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What's new on this site? 
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See what's been added to the site since your last visit.
(Don't forget to refresh the page if this isn't your first visit to this page and your computer doesn't do so automatically.)
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Email Updates
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If you'd like to be informed by email of new additions to the site, just send an email to this address with 'newsletter' in the subject line.
The A Hummingbirds Guide to M.E. Newsletter will then be sent to to you each month anything new is added to the site. This will probably mean only 12 (or less) plain text emails a year and of course you can unsubscribe from the list at any time.
The email newsletter will often contain far more detailed information on new projects than the updates featured on the website (below).
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May 2008
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A new paper is available: Problems with the so-called "Fair name" campaign: Why it is in the best interests of all patient groups involved to reject and strongly oppose this misleading and counter-productive proposal to rename ‘CFS’ as ‘ME/CFS’
At first glance the idea that the name ‘CFS’ is the cause of so much harm and misunderstanding seems so obvious as to not even merit further discussion. It seems so logical that one of the first things that patients given this diagnosis must do is campaign hard to have the name ‘CFS’ changed to something far more serious sounding and more appropriate.
But the problem is that it only appears that way if you don’t have all, or indeed ANY, of the facts. When you finally do, you quickly become aware of what a sham the idea of renaming ‘CFS’ really is and how it will make things so much WORSE for all the different patient groups involved.
Please read this information on the US so-called ‘Fair Name’ campaign carefully. This proposed ‘CFS’ to ‘ME/CFS’ name change is just another time-wasting diversion that these vested interest groups are hoping we will fall for, nothing more. Don’t let yourself be the unwitting tool of unethical insurance companies through ignorance!
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April 2008
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A new paper is available: Hospital (or carer) notes for M.E.
Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis have a variety of specific care needs, some of which are well-known and common to a variety of other illnesses and others which are unique to M.E. and with which hospital staff or carers may be wholly unfamiliar. Inappropriate care (even if well intentioned) can have serious consequences for M.E. patients in the short term and the long term, or even permanently. Knowledge of some of the basics about how M.E. affects the body is vital if you are in the position of providing care for someone with M.E. in order to avoid additional unnecessary suffering and disability.
This paper provides general information on how to appropriately care for M.E. patients for carers and hospital staff. An optional form is also provided that M.E. patients can print and fill out to give carers more information about their illness, where appropriate.
The Treating M.E. - The Basics paper has had some minor updates.
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March 2008
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A new paper is available: Problems with the use of 'ME/CFS' by M.E. advocates
This paper looks at why it is not in our best interests as M.E. patients and advocates to use or support the use of 'ME/CFS.'
PLEASE read this paper if you use or support the use of 'ME/CFS' and are a M.E. sufferer/advocate!
A new Gallery is available: The Animal Portraits Gallery
Several new paintings have also been added to The Main Gallery.
Donate 'free' money towards M.E. activism and advocacy!
I've signed up to the VRP affiliation scheme, which means that (if you are a new VRP customer) and you make an order and key in my affiliate number, then I'll receive 15% of the cost of your order (and all orders you make with them for the next year). I will be donating 100% of any funds raised to M.E. research and advocacy. (To the Nightingale Research Foundation run by Dr Hyde M.D., a group very worthy of our support.)
VRP is an online US shop which sells a large variety of vitamins and supplements.
This idea is explained in more detail in 'Treating M.E. - The Basics.' Click here for more information, or just go directly to the www.vrp.com website and start shopping! My affiliate number is 647871
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February 2008
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The Treating Myalgic Encephalomyelitis - The Basics paper was updated.
Many new links were added and the treatment examples section was fully updated and now provides far more detailed information on this topic.
Minor updates were made to the following papers (and their summaries, where applicable):
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January 2008
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The Hummingbirds paper was updated.
This essay expands on the idea of hummingbirds as a metaphor for severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.
The Misdiagnosis of 'CFS' paper was updated.
None of the definitions of CFS defines M.E., so what do they define? What does a diagnosis of 'CFS' actually mean?
The prices of the prints available in the Online Gallery were reduced.
30 – 50% of the purchase price of each item sold will be donated towards funding M.E. research and advocacy.
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December 2007
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A new paper is available: Where to after a 'CFS' (mis)diagnosis?
Every diagnosis of 'CFS' is a misdiagnosis, so where does that leave you and what should you do if a 'CFS' diagnosis is the only diagnosis you have?
