Rainbow at shoreline

The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association, a 501(c)3 founded in 1985, exists to meet the needs of patients with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) or FM (Fibromyalgia), their families and loved ones. The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association works to educate health-care providers and the general public regarding these severely-disabling physical illnesses. We also support patients and their families and advocate for more effective treatment and research.

Research articles

Working with your FM doctor

When a health care provider suspects a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, often s/he will refer the patient to a rheumatologist to confirm the diagnosis. This may take one or more visits. Sometimes the rheumatologist will continue to follow the patient but often the patient will be referred back to the primary care provider for continued care.

As with any condition, health care providers vary in their knowledge of fibromyalgia, and even in their attitude toward this condition. If you feel that you are not getting appropriate care from any doctor, a frank discussion at the next appointment may help. Lean more about Working with your Health Care Provider.

Leading Doctors Explain ME/CFS in videos and text

IACFS/ME 2014 Conference Summary by Dr. Rosalind Vallings. Detailed written summary.

Video of Dr. Komaroff's 2013 lecture to MassCFIDS "CFS Research: Recent Progress and Challenges." The extensive Q & A addresses treatment.

Dr. Komaroff's summary to MassCFIDS of the 2011 IACFS/ME Conference. Detailed written summary.

IACFS/ME 2011 Conference Summary by Dr. Rosalind Vallings. Detailed written summary.

Dr. David Bell's 2011 lecture to MassCFIDS "25-Year Follow-up: Rising Incapacity" on the results of his follow-up study of his patients from the Lyndonville, NY outbreak of ME/CFS. Detailed written summary and video.

Dr. Komaroff's 2010 lecture to MassCFIDS "The Latest CFS Research." Detailed written summary and video.

Dr. Komaroff's "2008 Progress Report on CFS Research." Article by Dr. Komaroff.

Dr. Nancy Klimas's 2006 lecture to MassCFIDS "Research Advances in CFS: Impact on Treatment." Detailed written summary.

Dr. David Bell's lecture to MassCFIDS described in the detailed article "A Conceptual Breakthrough? Dr. Bell Relates 'Very Exciting' Findings on Possible Causes, Tests, Treatments for ME/CFS." 

 

Subcategories

Notice about names

The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association would like to clarify the use of the various acronyms for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and  Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) on this site. When we generate our own articles on the illness, we will refer to it as ME/CFS, the term now generally used in the United States. When we are reporting on someone else’s report, we will use the term they use. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal agencies, including the CDC, are currently using ME/CFS. 

Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association changed its name in July, 2018, to reflect this consensus.