We are a Group of people who join together on the 3rd Tuesday in the month at The Motueka Community Services Centre opposite Jack Inglis Friendship Hospital (15 Courtenay Street) 11 am till Midday. Understanding each other, helping each other with information, ideas and contacts. Books and pamphlets via www.anzmes.org.nz and strengthtogethernelson@gmail.com - local contact Miriam auntsally01@msn.com 027 243-7124

Myalgic Encephalopathy or ME, otherwise known as Tapanui Flu and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This affects all socio economic groups, all ages, female and male and about 3-4 people per thousand. see also         thewireless.co.nz/articles/the-children-left-bed-bound-by-fatigue   published Tuesday 31St July 2018.

ME/CFS is an illness which leaves sufferers exhausted after minimal activity and has many different symptoms. Currently, research indicates abnormalities in the neurological and immune systems.  85-90% people also have Fibromyalgia. It usually follows an illness like glandular fever. It is diagnosed by exclusion of other illnesses and biomarkers are very close to being released after research. There are overlapping and related conditions / CFS/Fibromyalgia - Fibromyalgia " has widespread pain in multiple connective tissue areas" (Mease 2011) and is Clinically diagnosed /through 18 tender points. To be diagnosed with Fibromyalgia you need a history of diffuse musculoskeletal pain and tenderness on palpation (applied Pressure) in 11 of those 18 points. Over the years there has been increased recognition that fatigue, poor sleep, and cognitive dysfunction (fibrofog) almost always accompany the pain in Fibromyalgia.  Most individuals have to find doctors that understand, pain relieves that works for them, and learn to pace themselves with everything. Diets of various kinds play a big part in one's life. Sufferers of all these Chronic Illnesses suffer more than one complaint. Life can literally be Hell. Support Groups on and offline help each other unconditionally.  I could write a book to explain more, but don't feel suitably qualified. Trust this gives more of you a little understanding of these Chronic Illnesses. Support Groups need money to help more people

www.anzmes.org.nz    MECFSS MEISS    www.fibromyalgia.org.nz non-profit organizations  in New Zealand 

Dr Ros Vallings,  Dr Ken Jolly  a couple of NZ doctors, Dr Charles Lapp from USA spoke in New Zealand to many people in the last 3 years.  The Film "UNREST"   Jennifer Brea's real life story explains a lot of information.