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< Back Launch of our Crash Wear merch range 18 Jul 2025 Crash Wear is a collection designed with the ME/CFS community at heart - whether you live with it, care for someone who does, or advocate for awareness. Wear your story. Support your community. We're so excited to launch our official ME/CFS Canterbury merch range! Crash Wear is a collection designed with the ME/CFS community at heart - whether you live with it, care for someone who does, or advocate for awareness. From soft, sensory-friendly loungewear to bold minimalist accessories, every piece makes a quiet but powerful statement. Whether you're pacing in a hoodie, resting with a cup of tea, or advocating from bed with a statement pillowcase, each item helps support our local work for people with ME/CFS and Long Covid right here in Canterbury and West Coast. We receive a small amount from every sale, and 100% of that goes directly to our advocacy, support, and awareness efforts. So, when you buy something, you're helping to make a real difference. Crash Wear - made to be lived in, rested in, and seen in. Wear your story. Support your community. https://mecfscanterbury.digitees.co.nz/ Previous Next

< Back Mayo Clinic releases new consensus clinical guidance for ME/CFS 4 Sept 2021 The Mayo Clinic Proceedings publication has recently published a consensus recommendation article for ME/CFS written by the ME/CFS Clinician Coalition. It is exciting that another leading health care publication is sharing up-to-date evidence based information about ME/CFS. The Mayo Clinic Proceedings publication is a premier peer-reviewed clinical journal for general and internal medicine, and is among the most widely read and highly cited scientific publications for physicians. The journal has recently published a consensus recommendation article "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Essentials of Diagnosis and Management" by Lucinda Bateman et al (US ME/CFS Clinician Coalition). The lengthy article (14 pages + references) discusses diagnosis and management, and highlights: key biological impairments in ME/CFS. the need to identify/treat co-morbidities. why GET (Graded Exercise Therapy) is not recommended. the link to Long COVID. It is exciting that another leading health care publication is sharing up-to-date evidence based information about ME. Of note, this article cites research from exercise physiologist, Dr Lynette Hodges, Massey University, NZ. Author Dr. Lucinda Bateman notes, “There are many steps clinicians can take now to improve the health, function, and quality of life of people with ME/CFS, including those newly ill with ME/CFS following COVID-19. This guidance may also help Long COVID patients, even if they do not fully meet criteria for ME/CFS.” Please note that the medication section is based on the US environment, which has a large range of medications available and where clinicians are able to be more experimental with off-label prescriptions than in other countries such as NZ. For local guidance for NZ medical professionals, we recommend the NZ Doctor How to Treat: ME/CFS article. (Available https://m.e.awareness.nz/how-to-treat-mecfs .) Link: https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(21)00513-9/fulltext Previous Next

< Back ME/CFS and its Management Presentation 8 May 2025 We invite you to watch Nurse Wendy Dragt’s talk about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and its Management – recording now available on our youtube channel. We invite you to watch Nurse Wendy Dragt’s talk about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and its Management – now available on our youtube channel https://youtu.be/s8MV6lisdmM This presentation covers: ✦ What we know about ME/CFS ✦ The diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS ✦ Impacts and severity spectrum ✦ Key management principles and approaches ✦ How to make a meaningful life This recording provides useful information for people with ME/CFS, their health team, and whānau. At 69 minutes long, you may need to take some breaks and watch it over a couple of sessions. Expand the description for the video on youtube to access the pdf of the slide deck and a timestamped list of the slides, plus more. ___________________________ DISCLAIMER: Please note that ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast does not recommend any treatments for any individual. Any advice, either explicit or implied, is not intended to replace qualified medical advice. We do not accept any responsibility for any treatment undertaken by readers of any articles or other content, or for any error or omission in connection with any content published on our social media. Previous Next

