ME Association

1/3 October is Dysautonomia Awareness Month. In 2025, we shared an A to Z of common symptoms, experiences, and comorbidities of ME/CFS. P is for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS).

2/3 PoTS is a fairly common comorbidity of ME/CFS, especially in younger age groups. The key symptom is a significant rise in heart rate (tachycardia) upon sitting or standing from a reclined position. To understand more about PoTS, download our free booklet: meassociation.org.uk/snck

Dr Charles Shepherd was interviewed as part of a Daily Mail article, and we share on the blog some notes on the key points Dr Shepherd made during the interviewabout the supplement Oxaloacetate which you may find useful. Read more: https://meassociation.org.uk/uzne #MECFS

1/3 PRIME Symposium: Professor Danny Altmann Q&A Professor Danny Altmann discusses the latest Long Covid research, why scientists must “do better”, and why ME/CFS & Long Covid should be studied together.

2/3 He also explains the importance of the Rosetta Stone study, backed by the ME Association’s largest-ever grant of £1.175M to Imperial College. An update on recruitment, ethical approval and Public Advisory Group opportunities is coming before the end of the year.

1/3: Sharing for information: Independent: Dr Amir Khan explains Miranda Hart’s ME symptoms as Celebrity Traitors star reveals impact of chronic illness https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/culture/miranda-hart-chronic-illness-doctor-symptoms-b3069849.html #MECFS

2/3: N.B. The ME Association are not recommending that people with ME/CFS should undertake this sort of quite strenuous physical exercise until they have had a sustained period of good health that is consistent with improvement/recovery.

1/2: Dr Charles Shepherd and Olympic sprinter, Beth Dobbin who now has severe ME, were interviewed by BBC Radio Sheffield live on air on the 19th October. MEA blog: https://meassociation.org.uk/lgez #MECFS #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #BethDobbin #BBCSportNews

1/2 Parliamentary Questions (PQs) on ME/CFS & Long Covid: Aug/Sept 2026 We've listed all the parliamentary questions asked during this period in the following link: linktr.ee/MECFSLC.Parl...

**Trigger Warning: Some may find this content upsetting**  The Olympic sprinter now bedbound for 22 hours a day  Read more: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/articles/crd6dj26v4e4o  #MECFS

1/3 Scientific Reports: Handgrip strength parameters as predictors of post-COVID syndrome (PCS) severity & muscle weakness in an observational study From Abstract: This study determines handgrip strength using a digital hand dynamometer as an objective measure of muscle function in PCS, ……..

2/3 www.nature.com/articles/s41... Further studies and information on HGS below: Springer Nature: Handgrip strength in children, adolescents, and young adults with suspected myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome link.springer.com/article/10.1...

We would like to say a massive 'thank you' to Mel, Karen & Tracy from the Southend Vox Community Choir for raising over £3,000 for The MEA! On 19th Sept, they did a 'strollathon' where they continuously danced/strolled for 8hrs to Rock n Roll sounds from the 50’s & 60’s! #ThankYouThursday #ThankYou

1/2: A new play is coming to London! Created by Noah McCreadie, who will be performing this one man show at the The Union Theatre about his friend who had ME, and sadly passed away a few years ago. 4 November 2026 - 6 November 2026 Times: 7.30pm Tickets: £18 #MECFS #pwME #MyalgicE

1/2: The next AGM of The ME Association will be held on December 8th 2026, 2pm – 3pm. The AGM is open to all members of the ME Association, who may attend either online via ZOOM or in person at our office: 7 Apollo Office Court, Radclive Road, Gawcott, Buckinghamshire, MK18 4DF. #MECFS

News Medical: Severe long Covid associated with distinct oral and lung microbiomes "A study of more than 700 people has shown that those with long Covid have distinct differences in the mix of bacteria that live in their mouths and lungs" https://tinyurl.com/mvz52bem #LongCovid #LongCovidResearch

1/3: The government’s Timms Review published an update in September 2026, outlining 'emerging recommendations' and proposed ‘principles for a reformed benefit' for PIP. Read more: https://meassociation.org.uk/kfpk #MECFS

2/3: These proposals are still being developed. They are not confirmed changes to PIP eligibility rules or assessment procedures, and the government has not committed to implementing every proposal.

This #FundraisingFriday, we'd like to say a big thank you to Connor and everyone at RAF Boulmer Catering Flight who bought his yummy bakes and raised over £400 for the ME Association!  If you'd like to donate, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/connor-mackie-4  #MECFS #MEAssociation

1/2: Kieran Barnaville , who was bedbound for 10 years with severe ME, has shared his story on Radio Jackie to help raise awareness of ME/CFS. Dr Charles Shepherd, MEA Hon. Medical Adviser, was also interviewed on this local South West London radio station! https://meassociation.org.uk/rdus #MECFS