"An invaluable lifeline service"

I have been diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) spectrum illness.  My symptoms have been present since 2007 and investigation and management led to referral to the ME/CFS Specialist Service in 2010.  I have been under the care of the ME/CFS Service on and off since then and was re referred to the service following complications relating to the diagnosis of thyroid cancer in 2019. Sadly, my condition has been affected by numerous severe illnesses. The management and treatment of these conditions has been aggressive and the impact has produced adverse effects and relapses in the management of my other underlying conditions.  As such, my ME/CFS symptoms have become more severe, frequent and more unmanageable.  This has also led to some conflicting therapeutic responses.  For example my ME/CFS has resulted in medication and chemical intolerances but these medications have been necessary for the treatment of my cancer and even surgical interventions provided additional challenges. This depleted my level of functioning.

Keith has had regular contact with me and provided home visit assessments of my functioning, situation and circumstances.  He has been able to advise me on management during my recovery from surgery and made the necessary adjustments to my ME/CFS care plan throughout. Keith has been able to gain a clear insight into my self care and has liaised with other health care practitioners to ensure collaboration with my treatment plan and co-operation for best possible therapies becoming available.

The support from Keith, CNS, to help me to maintain stability through conservative management and symptomatic remedies has been invaluable and this is very much a lifeline service.