R.E.S.C.I.N.D.

Petition for the Recognition of
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

While efforts on renaming the disease known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) continue to stagnate, an alternative course of action is to simply recognize in the United States the disease already internationally known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).

The name chronic fatigue syndrome has proven to be detrimental. We deserve an established, legitimate diagnosis that can be properly diagnosed, researched and treated in order to end the medical and social abuses to which we have been subjected for far too long.

Why ME

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis has a 50-year history in the medical literature and a documented history of outbreaks, is accepted by the WHO, and was included in Gary Holmes's short list of names for the 1988 CFS definition (at that time the definition was not considered to be too narrow or specific). It is still in use by most of the world.

ME is listed as a synonym for CFS by the CDC and in most government and patient publications. Using the name ME would help to maintain continuity and consistency and dispell the myth that this is a new, fad "disease de jour" diagnosis. Another "new" name may only add to the confusion and skepticism and is the most difficult to implement. Using different names, as has happened in the past and described in David Bell's book, "Disease of a Thousand Names," becomes a logistical nightmare, making the illness more difficult to study and only serving to obscure the worldwide incidence.

Patients can add their voice to demand that myalgic encephalomyelitis be recognized by signing the petition, "A CALL FOR ACTION: THE RECOGNITION OF MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS AS A SERIOUS AND DEBILITATING DISEASE" at:

http://www.petitiononline.com/MEitis/petition.html

We are "Tired of being sick, not sick of being tired."

Tom Hennessy, President
RESCIND Inc.

Jill McLaughlin, Former Executive Director
National CFIDS Foundation, Inc.


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Contact RESCIND president Tom Hennessy at RESCINDINC@aol.com