Awareness Day

Awareness Day 3 ribbons“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”  ~ Ryunosako Satoro

 

May is ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), FM (Fibromyalgia), MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) and Lyme Disease Awareness Month. 12th May is International Awareness Day!

 

12th May was chosen as it was Florence Nightingale’s birthday and she was bed bound for many years with what was believed to have been ME and FM.

Support and Advocacy Groups from around Australia and the world raise awareness of these severe and disabling physical conditions all year round, but especially in May.

Some members of our Support Group have ME/CFS, some have FM and some have both. Many also have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and other related conditions.

We now also include members with Long COVID. 

People with ME/CFS, FM, MCS, Lyme-like illness or Long COVID can be young or older, male or female, still able to go to work/school full time or part time, or can be house bound or totally bed bound.

We all hope for a cure one day and know that there is a great amount of research progressing within Australia and around the world.

We look forward to the time when everyone in Australia and worldwide knows more about these largely invisible conditions that affect so many facets of our lives, and those of our loved ones.

Until this time comes, we continue to spread awareness and we appreciate the understanding of the community.

 

 

ME

#mecfs

 

My = muscle

algic = pain

Encephalo = brain

myel = spinal cord

itis = inflammation

 

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a severe, complex, acquired condition with numerous symptoms related mainly to the dysfunction of the brain, gastro-intestinal, immune, endocrine and cardiac systems. 
ME/CFS can range from mild to severe and can cause profound disability in those affected. It is not just “chronic fatigue”. It affects approximately 250,000 Australians and 17 million people worldwide. At least 25% are bed bound or house bound.
ME has been classified as a neurological disorder in the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD 10 G93.3) since 1969. 
 
 
The blue ribbon and butterfly are the symbols for ME/CFS awareness.

 

More info from:-

Emerge Australia: www.emerge.org.au/me-cfs-awareness-week-2023

Emerge Australia’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EmergeAustraliaInc 

May 12th International Awareness Day Facebook page: www.facebook.com/may12th.awareness/

 

 

FM

#fm #fibro

 

Fibro = fibrous tissue (ligaments and tendons)

myo = muscle

algia = pain

 

Fibromyalgia, also known as Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a condition with symptoms that include widespread, pervasive and chronic pain and tenderness in the body, and muscle stiffness, often accompanied by fatigue (hence a relationship with ME/CFS), cognitive disturbance/difficulties, sleep and digestive problems. Like ME/CFS, symptoms of FM can vary from mild to severe.

 

The purple ribbon and butterfly are the symbols for FM awareness.

 

More info from:- 

Fibromyalgia Australia: www.fibromyalgiaaustralia.org.au/patients/what-is-fibromyalgia/  

Fibromyalgia Support and Advice Australia: www.facebook.com/groups/fibrowarriorsaustralia/

Fibromyalgia Support Australia: www.facebook.com/FIBROMYALGIA-SUPPORT-AUSTRALIA-364885047318/

Arthritis NSW: www.arthritisnsw.org.au//wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Fibromyalgia-Infosheet.pdf

Emerge Australia: www.emerge.org.au/what-is-fibromyalgia

 

 

MCS

#mcs

 

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity causes symptoms in sufferers from exposure to low levels of chemicals – levels that do not cause symptoms in most people. MCS ranges in severity from mild to extreme. Symptoms include fatigue, asthma, sore throat and eyes, nausea, headaches, confusion, anxiety, pain, rashes and palpitations.

 

The green ribbon and butterfly are the symbols for MCS awareness.

 

More info from:-

Allergy and Environmental Sensitivity Support and Research Association: www.aessra.org/faq.php

MCS – Australian Awareness: www.facebook.com/groups/multiplechemicalsensitivities/

ME-Pedia: www.me-pedia.org/wiki/Multiple_chemical_sensitivity

MCS-Aware: www.facebook.com/mcsaware/

 

 

Lyme Disease/Lyme-like illness

#lymedisease

 

Currently known in Australia as DSCATT (Debilitating Symptom Complexes Attributed To Ticks). The Lyme Disease Association of Australia defines ‘Australian Lyme’ as illness(s) and disease(s) caused by both known and yet to be identified pathogens in ticks that result in Lyme-like symptoms in Australian patients.

 

The lime green ribbon and butterfly are the symbols for Lyme Disease awareness.

 

More info from:-

Lyme Disease Association of Australia: www.lymedisease.org.au/

Lyme Disease Association of Australia Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LymeDiseaseAustralia/

Karl McManus Foundation: www.karlmcmanus.org.au/

 

 

Millions Missing

#MillionsMissing 

 

#MillionsMissing is a global campaign started by MEAction to bring visibility and recognition to the millions of people with ME/CFS around the world who are too unwell to participate in life in the community.

 

More info from:-

Millions Missing Australia: www.facebook.com/MillionsMissingAustralia

Millions Missing: www.millionsmissing.meaction.net/

ME Action: www.meaction.net