Severe ME/CFS:
A Guide to Living

Consultant Physician in Infectious Disease and General Medicine, Dr Alistair Miller MA MB BChir FRCP FRCP (Ed) DTM&H

Having felt that I would probably only have time to read this book rather superficially, I soon became engrossed and read through it in some depth. The amazing attention to detail associated with an enjoyable and easy to read style made it compelling. There is an enormous wealth of practical, down to earth advice written in a personal style but without any resentment or self pity. The text has enormous (but not overwhelming) detail and is then backed up with extremely useful information such as telephone numbers and web addresses for relevant organisations. Each chapter culminates in excellent summary “key points”. The practical help ranges from such items as a detailed review of wheelchair use to small tips such as soaking finger nails to make them easier to cut. Much of this practical information would be of great value to anyone caring for an individual who is suffering from a disability or long term chronic illness, irrespective of the diagnosis.

There is an open minded and sensible approach to alternative therapies and a recognition that severe ME is a condition where many differing management strategies are appropriate.

This publication will be of great help and comfort to anyone afflicted with severe ME and will also be of tremendous value to family, loved ones and carers. It should also be read by healthcare professionals involved in the management of all grades of CFS/ME

Specialist Nurse and Manchester Clinical Network Coordinator, Gill Walsh

This was the most comprehensive guide on severe CFS/ME that I have read and I think that it will be an invaluable source of information and guidance for all health professionals, carers and people with severe CFS/ME who are having to manage this experience on a daily basis.

When I first started caring for someone with severe CFS/ME, I spent a lot of time trying to find out this sort of information – if this book had been available, it would have increased the level of support and advice I would have been able to offer. The practical, understanding advice in this book is exceptional. This book should be used as a reference book within the CFS/ME services – it will be invaluable for professionals, carers and patients. I think that to know that is book has been written by someone who has experienced severe CFS/ME will be an incredible source of inspiration for others in a similar experience who can’t imagine ever improving. The advice was practical, sensible, reassuring and helpful.

Clinical Immunologist, Prof Tony Pinching, writes…

This book deals with a difficult topic of severe CFS/ME with commendable clarity and straightforwardness. It is intensely practical in focus, very well informed, and evidently deeply rooted in personal experiences. The very readable and accessible text is supplemented by carefully researched information and linked to a wide array of resources.  In a field that is marked by controversy, and where strong opinions are often substituted where facts are lacking, the directness, pragmatism and authenticity of this account are disarming and very welcome. On clinical issues, there are only a very few specifics on which I might quibble – that’s quite an achievement! There is an enormous amount of really good stuff here that will be immensely useful to patients and professionals alike. I recommend it highly.

General Practitioner, Dr Wendy Firman, writes…

Until now I have seen very little in the medical literature about the management of patients with severe ME. This book gives a comprehensive coverage of the range of problems that a patient with severe ME may encounter and would, I believe, be a great resource for any clinician involved in their management. It gives sensible advice for patients and their carers and would help clinicians in guiding them on the therapeutic options available.