< Back Orthostatic Intolerance and its management Presentation 1 Sept 2025 We invite you to watch Nurse Wendy Dragt’s talk about Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) and its Management – now available on our youtube channel We invite you to watch Nurse Wendy Dragt’s talk about Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) and its Management – now available on our youtube channel https://youtu.be/HSj8zcK7XK0 OI is a common symptom in # MECFS, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. There are various types including #POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), #NMH (Neurally Mediated Hypotension) and low Orthostatic Intolerance. This presentation covers: ✦ Definition and background ✦ Patho physiology – what’s going on? ✦ Diagnosis ✦ Management ✦ Resources This recording provides useful information for people with ME/CFS, POTS, or NMH, their health team, and whānau. At 62 minutes long, you may need to take some breaks and watch it over a couple of sessions. Expand the description for the video on YouTube to access the pdf of the slide deck and a timestamped list of the slides, plus more. ___________________________ DISCLAIMER: Please note that ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast does not recommend any treatments for any individual. Any advice, either explicit or implied, is not intended to replace qualified medical advice. We do not accept any responsibility for any treatment undertaken by readers of any articles or other content, or for any error or omission in connection with any content published on our social media. ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast is not responsible for the accuracy of content that we link to. The inclusion of such links does not imply endorsement by ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast. Previous Next

< Back Join our quiet act of solidarity for people with severe ME/CFS on 8th August 8pm 1 Aug 2025 #LightsLowForME creates a visible, low effort way for allies to show solidarity while honouring the often-invisible suffering of people with severe ME On August 8 at 8:00 PM, we invite you to join us in a quiet act of solidarity to symbolise the isolation and extreme light sensitivity experienced by people with Severe ME. #LightsLowForME creates a visible, low effort way for allies to show solidarity while honouring the often-invisible suffering of people with severe ME. Severe ME Day honours the 25% of people with #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis who are housebound or bedbound living with the most disabling form of this illness. Many live in quiet, darkened rooms, often unable to eat and requiring care to carry out daily activities. What to do?: At 8:00 PM on August 8, please join us and dim your lights or sit in darkness for a few moments of quiet reflection. If you wish to, take a photo of a candle, soft light or darkened space and share it to your social media. Or use our #LightsLowForME frame or images shared below. Share a quote or fact about Severe ME or use one of our post templates and caption examples. Remember to use the hashtags #LightsLowForME #SevereMEDay and #RememberTheUnseen to quietly show your support. Image Frame: Apply our #LightsLowForME frame to your photo... https://www.canva.com/design/DAGux3PkxTg/p3cun_KzlKxQSH9vhu2KNQ/view?utm_content=DAGux3PkxTg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview Downloadable Images: Post one of our images... https://www.canva.com/design/DAGuzF_JT6o/geIqr1l1LTL_b_eb9DBrOQ/view?utm_content=DAGuzF_JT6o&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview Caption Example 1: I’m turning my #LightLowFor ME this Severe ME Day in solidarity with those forced to live in silence in darkened rooms. #SevereMEDay #RememberTheUnseen Caption Example 2: Tonight at 8:00 PM, I turned my #LightsLowForME for those who live in darkness. Not by choice, but because their bodies cannot tolerate light, sound or touch. Severe ME is a devastating illness, often rendering people bedbound, unable to speak, eat, or even tolerate gentle light. This is for them. We see you. We honour you. #SevereMEDay . We particularly encourage mildly affected followers if they have capacity and allies to carry this message forward. Your participation amplifies the realities of those who don’t have a voice and can't be seen or heard right now in quiet solidarity. For more information about Severe ME: https://www.mecfscanterbury.nz/severity https://anzmes.org.nz/severe-me-day-remembering-the-unseen/ Previous Next