This paper is designed not for people with M.E., but for everyone who doesn't have M.E. but has been given a misdiagnosis of 'CFS' based on any of the 'CFS' definitions and so been denied appropriate diagnosis and treatment for their illness.
This new paper is essential reading for everyone (mis)diagnosed with 'CFS' or claiming to advocate for 'CFS' patients - please redistribute it widely.
There are now seven different 'A Hummingbirds Guide to M.E.' advocacy videos available on YouTube.
See the Audio and Video page for more information and for links.
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November 2007
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Would you like to see your M.E. story on a M.E. YouTube video?
Many people have shared their M.E. stories, and it is important we continue to put our stories out there, genuine M.E. stories to try to counteract all far more common 'miracle recovery' and psychological and/or fatigue based case studies out there of people who do not have M.E. but instead some fatiguing illness misdiagnosed as 'CFS' and just to let people out there know what M.E. is really like, how devastating it is and so that people with M.E. can know they aren't alone too..
So I'm after submissions of photos, and a little bit of information about how M.E. has affected your life, to make some short videos for YouTube.
The idea is that I'll show your picture for a few seconds and then give the viewer some basic facts about how M.E. has affected your life. Click on the link in the title for more information.
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October 2007
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A new paper/video and audio file is available: Problems with 'our' M.E. (or CFS, CFIDS or ME/CFS) advocacy groups
This paper looks at the problems with our advocacy groups, and why so many of our groups are not engaged in useful advocacy and what we can do to help change this. These groups and individuals have caused enough needless extra suffering, abuse, neglect and DEATH. What is happening is a human rights travesty on a massive scale. This has to stop. It has to BE stopped.
This paper is also available as (animated!) video, and in audio format, see the Audio and Video page for details.
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September 2007
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A new paper is available: Why the disease category of ‘CFS’ must be abandoned
M.E. and 'CFS' are not the same. This paper discusses why renaming, refining or sub-grouping 'CFS' cannot work and why 'CFS' must be abandoned.
See also: Why ‘CFS’ must be abandoned: Extra
What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis? and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: The Medical Facts have been fully updated.
New 16-30 page extended and extra-extended versions of these texts are now also available.
A Million Stories Untold was updated.
This paper is designed to help explain to family members and friends that M.E. has nothing to do with being tired and that all the rumours they may have heard about it (and about 'CFS') aren't true. It explains all the facts using hard evidence from the world's leading M.E. experts and is fully referenced.
A condensed version of this text is also now available, along with the full-length version. Both versions also now feature a 1 page summary of the text.
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August 2007
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July 2007
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June 2007
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You can now view an 'A Hummingbirds Guide to M.E.' channel on YouTube!
I've only made a few short films about M.E. (and the difference between M.E. and CFS) so far, but there will be more to come over the next few months. Each film is also available in an audio format (as an mp3 file).
Titles available so far include: 'Why 'CFS' is a wastebasket diagnosis' and 'The bogus creation of 'CFS' harms everyone, not just M.E. sufferers.'
Each film is under 10 MB, and around 3 - 6 minutes long. For more information see the Audio and Video page. Happy viewing!
I have made some informal comments about the latest CDC propaganda campaign and some of the ethically and scientifically questionable responses to it by certain 'CFS' advocates, see: M.E. advocacy and 'CFS' advocacy are not the same
A new paper is available: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is not fatigue, or 'CFS'
This paper explains why M.E. is not defined by mere 'chronic fatigue' and why M.E. and 'CFS' are not synonymous terms, as well as why a diagnosis of CFS based on any of the definitions of CFS can only ever be a misdiagnosis.
This paper combines information from four or five previous papers on this site into one new paper. It provides a - fully-referenced - brief overview of the most important facts of M.E. (and 'CFS') both medically and politically and so is ideal for distributing to doctors or family members, or to fellow sufferers.
(The paper is just four pages long, plus references.)
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May 2007
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A new paper is available: What it feels like to have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A personal M.E. symptom list and description of M.E.
I put together The ultra-comprehensive Myalgic Encephalomyelitis symptom list in 2004 using references from the world’s leading M.E. experts. For some time however I’ve wanted to create a second M.E. symptom list; one which combines the available research with a detailed personal description of the illness and which might more accurately describe what it really feels like to have M.E.
