 |
Learn about MEAuthor: Action for M.E.
This series of podcast episodes complement the CPD accredited module on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), originally developed by Dr Nina Muirhead with the UK ME Research Collaborative. The module was updated in January 2023 in partnership with Doctors with ME and drawing on international expertise. The podcasts and the CPD module are relevant to GPs and other health and social care professionals treating not just M.E. but Long COVID too. The CPD module is free, available anytime online and offers 1 CPD point. It normally takes less than an hour to complete and is based on case studies and the latest biomedical evidence. Each question offers further reading to develop and increase knowledge. You can access this free module here: https://www.studyprn.com/p/chronic-fatigue-syndromeIMPORTANT Learn about M.E. podcasts contain general information about ME/CFS shared by professionals and individuals with lived experience. This is not medical advice, and should not be treated as such. You must not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. Any symptom management approach must be considered on a case-by-case basis by an experienced medical professional. Language: en-gb Genres: Health & Fitness, Medicine Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
Episode 13 – Learn about ME and Multi Morbidities
Tuesday, 23 June, 2026
Please send any feedback you would like to share on this episode. Thank you.Episode 13 – Learn about ME and Multi MorbiditiesIn this thirteenth episode we discuss other health conditions that can occur alongside a diagnosis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) or Long Covid. It’s estimated that between 75% and 91% of people with ME also have another condition.[1]Common morbidities are Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). In this episode, our guests Dr Amy Small and Mary McGowan share their insights and experiences of the impact of the interaction of these health conditions with ME or Long Covid. Dr Small outlines an approach towards treating these conditions that highlights the importance of being curious about what is going on in that person’s life and exploring how post exertional malaise (PEM) is affecting them. With PEM, the impact may show up days after an activity. So, giving information on pacing and how to conserve energy is key to supporting the person to manage their health and energy. Symptoms of PoTS can mimic anxiety, so GPs need to explore these types of symptoms. This may take more time than a standard appointment. We also discuss what adjustments could be offered by GPs to build a relationship with the patient over time, taking a light touch approach. Mary asks that GPs educate themselves about these conditions and to plan and review the care, taking a holistic view. Clinical cases on these conditions were added in the recent update to Learna’s free continuing professional development (CPD) module on ME/CFS, which this podcast series was produced to complement. ResourcesLearna CPD module on ME: https://www.studyprn.com/p/chronic-fatigue-syndrome Learn about ME GP webinar: https://youtu.be/jGN_BBhSz7U?si=cOhz0SHq4uMdzFzv NICE Guideline on ME/CFS (current clinical guidance on ME/CFS in Scotland): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng206Learn about ME podcast series: https://mecfs.buzzsprout.com/ Action for ME professional development resource: https://www.actionforme.org.uk/resource/professional-development-for-me/ World ME Alliance Medical Education Hub: https://worldmealliance.org/medical-education-hub/ What is Pacing?: https://www.actionforme.org.uk/resource/what-is-pacing/ Pacing and energy management: https://www.actionforme.org.uk/supporting-you/pacing-and-energy-management/ Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS): https://www.potsuk.org/ Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS): https://www.mastcellaction.org/ [1] Jesús Castro-Marrero Ph.D. a, Mónica Faro M.D. a, Luisa Aliste Ph.D. a, Naia Sáez-Francàs M.D., Ph.D. b, Natalia Calvo Ph.D. c, Alba Martínez-Martínez M.Sc a, Tomás Fernández de Sevilla M.D., Ph.D. a, Jose Alegre M.D., Ph.D. a. (September–October 2017). Comorbidity in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study. Psychosomatics Volume 58, (Issue 5), September–October 2017, Pages 533-543. Available at Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psym.2017.04.010