< Back Mental Health Awareness Week 5-12 October 2025 5 Oct 2025 When living with chronic illness it is natural to grieve the losses and find it difficult to cope with at times. View our campaign on our facebook Five ways to support mental wellbeing for ME/CFS We need to acknowledge that it is incredibly challenging living with a disabling chronic illness like ME/CFS. It can significantly reduce options and quality of life. It is natural to grieve the losses and to find it difficult to cope with at times, especially for those who are very unwell and not receiving much support. If you live with ME/CFS or long COVID we suggest the following strategies to support your mental wellbeing. If you have whānau affected by ME/CFS, we invite you to let them guide you on how you can support them to explore these strategies. ✦ Prioritise rest. Take regular rest breaks throughout the day. Rest before and after activities. Rest as soon as you notice symptoms increasing. ✦ Simplify. Prioritise what to spend your limited energy on. Find ways to do things that use less energy. ✦ Connect. Allocate time for friendships with people who understand or care. Join an online community of people who can relate to your experiences of chronic illness. ✦ Look for joy. Schedule in small activities or pastimes that you enjoy or that add lightness. ✦ One moment at a time. Acknowledge the challenges. Be patient with yourself. Practice gentle self-care. __________ . Need help now? Call/text 1737 (NZ) for free counselling support. Visit: mecfscanterbury.nz/living-with-me-cfs/mental-wellbeing for support options Disclaimer: https://www.mecfscanterbury.nz/about-us/disclaimer Previous Next

< Back Christchurch chronic fatigue sufferer told it was all in her head 6 Dec 2019 Gillian Watson, an MECFS Canterbury member, recently sat down with Oliver Lewis from stuff.co.nz and detailed her experiences with the ME/CFS. Being told to keep pushing was detrimental. Gillian Watson recently sat down with Oliver Lewis from stuff.co.nz and detailed her experiences with the ME/CFS. "I was told it was all in my head so I kept pushing. Which is the worst thing you can do with Chronic fatigue syndrome. I did a degree in chemical engineering so I am, well I was, a smart cookie. I used to deal with complex analytical data in my work. I went from that to barely being able to budget at home." "Chronic fatigue syndrome isn't necessarily a degenerative disease but it can be if you keep pushing. And I believe that I wouldn't necessarily have the degree of difficulty I have with speaking and my mobility issues today if I'd got that message much sooner." Thank you Gillian for sharing some of your story with this debilitating illness. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/117957344/christchurch-chronic-fatigue-sufferer-told-it-was-all-in-her-head Previous Next

< Back Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Disorders presentation 4 Apr 2025 Wendy Dragt, a nurse at MECFS Canterbury, recently presented an overview of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) for us. The talk covered definitions, diagnosis, management, plus more. Wendy Dragt, a nurse at MECFS Canterbury, recently presented an overview of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) for us. The talk covered definitions, diagnosis, management, plus more. People with EDS or HSD have joints that have a greater range of motion than is expected or usual. EDS also has significant connective tissue abnormalities that affect skin, joints, muscles and blood vessels. Symptoms can include subluxation, dislocation, chronic pain and fatigue, Dysautonomia (POTS), gastrointestinal issues, Mast Cell Activation Disorder, and more. The recording is now available to watch on our YouTube Channel. https://youtu.be/6jEasfypq0k Expand the description on the video to access the slide deck in pdf format (with bonus slides) and a list of other useful references. Previous Next

< Back New Health Information page for ME/CFS from Health NZ 22 Sept 2025 Health NZ has acknowledged that ME/CFS is a debilitating, long-term illness in the new Health Conditions section on their website. The Health Conditions pages are intended for the public to provide introductory information about health conditions and their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Health NZ highlights the key symptoms, the diagnostic criteria in use in New Health NZ has acknowledged that ME/CFS is a debilitating, long-term illness in the new Health Conditions section on their website. For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Health NZ highlights the key symptoms, the diagnostic criteria in use in New Zealand, the need to pace your activity to avoid triggering Post Exertional Malaise, and more. You can read the information and share it with whānau from here: https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/brain-and-nerves/chronic-fatigue-syndrome It’s worth mentioning that GPs have access to more extensive clinical guidance for ME/CFS on Health NZ’s Health Pathways website for doctors. The Health Pathways for ME/CFS was updated and extended in February 2025, so do ask your GP if they have read the guidance for ME/CFS on Health Pathways recently. Previous Next

