Long Covid throws spotlight on ME sufferers

I have every sympathy with those left suffering long Covid, as a consequence of catching the illness. while not at all intending to detract from or belittle their battles, uppermost in my mind is the number of people like myself who have lived with chronic fatigue syndrome for decades, and largely had little or no acknowledgement, support or care.

ME/CFS are all but the same conditions as long Covid, with all symptoms documented as virtually identical.

Yet, over the decades many of those with ME/CFS have been totally dismissed and treated despicably, not only by the medical profession, but many by their relatives, colleagues and friends too.

I was diagnosed with ME following an episode of glandular fever as a 15-year-old in 1973. I have lived with this extremely debilitating illness for 48 years and at times been virtually bed bound for anything from 8-12 weeks at a time.

I have developing numerous other illnesses and conditions over the decades, which are believed to be as a result of the glandular fever and ME.

Many reported cases of long Covid are evidently nowhere near as debilitating or longlasting as ME and CFS. Only a small minority of those sufferingfrom it experience it affecting them for more than threesix months. Many with ME/ CFS face a ‘life sentence’.

At a time when there is a massive focus on caring for people left suffering withlong Covid I believe very strongly that it is now time for all those in the medical world to acknowledge the great injustice that has been done to ME/ CSF sufferers, and accord us all the same level of care and compassion which is being given to long Covid patients.

MRS JUDI MARTIN

Maryculter