This new paper is not just another 'list' of symptoms - more than 50 different symptoms are described here in detail along with many of the other characteristics of the illness (for example; the acute onset of M.E, and the way people with M.E. respond to physical and mental activity, sensory input and orthostatic stress).
This is a detailed description of what it really feels like to have M.E.
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February 2007
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The percentage of the purchase price donated to M.E. research with each art purchase made on this site has been significantly raised!
30% of the total purchase price from all single prints and fully 50% of the total purchase price of any of the special offers on multiple print sets sold on this site go directly to funding Myalgic Encephalomyelitis research projects. 15% of the sale price from all hummingbird paintings will also be donated toward M.E. research, and 30% - 50% from all hummingbird digital prints. (You can see details of my donation history on the About this website page)
Postage is also FREE to anywhere around the world. See the Main Online Gallery and The Hummingbird Gallery for more information and to view the full range of prints and paintings.
A new site feature is available: Tell a friend about this website...
This new page contains short template letters which can be cut and pasted to help sufferers more easily spread the word either about the website as a whole, or about separate pages or sections on the site, by email. Knowledge is power!
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January 2007
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The 'A Hummingbirds Guide' logo is now available on a range of cost-price products or can be downloaded for free so you can print it on your own t-shirts etc.
A variety of other M.E. activism designs are also available. (I make no money whatsoever from any sales. Donations to M.E. research in appreciation of these free designs is encouraged however, for those who are financially able to do so.)
A new feature is available: A CBT/GET Warning Letter
Once you have tried everything to avoid being forced to participate in CBT or GET programs against your will, it might be a good idea to send those who are recommending and/or going to be administering the program/s a warning letter such as this one. This letter politely but firmly informs those involved of the scientific facts, and warns them that you or your family will sue if you are harmed or killed by these unethical and unscientific interventions.
The following papers have been updated:
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December 2006
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A new paper is available: The misdiagnosis of CFS
None of the definitions of CFS defines M.E., so what do they define? What does a diagnosis of CFS actually mean? This paper looks at both of these issues and also includes a list comparing the symptoms of some of the illnesses commonly misdiagnosed with CFS, with several of the CFS definitions.
There is a new Audio and Video page
This new page features spoken word versions of some of the essays on this site, plus a list of other audio and video resources on M.E. for all those sufferers who prefer audio and video files to text files.
A 2 page summary of the Book Reviews Section can now be downloaded/printed in Word or PDF format.
A brilliant new paper by Dr Byron Hyde is available entitled: The Nightingale Definition of M.E. This paper is a MUST-READ. See the Dr Byron Hyde M.D page for more information and for links.
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November 2006
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A new topic is available in the 'Research and Articles' section: Anaesthesia and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
Other new topics available in the 'Research and Articles' section include:
Metabolic Research, General Articles and Research Overviews, M.E. is not defined by 'fatigue', On the supposed role of 'stress' in the causation of M.E., The Outbreaks (and Infectious Nature) of M.E., M.E. Fatalities, Articles sorted by Country and Historical, Political and Medical Overviews
New featured authors include: M.E. Research UK, (MERGE), Research into M.E., (RiME), The 25% M.E. Group, Invest in M.E., and there is also a new Author Overviews section.
The 'Book Reviews' page now includes an extra section entitled: Recommended Myalgic Encephalomyelitis DVD's
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September 2006
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This is a stand-alone comprehensive guide to the use of CBT and GET on patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (or ICD-CFS) and the psychiatric or 'behavioural' paradigm of M.E. generally.
It is designed to be a one stop URL for when you want to educate someone about M.E., but you know that just directing them to one good study or article wont be enough and you want to send them to a page which lists hundreds of the best of each!
This 100 page + resource contains excerpts and links to literally hundreds of articles and research studies which expose the lack of scientific legitimacy (and the hidden financial and political motivations) underlying the 'behavioural' paradigm of M.E. and the use of CBT and GET on M.E. patients – as well as a large number of patient accounts of CBT and GET.
You can direct people to the webpage, and you can also download a copy of the entire 128 page database (or a 30 page summary) in Word or PDF formats and distribute paper copies. I hope the M.E. community will find this a useful resource.
A new paper is available - Smoke and Mirrors
This fully referenced paper looks at the lack of evidence (and financial and political motivations) behind the 'behavioural' model of M.E. and the use of interventions such as CBT and GET, the physical effects of CBT and GET on patients with M.E., and outlines a strategy for the resolution of the confusion caused by the 'CFS' disease category.
