ME/CFS Society of WA: Newly Diagnosed

It is not uncommon for those affected to experience a prolonged period of doubt, puzzling symptoms and declining health before receiving a confirmed diagnosis. This can be a difficult and stressful period giving rise to fears of other potentially fatal illnesses as well as uncertainty about the future.

While the diagnosis of ME/CFS itself may come as something of a relief it usually isn’t long before uncertainty about diagnosis is replaced with new doubts about the best forms of treatment to try.

"...sufferers who obtain an early diagnosis, subsequent understanding, support and appropriate individually tailored management in partnership with their healthcare provider(s) tend to be the ones who make the most significant progress."
-Independent Report to the UK Chief Medical Officer 2002

Varying levels of knowledge and understanding amongst health professionals may combine with large volumes of often questionable and sometimes conflicting information about ME/CFS to reignite feelings of frustration and despair.

By becoming as widely informed about ME/CFS as possible individuals can rebuild confidence, remove doubt and become active participants in their own medical care. Seeking credible information from a variety of sources and sharing knowledge and experience with others can help those affected regain some degree of control and better cope with the many challenges a diagnosis of ME/CFS brings.

The About ME/CFS section of this website contains a wealth of information to help individuals better understand the disease. We also suggest you read our section on working with Your Doctor for details of the various ways the Society can help individuals learn more about which forms of treatment they may benefit from trying.