ME, or myalgic encephalomyelitis (also known as chronic fatigue syndrome), effects between 800,000 and 2.5 million Americans and is a debilitating multi-system illness that devastates a person’s mental and physical energy. People with ME who overexert themselves can get sicker for many days as a result. It leaves 75% unable to work or go to school even part time and 25% fully bedbound and housebound. There is no diagnostic test, cure or FDA approved treatment. ME can often last for decades.

MEAction of CO has set up a display at College Hill Library in Westminster this month that highlights what myalgic encephalomyelitis is and what it is like to live with it.  To learn more about living with ME please stop by the College Hill Library. To connect with the ME community in Colorado please check out meactionco.net.

Julie’s Story

We thought it was MS until the doctors  at the Anschutz clinic told us it not. We did more research and ME sounded right. It took quite a bit of education for her primary care physician in Elizabeth to learn ME, but she was willing to learn and diagnose when enough else had been ruled out.

“I enjoy painting and drawing art, as well as gardening and tending to our chickens in Elizabeth, CO. These activities have become a relaxation tool since my diagnosis. I have a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and have spent most my life’s career working with Alzheimer’s patients. I had a private practice counseling individuals who had been adopted. I earned a Blackbelt in  Martial Arts while trying to get my misdiagnosis changed. Many of my symptoms were exacerbated by the four month intense training that involved extreme physical, mental and emotional strengthening. I miss all the activities I used to do with my family, such as riding horses, hiking, fishing, and canoeing”