15

WHAT it is like to have an illness which makes sufferers feel so tired they can’t put one foot in front of the other, or even drink a glass of water, and which many doctors don’t believe even exists, is examined in a new two part BBC ALBA documentary: An Sgiths Nimheil (The Toxic Tiredness).

ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, now affects around 250,000 people in the UK – including a number of islanders – but medical opinion remains split over its cause.

It is characterised by severe fatigue that can leave sufferers unable to continue with normal life.

Some claim its roots are purely physical, occurring post-virally, others believe that psychological triggers are involved.

The truth is unclear and there are wide divisions between the different schools of though, all explored through the new Trusadh documentary.

Read more…

 
 
 
Authors link personal experiences with Fibromyalgia in latest issue of magazine

International news

Sunday 22 January 2012

From Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain LIFE™ magazine:

Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain LIFE™Authors link personal experiences with fibromyalgia in latest issue of Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain LIFE™ magazine

January 10, 2012

The January/February 2012 issue of Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain LIFE™ magazine is now available in print and digital versions, featuring articles on obesity and exercise by authors with fibromyalgia who have both personal and professional experience with the contentious topics.

In her article, “Testing the Link Between Obesity and Fibromyalgia,” author Jean McMillan, who describes herself as “someone recovering from obesity and suffering from fibromyalgia,” interviews several patients and prominent physicians to discuss recent studies that beg the proverbial chicken-vs.-egg question: does obesity cause fibromyalgia or vice versa?

With exercise also playing a major role in the ongoing obesity and fibromyalgia debate, noted researcher and professor, C. Jessie Jones, PhD, offers her article, “Strategies to Stay Motivated for Exercising in the New Year.” Diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1998, Dr. Jones writes, “My intention for writing this article is to share strategies that worked for me to once again be physically active when it was the last thing I wanted to do in my depressed, painful, and fatigued state after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.”

Read more…

 
 
 
More news…

For previous news items, visit our full “In the News” archive:

In the News

 

Home | Welcome | In the News | ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) | The Society | Society Management | Become a member | Events | About ME/CFS | Resources | Publications | Medical | Links | Multimedia | Humour | My favourite… | Contact the Society | Volunteer positions
Copyright © ME/CFS Australia (SA) Inc
www.sacfs.asn.au
Email: sacfs@sacfs.asn.au
Site maintained by Peter Scott
Last modified: January 28, 2012