< Back BHC publishes Clinical Care Guide 6 May 2025 The Bateman Horne Centre based in Utah, USA, is one of the leading ME/CFS clinical education organisations in the world. In May they released an excellent 96 page ‘Clinical Care Guide: Managing ME/CFS, Long COVID...' The Bateman Horne Centre based in Utah, USA, is one of the leading ME/CFS clinical education organisations in the world. In May they released an excellent 96 page ‘Clinical Care Guide: Managing ME/CFS, Long COVID… You can view the guide online, https://batemanhornecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Clinical-Care-Guide-First-Edition-2025-1.pdf or subscribe to receive notification of updates. https://batemanhornecenter.org/clinical_roadmap/ The guide describes the well-established clinical framework for ME/CFS, grounded in decades of research and patient care, for recognizing and addressing hallmark features such as post-exertional malaise (PEM), autonomic dysfunction, and multisystem impairment. By applying this blueprint and targeting the various components with structured, evidence-informed care, clinicians can deliver meaningful interventions to improve patient outcomes... This toolkit provides: ✦ A structured approach to assessment and management ✦ Guidance on key diagnostic tools and function-based assessments ✦ Condition-specific treatment strategies ✦ Disability and accommodation supports ✦ CME opportunities and additional educational resources Previous Next

< Back New Guidance on ME/CFS for Canterbury GPs 6 Dec 2019 Canterbury District Health Board's diagnostic and management information for ME/CFS has now been updated with input from MECFS Canterbury. This provides GPs in the region with evidence-based guidance and best practice. MECFS Canterbury is excited to announce that the new CDHB (Canterbury District Health Board – now Te Whatu Ora Waitaha ) HealthPathway for ME/CFS is live - as of Friday, 29th November 2019! We have been working with the CDHB team over the last year on getting the content improved. 'HealthPathways' is a website that GPs log into to view best-practice advice for assessing and managing a wide range of health conditions and concerns. Each region /DHB has their own ‘copy’ of the system content, but the base content is provided by Canterbury. The old 'Chronic Fatigue Syndrome' Pathway has been completely rewritten. The new content is largely based on the information on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site, as this is the most up-to-date and informative of the government sites around the world. (Check out www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/index.html if you haven’t already.) The new ‘Chronic Fatigue’ Pathway will help GPs to assess someone more thoroughly to confirm if they have ME/CFS, idiopathic chronic fatigue or perhaps other conditions that may have different treatment options. It also guides them to support people to manage their activity carefully. We have prepared a letter about this new information for you to take to your GP, next time you visit. We want GPs to know about the new HealthPathway so that they can support you better.” Letter re new CFS HealthPathway .pdf Download PDF • 129KB Previous Next

< Back New public guidance from CDHB on ME/CFS 10 Sept 2020 Announcing updated information about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis /Chronic Fatigue Syndrome on the Healthinfo site for people living in Canterbury. This provides clear, reputable guidance from the CDHB about ME/CFS that will raise understanding and awareness. Announced today! Updated information about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis /Chronic Fatigue Syndrome on the Healthinfo site for people living in Canterbury. MECFS Canterbury was proud to assist the CDHB with the update of this info. The content on HealthInfo provides clear, reputable information that people with ME/CFS can refer to for themselves, and also share with their friends, whānau and workplaces to raise awareness and understanding. It reflects the content on the HealthPathways platform and outlines the symptoms of ME/CFS, diagnosis method, self-care suggestions, treatments, and other supports available. To view, visit: www.healthinfo.org.nz/Chronic-fatigue-syndrome-CFS.htm Alternatively, view the Home page of the Healthinfo site at www.healthinfo.org.nz and use the search box at the top right to find the 'ME/CFS' topics. "HealthInfo is a health information website for the general public, funded by the Canterbury District Health Board. The information on HealthInfo is specific to Canterbury, New Zealand. It's written and approved by local ... healthcare professionals." "The website has a mix of health information, including factsheets on different topics and descriptions of local health services and support organisations. It also has links to recommended websites for further reading and research." "When you read information on HealthInfo, you can feel confident that this is the information your medical professional wants you to read." Previous Next