Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), often unfortunately referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is a debilitating illness affecting millions worldwide. This guide draws upon the work of Dr. Leslie O. Simpson and Nancy Blake, particularly their book “Ramsay’s Disease – Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and the Unfortunate Creation of ‘CFS’,” to provide a foundational understanding of ME/CFS.
Dr. Simpson, a researcher with over three decades dedicated to haemorheology (the study of blood’s physical properties), offers crucial insights into the physiological mechanisms underlying ME/CFS symptoms. He highlights the critical role of red blood cells in oxygen transport. Healthy red blood cells are biconcave discocytes – round, flat, and dimpled, allowing them to deform and navigate narrow capillaries, delivering oxygen and removing waste.
In individuals with ME/CFS, Dr. Simpson’s research reveals a significant proportion of red blood cells with abnormal shapes, rendering them stiff and hindering their passage through the microcirculation. This impaired oxygen delivery to vital areas like muscles, the brain (leading to “brain fog”), and the endocrine system (disrupting body temperature, appetite, and sleep), explains many common ME/CFS symptoms. While this doesn’t pinpoint the initial cause, it elucidates how the symptoms manifest.
While the exact cause or causes of ME/CFS remain elusive, this understanding of red blood cell dysfunction opens avenues for potential symptom management.
Dr. Simpson suggests several readily available supplements that may improve red blood cell flexibility, including:
- Fish Oil: 6g per day
- Genuine Evening Primrose Oil (EPO): 4g per day (ensure authenticity, as many products labeled EPO are not genuine)
- Vitamin B12: As hydroxocobalamin
- Pentoxyfilline
It’s important to note that individual responses vary. Dr. Simpson recommends experimenting to find the supplement that provides the most benefit. He has consulted with numerous ME/CFS groups across the globe, receiving positive feedback from many who have found relief through these recommendations. Unfortunately, his haemorheology-based approach is often overlooked by the medical establishment, depriving many sufferers of potentially life-changing information.
Nancy Blake, a Neurolinguistic psychotherapist who personally battled ME/CFS beginning in 1986, brings a critical perspective to the discussion. Having recovered, she passionately argues against the psychological labeling of ME/CFS, advocating instead for a physiologically grounded understanding of the illness.
Blake emphasizes the need for appropriate support and treatment strategies based on the biological realities of ME/CFS, directing her recommendations to patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike. She champions recognition of ME/CFS as a physical illness, not a mental health condition.
In conclusion, understanding the haemorheological aspects of ME/CFS, as highlighted by Dr. Simpson, and advocating for physiological recognition, as championed by Nancy Blake, are crucial steps towards better managing and treating this complex illness. While further research is needed to uncover the root causes, these insights offer hope and potential avenues for improving the lives of those affected by ME/CFS.