This text forms the introduction to the database.
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August 2006
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July 2006
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June 2006
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May 2006
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Fatigue Schmatigue was updated.
Because a number of people are merely replacing the politically applied and inaccurate word 'fatigue' with other words which mean pretty much exactly the same thing (tiredness, lack of 'energy' or ' low stamina' or 'exhaustion' among others) and so are just as damaging to M.E. sufferers as the 'f' word, I have added a larger section on M.E. symptomatology to the essay in the hopes that it will explain the issue more clearly.
A second paper which deals with the incorrect terms 'energy' and 'exhaustion' in more detail is also now available (imaginatively) entitled Energy Schmenergy. If not ‘fatigue’ then.. what? is another new paper which discusses several ideas on alternate terminology in more detail.
A list of all the articles, essays (and interview transcripts) available on the site written by myself (Jodi Bassett) is now available on a new 'Articles sorted by Author' page.
The Myths about M.E. lists some of the most common myths about the illness.
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April 2006
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Myalgic Encephalomyelitis vs Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia (and GWI, MCS and Lyme disease etc.) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis are each distinct and unique illnesses and it is vitally important that they are always seen that way for the benefit of all patients involved.
My comments on the CDC's latest 'CFS' press release
The press release unbelievably claims that the CDC has just found 'the first credible evidence that CFS is a biological illness.'
This text also includes additional comments about the CDC/CFIDS Association's 'Faces of CFS' (propaganda) campaign, plus links to articles by other authors on this important topic.
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March 2006
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February, 2006
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Testing for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. is a new text which gives a basic overview of some of the series of tests which can be done to help confirm a suspected M.E. diagnosis (and also contains further information on many other aspects of diagnosis).
While there is as yet no single test which can diagnose the illness, there are a series of tests which can aid diagnosis - despite the many claims made in the media and elsewhere to the contrary.
The 'On so-called 'fatigue' in M.E. quotes' section now contains even more new material. Contributors include some of the worlds leading M.E specialists and advocates and of course M.E. sufferers.
Fatigue may be the main symptom or a major symptom of: depression, idiopathic chronic fatigue, post-viral fatigue states, various fatiguing illnesses, Fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis and Lyme disease... But it is NOT the defining symptom or feature of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or M.E. equivalent CFS. There should be enough hard solid evidence in this section now (along with the Fatigue Schmatigue paper) to fully convince anybody of this fact.
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January, 2006
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December, 2005
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I am currently working on updating all the essays on this site. The first to be completed is The Ultra-comprehensive M.E. Symptom List.
The list now contains around 40% new material, and the 'cognitive and neurological dysfunctions' and 'immune system dysfunctions' and the 'hallmark characteristic of M.E.' sections in particular are all greatly improved. A 2 page summary of the symptom list is also now available: The M.E. Symptom Summary
M.E. Friendship Gear is now available: Lots of people over the years, in different M.E. support groups have commented that they wished they could award medals to particular members sometimes; for when someone shows amazing strength and determination through adversity, or goes out of their way to help others (despite having their own problems) or even 'just' for someone having the mental strength to keep going every day despite living with severe illness. I've always wanted to make such medals, and finally I have! The medal designs are available on a range of cost-price products OR you can download the medal images for FREE and make your own.
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October, 2005
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The new Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Research and Articles section is finally finished! It is a collection of literally HUNDREDS of some of the best ME research and articles, from some of the worlds leading researchers, doctors and ME advocates!
Because of the politics and financial interests involved in ME research it is vitally important that before you read anything about the illness that you understand the context in which it was written. This text looks at the scientific facts which easily disprove the propaganda surrounding ME in so many research studies and articles.
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September 2005
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Lots of new Quotes were added to each of the 5 quotes sections.
A new hummingbird sketch was added to the main virtual Gallery.
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August 2005
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BREAKING NEWS!
I just did my very first radio interview about M.E.! Click here to listen to the interview or to read a written transcript of the interview. A short piece entitled 'Myalgic Encephalomyelitis-related interview trivia' (relevant to anyone who knows somebody who has M.E.) is also available on that page.
The Treating M.E. - Avoiding Overexertion page was added
The single biggest factor determining recovery and remission from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis at this point - aside from dumb luck - is undoubtedly appropriate rest in the early and/or severe stages of the illness. More information on different treatments, diets and treatments to avoid will b | | |
