I have had ME for almost 2 decades but only received a diagnosis, of CFS, in 2010. I recently saw a neurologist who also diagnosed CFS and neurological dysfunctional disorder, as is common practice as I gather. I wrote back to him asking him to change the diagnosis to ME as it encompasses so much more than chronic fatigue.I told him that in my experience medical professionals don't tend to know much about ME and that awareness needs to be raised. I also added some symptoms which weren't mentioned. I guess I won't receive a reply until next year, if at all, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
You mention the government's attacks on disability benefits which should be of major concern to everyone. Since taking ill health retirement from my job I am now on ESA/PIP and am deeply concerned by the reactionary rhetoric coming from Liz Kendall, Starmer and Reeves. Numerous disabled people's charities (Disability UK, Work and Benefits amongst many others) have lambasted the government for its reactionary rhetoric which in effect is portraying disabled people as a burden on society when the priority of this government is so called 'working people'.
The Disability News Service is extensively reporting on how the government is resurrecting many Conservative attacks on disability benefits. The new government wants to spy on people's bank accounts as part of its so called 'anti fraud' efforts and it wants to continue the Conservative government's plans to 'reform' the work capability assessment with the express objective of cutting the numbers of people on benefits and imposing huge cuts in the amount of money many disabled people receive.
The current government will continue with benefit sanctions which have led to the deaths of hundreds, if not thousands of vulnerable people. John Pring, the editor of the Disability News Service has a powerful new book (The Department) out which chronicles in forensic detail how the actions of the DWP, which were covered up by government ministers and never questioned by opposition MPs, directly led to the deaths of so many disabled people.
Even more disgraceful is Liz Kendall has floated the idea of work coaches visiting people in mental health wards to pressure them into work.
As an aside, In 2019 I did several FOI requests to the DWP which revealed that 50% of people with ME who applied for PIP were having their PIP applications rejected.
This all continues the systemic violations of disabled people's human rights as documented by the UN Disabilities Committee Report issued in April 2024. I would urge all people to read this 14 page document it is a real eye opener and reveals how we do not live in a civilized society. As a civilized society would not treat its most vulnerable citizens so terribly.
I have had ME for almost 2 decades but only received a diagnosis, of CFS, in 2010. I recently saw a neurologist who also diagnosed CFS and neurological dysfunctional disorder, as is common practice as I gather. I wrote back to him asking him to change the diagnosis to ME as it encompasses so much more than chronic fatigue.I told him that in my experience medical professionals don't tend to know much about ME and that awareness needs to be raised. I also added some symptoms which weren't mentioned. I guess I won't receive a reply until next year, if at all, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Thanks for the cheerful uplifting update.
You mention the government's attacks on disability benefits which should be of major concern to everyone. Since taking ill health retirement from my job I am now on ESA/PIP and am deeply concerned by the reactionary rhetoric coming from Liz Kendall, Starmer and Reeves. Numerous disabled people's charities (Disability UK, Work and Benefits amongst many others) have lambasted the government for its reactionary rhetoric which in effect is portraying disabled people as a burden on society when the priority of this government is so called 'working people'.
The Disability News Service is extensively reporting on how the government is resurrecting many Conservative attacks on disability benefits. The new government wants to spy on people's bank accounts as part of its so called 'anti fraud' efforts and it wants to continue the Conservative government's plans to 'reform' the work capability assessment with the express objective of cutting the numbers of people on benefits and imposing huge cuts in the amount of money many disabled people receive.
The current government will continue with benefit sanctions which have led to the deaths of hundreds, if not thousands of vulnerable people. John Pring, the editor of the Disability News Service has a powerful new book (The Department) out which chronicles in forensic detail how the actions of the DWP, which were covered up by government ministers and never questioned by opposition MPs, directly led to the deaths of so many disabled people.
Even more disgraceful is Liz Kendall has floated the idea of work coaches visiting people in mental health wards to pressure them into work.
As an aside, In 2019 I did several FOI requests to the DWP which revealed that 50% of people with ME who applied for PIP were having their PIP applications rejected.
This all continues the systemic violations of disabled people's human rights as documented by the UN Disabilities Committee Report issued in April 2024. I would urge all people to read this 14 page document it is a real eye opener and reveals how we do not live in a civilized society. As a civilized society would not treat its most vulnerable citizens so terribly.
Thank you for this x