You and your doctor
Getting a diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ME/CFS after checking the symptoms in the NICE guideline, your GP or consultant should carry out a medical assessment, a physical examination, an assessment of the impact of your symptoms and some investigations. Read more
You could be given some initial advice to rest and convalesce, not to overdo activity, and to eat and drink healthily, while waiting for the formal diagnosis within 3 months. Read more
Not all GPs are familiar with the revised 2021 NICE guidelines for ME/CFS and unfortunately some are still unwilling to accept that ME/CFS is a legitimate illness. It may help if you (or someone supporting you) knows what help the guidelines can offer a doctor.
The NICE guidelines are available online or you can download a summary from the ME Association.
NICE gives an overview of the kind of care and joint decision making you can expect from your doctor: ME/CFS diagnosis and management: information for the public
See also
Getting the most from your medical appointment – a video from FTWW
Once you know you have ME/CFS you can begin to explore what living with your illness will mean.
“Decisions about care are best when they are made together. Your health and social care professionals should give you clear information, discuss all the possible options with you and listen carefully to your views and concerns.” NICE
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