Elevate

A support group for people with ME, CFS & post viral conditions

Daily Mail reports

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The Daily Mail seems to have changed it’s stance somewhat with this interesting article looking at the PACE trials controversy and reanalysis, some new research findings and views from physicians supportive of further biomedical research into the organic nature of the illness.  Read more…

Possible Norwich Screening of ME Film ‘Unrest’

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I recommend checking out and supporting this award winning film about ME ‘Unrest’

There is a form below to help get it screened in Norwich.

http://www.unrest.film/

There is a form that you can fill in which will increase the chances of it being screened in Norwich if you think you might be well enough to go to the screening.

Fill in Form

From the website:

WHAT IF I AM HOMEBOUND AND CAN’T SEE THE FILM AT A FESTIVAL, IN A THEATER, OR AT A COMMUNITY SCREENING?

During our community screenings tour, we plan to do a *limited* number of events where members of the local community who are homebound due to ME or other disabilities will be able to watch the film from home alongside theater-going audiences and participate in Q&A’s. The film will eventually be more widely available to homebound audiences via DVD and online – we just don’t yet know the details of how or when. In the meantime, if you are homebound, you can help raise awareness by encouraging your friends, family and allies to see the film when it comes to their town, at a festival or in theaters.

ME/CFS Researchers in Norwich

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An event held in Norwich in January 2017 gave the public a chance to hear about some of the biomedical research being undertaken on  ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis).

The event was hosted by IFR and Invest in ME Research, a charity promoting biomedical research and education into ME, which is aiming to establish a UK centre of excellence, to improve ME diagnosis and coordinate research into treatments and cures.

The talks were introduced by Dr Ian Gibson, former MP for Norwich North and from the Invest in ME Research Advisory Board.

Speakers (click to jump to their talks)

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic disease causing long-term health problems, characterised by severe exhaustion, as well as pain and dysfunction of the brain, gut and immune system. ME/CFS has no effective treatments, and its causes still remain unknown

ME affects an estimated 250,000 in the UK needs high-quality biomedical research and international collaboration.

Rituximab

Dr Øystein Fluge, a senior consultant and oncologist at Haukeland University Hospital in Norway spoke about ground-breaking research he is leading on Rituximab. This drug has been used to treat leukaemia and lymphoma, as it targets B-cells, a type of blood cell. In 2004, Dr Fluge noticed that ME patients being treated for lymphoma with Rituximab also saw substantial improvements in their ME symptoms. Subsequently, pilot studies and a randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled study also showed positive results, with a large, multi-site Phase III clinical study now running.

Dr Fluge was visiting Norwich to discuss future collaborations over another Rituximab trial being carried out on the Norwich Research Park with Professor Simon Carding from the Institute of Food Research (IFR) and University of East Anglia. Professor Carding also introduced the audience to research in his own group, who are looking for causes and treatments for ME in the gut and its microbial communities. The Norwich Research Park is establishing itself as a hub for biomedical research into ME, in the UK and Europe and through international collaborations.