The Blind Spot travelled to Devon and sat down with Bob Maddox to talk about ME.

ME is an abbreviation of Myalgic Encephalopathy or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, and is also known as CFS or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. To quote the ME Association website:

“All types of people at all ages are affected. Severe and debilitating fatigue, painful muscles and joints, disordered sleep, gastric disturbances, poor memory and concentration are commonplace. In many cases, onset is linked to a viral infection. Other triggers may include an operation or an accident, although some people experience a slow, insidious onset.”

Bob has lived with ME for over two decades. In this in-depth video interview, Bob addresses many aspects of ME, giving his own personal view on the subject and details his journey with the condition. 

Part 1: What is ME/CFS?

Jump to Topic:
0:00 What is ME/CFS?
2:15 A helpful energy analogy
4:40 Things don’t work & lack of understanding
8:00 Theories about ME
12:13 Dissatisfaction with doctors
14:00 Treatments & cost
17:51 Fibromyalgia

Part 2: Bob’s Own ME Story 

Part 3: Misunderstandings, Tips & The Future

Jump to Topic:
0:12 Common misunderstandings
4:14 Tips
9:18 The future

Thank you to Bob for giving his time, and honestly and eloquently telling his story. If you have a story to tell about ME, or different subject or experience, please get in touch.

For more information about ME/CFS visit the ME Association website or the NHS page on the condition.