CFS? ME? Fibro?

[littlevoice]

Hi, I hope someone can help. About four years ago I had a bout of atypical pneumonia I have never recovered from, and was diagnosed with CFS.

In due course I went through Dr Bansal's programme at St Helier hospital and I have since been discharged. Now I manage my day to day symptoms OK on my own, but I feel like I have nowhere left to turn to for additional medical advice. I have given up on going to the GP with anything other than a straightforward infection as he thinks I am a hypochondriac, and it just stresses me out and wastes energy.

My question is, I have recently started having symmetrical sore points in my feet, my legs and my arms which then come up in matching bruises. For example, after a few days of sore points I currently have a bruise on the back outside of each knee, and on the inside of leg a few inches up from each ankle. Can anyone advise if this may be a symptom of fibromyalgia, another new symptom of CFS or something else? I am reluctant to go to my GP again as the usual answer I get is MUPS.

In addition, Dr Bansal's office suggested I might be tested for sleep apnoea but my GP just disregarded it when I mentioned it and said it was unlikely. Is this something I should push to follow up, can the two overlap?

(And one final thing, I note that the NHS website has removed references to ME and now call it only "CFS"? Does this represent a change in their attitude towards ME/CFS?)

Thanks for reading and any advice appreciated.

[Dr Charles Shepherd]

I know Dr Amolak Bansal and the MEA has recently announced that we will be funding a new research study looking at post-exertional malaise at his hospital in Surrey

As you have been under his care I assume there is little more than can be done in relation to specialist input to your management

Regarding your current symptoms - it is possible that you have developed a fibromyalgic component to your illness. But as I'm sure you will appreciate, we cannot diagnose new conditions over the internet

If the sore points are accompanied by bruising this is something that you need to show to your GP. If you cannot get an appointment you could take a photograph - something I have already suggested to a patient earlier today.

Sleep apnoea can cause ME/CFS-like symptoms and if Dr B states that this out to be investigated I think your GP should be taking notice of this recommendation

[littlevoice]

Thank you Dr Shepherd. I appreciate your reply, and also find your articles in the ME Connect magazine helpful.