The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Fibromyalgia Society of Alberta

Welcome

The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Fibromyalgia Society of Alberta's primary aim is too work with similar foundations to educate health care professionals and the general public about ME/FM. Specifically partnering for seminars, newsletters, brochures and other media events in order to maximize the dissemination of information and awareness of the disease.

What is ME/FM

"Myalgic Encephalomyelitis" also known as “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”. Is classified as a neurological disease in the World Health Organization (ICD). This illness is referred to as “ME/CFS”. It is estimated that 150,000 Canadians suffer from ME/CFS. It affects all age groups including children, although it has a higher rate amongst females. ME/CFS can be debilitating.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is classified as non-articular rheumatism in the World Health Organization (ICD). There is consistent documentation that a physical trauma can trigger FM. It is estimated that up to 3,000,000 Canadians suffer from FM. It affects all age groups but is prevalent amongst females.

“In comparison with other chronic illnesses such as Multiple Sclerosis, end-stage renal disease and heart disease, patients with ME/CFS show markedly higher levels of disability” - (Quality of Life and Symptom Severity for Individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Findings from a randomized Clinical Trial. RR Taylor, American Journal of Occupational Therapy 2004:58:35-43)

May 12th was chosen in memory of Florence Nightingale’s birthday which was May 12th, 1820. After returning from the Crimean War ill with what was thought to be ME/CFS like symptoms, she was bedridden for almost ten years. She still managed to continue her work through writing over 200 books and articles and wrote the [...]

Is holding a patient support meeting and public forum at the Liben Theater and Foyer, Foothills Hospital, Calgary from 12 pm –5:00 pm on June 14, 2008 to inform the general public about digestive motility diseases.    The ME/FM Society of Alberta will be hosting a table with information available. When gastrointestinal (GI) function is compromised, patients [...]