Note: See also the page on Fibromyalgia. Many patients with ME/CFS also have Fibromyalgia. 

Patients work with their doctors to address each symptom individually while recognizing the overall burden of the illness. Multiple doctor visits are necessary to address individual symptoms. Taking measures to improve sleep will help to reduce other symptoms. Pacing is very important in managing the illness.

It may be difficult to find a doctor familiar with ME/CFS and how to treat it. There are valuable medical resources for doctors available on our website.

At present there is no cure for ME/CFS. Patients and doctors work carefully over time with the objectives of maintenance and management. Lifestyle adjustment will be necessary. It is important for patients that people around them recognize their illness and provide necessary support. Many patients can achieve improved quality of life.

What does the future hold?

To date, the outlook for patients with ME/CFS has been dismal - lack of awareness, lack of treatment, lack of research. That is changing, in large part due to the efforts of patients groups like ours active around the world. A recent report from the U.S. Institute of Medicine has garnered much attention. The IOM report legitimizes the illness and emphasizes its seriousness. Research is increasing with many high profile researchers getting involved. There is reason for patients to be optimistic.