Chronic fatigue conditions are some of the most frustrating, life-altering and stigmatized illnesses, so why are they still so poorly understood?

ME/CFS affects roughly 17 million people worldwide. Medicalscience still cannot explain why some people get chronic fatigue syndromes and, distressingly, there are few effective treatments. While many people with ME/CFS are able to live a fairly normal life, a significant minority have symptoms so severe that they are confined to their house, or even their bed, and suicide rates are well above the national average.

Living with ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, by consultant rheumatologist Dr Gerald Coakley and occupational therapist Beverly Knops, is a much-needed, evidence-based guide for people struggling with ME/CFS - as well as their friends and family - that provides practical information and accessible advice on how to manage and live with this challenging condition, at all stages of severity. It will explore:

- The causes and management options for ME/CFS
- The impact of the condition on work, education and emotional wellbeing
- The importance of a balanced, nutritious diet in managing your symptoms
- Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS) and other fatigue-related syndromes
- Advice for carers and questions to ask your doctor
- Life after ME/CFS

This essential, concise book, and its empowering patient stories of hope, will equip readers with the knowledge, strategies and support to navigate and manage this challenging condition.

About the Author
Dr Gerald Coakley (Author)
Dr Gerald Coakley has worked in the NHS for over 30 years. He has been a Consultant Physician and Rheumatologist in South London since 2000 and was a Director of Medical Education for 10 years. Since 2001, he has been involved in the care of people with ME/CFS, and runs a weekly private Fatigue Clinic at Keats House and at The Harley Street Clinic.

Beverly Knops (Author)
Beverly Knops Dip COT, MRCOT, MBACME is a Specialist Occupational Therapist with more than thirty years' experience. She has spent the majority of her career working with people experiencing persistent pain and fatigue. She worked in North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) for twenty-nine years, starting in the rheumatology service, then moving into the Specialist Pain and ME/CFS services. She also spent a period of nine years working one day a week for the Bath Paediatric ME/CFS service, developing her knowledge and expertise in this age group. In 2012, Beverly started work as an associate therapist with Vitality360, a private company working exclusively with people experiencing pain and fatigue. She now leads this specialist team full-time. Beverly is a trustee of the British Association of Clinicians working in ME/CFS (BACME) and is passionate about sharing knowledge and skills with other health professionals.



Reviews
'This comprehensive yet highly accessible tome provides the reader with a holistic consideration of the topic of ME/CFS in an engaging and sympathetic manner. I highly recommend this to both patients with ME/CFS as well as the clinicians that look after them' -- Professor Melvin D Lobo, Clinical Hypertension Specialist, Consultant in Cardiovascular Medicine
'In this highly debated and frequently controversial area of medicine, Gerald Coakley and Beverly Knops provide much-needed clarity. This book recognises what we know and what we still have to understand about ME/CFS, while equipping people with the tools to better live with this debilitating condition and hopefully alleviate some of their symptoms' -- Prof Guy Leschziner
'Having worked in this field for over 25 years this is one of the clearest and most helpful books about the condition I have read. It brings together clear achievable advice to cover every aspect of the condition, it's unusual to have all the information gathered in one place in clear and readable form. The case histories are so helpful and are credible testimonies to the recommendations in the book. I will be recommending this for all my patients in the future' -- Dr Hazel O'Dowd, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, ME/CFS NHS Bristol Service Lead



Book Information
ISBN 9780241557211
Author Dr Gerald Coakley
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Penguin Life
Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 170g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 15mm