The importance of rest in ME
This video explains that:
• The symptoms of M.E. are not caused by deconditioning.
• Graded exercise does not help M.E.; if a patient improves with graded activity, they do not suffer from M.E.
• Some patients that qualify for a 'CFS' diagnosis may improve with graded exercise, but these patients do not suffer from M.E. While many patients with M.E. are given a 'CFS' misdiagnosis, the vast majority of 'CFS' diagnosed patients do not have M.E. M.E. is not the same thing as 'CFS' or 'ME/CFS.'
• No one with M.E. is too restrictive with their activity levels and M.E. patients do not underestimate their activity levels.
• It is very difficult for M.E. patients to restrict their activity levels, and requires a high level of discipline.
• M.E. patients know from bitter experience the negative consequences of overexertion.
• The appropriate activity level depends of the severity of each patient's illness.
• M.E. patients must be informed of the importance of rest and given the necessary social and other support necessary for them to minimise overexertion.
Please see the www.hfme.org site for more information.