I've recently started up a new support group called MEites United.

This is a group where people with the organic neurological, cardiac, immune and neuroendocrine illness Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (classified at G93.3 by the World Health Organisation) can meet other people with the same illness for advice, support and new friendships.  We might also dicuss politics and activism strategies a little bit as well maybe (illness allowing). Anyone who has (or cares for someone with) M.E. is welcome.

This is also a group that cares about challenging the myths about 'CFS' and ME and isn't prepared to accept how things are now; where people with ME are abused/neglected etc. You wont hear the same old 'I have a miracle cure for CFS' and 'oh I am just so tired!'and 'FM/Lyme/Candida is pretty much the same illness' and 'CFS is helped by exercise isn't it?' and 'aren't the CDC doing a great job to help us now?' stuff here! We know that knowledge is power and that debunking these myths is really important.

Please read the group's homepage fully before you join though please.

This group also contains a penpals section, for those who are unable to write much on the computer and who would prefer to make friends by snail mail. (You'll be sent an email explaining how to sign up for a penpal when you join the group).

New members are very welcome!

(Australian + Worldwide group)

PWC Chat – everyone with ME welcome (US + Worldwide group)

CFIDS Arts - for any writers, painters or artists of any kind with ME (US + Worldwide group)

Growing up with M.E. is a new Online Group aimed particularly at younger people with M.E.  There are no defined age limits. Children may join and members can remain for as long as they gain benefit from membership.

ME/ICD-CFS Severe: is a group run by (severe ME sufferer) Ricky Buchanan for those who are at the very severe end of the ME spectrum. The group will provide emotional support and information about very severe ME. (Australian + Worldwide group)

Ricky explains that: you will probably fit right into ME Severe if some of these phrases, or very similar ones, describe you: - You are completely housebound. - You only leave the house to be taken to essential medical appointments, using a helper and a wheelchair or stretcher to manage it.  - You need to use a wheelchair and helper to get around even inside the house.  - You are bedridden, only getting up to use the toilet or a commode.  - You can't even get up to use a commode, and use a catheter or incontinence pads or similar.  - Your ME is progressive.  - You need help, or special technology, to use the computer. - You are sicker than almost every other ME patient you know. These descriptions are just guidelines, you certainly don't have to fit them all! But if they seem to be describing you pretty well, then this community is for you. Membership of the new community is moderated at the moment, so if you join the community, please also email me and explain how the community is relevant to you - eg, do you have very severe ME, do you have a family member who has it, etc.

These are just a few of the many support groups available. To find more go to www.groups.yahoo.com and search for groups to join using keywords like CFS, CFIDS or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. There are TONS of ME support groups listed! (But also a lot of 'fatigue' based groups as well, CFS means every different things to different people of course so don't be scared to ask them which they are referring to; M.E. or fatiguing illnesses under the umbrella term CFS). Lots tend to be dormant though so make sure you check how busy they are before you join – you want to actually have someone else posting in the group with you if possible! It can also take a while sometimes to find a group that suits you and you might have to join more than one group to find the right one for you, but do persevere – it’s really worth it when you find a good one.

(Note that I cannot and do not vouch for the quality or integrity of any of the medical or political information about M.E. given on any of the above groups.)

If you know of a good M.E. support group, please let me know; particularly if it is a good and politically/medically aware group as these are very hard to find!

(The group doesn't have to be politically active, just knowledgeable enough that they know the difference between the basic facts about M.E. and all the propaganda surrounding both M.E. and CFS would be wonderful. Such groups are far and few between unfortunately.)