When people talk about "Long-COVID," they're often referring to very different experiences. At the ME|FM Society of BC, we believe it's crucial to understand that Long-COVID isn't one condition—it represents three distinct outcomes of COVID-19 infection. While our society specifically supports those experiencing the post-viral ME type of Long-COVID, understanding all three types can help you better communicate with healthcare providers and access appropriate care. The Three T

Living with ME, FM, or Long-COVID can feel isolating, but you don't have to navigate this journey alone. At the ME|FM Society of BC, we know that building a strong support network and accessing respite care are essential for managing these complex conditions. What Does a Support Network Look Like? Your support network is unique to you and might include: Family and friends who understand your condition Others living with ME, FM, or Long-COVID Healthcare providers familiar with

At the ME|FM Society of BC, we know first-hand how challenging it can be to get a diagnosis and receive appropriate care for ME, FM, and Long-COVID. Many people in British Columbia face long delays—often years—before being diagnosed, partly because these illnesses are complex and not always well understood by healthcare providers. This post is designed to help you prepare for medical appointments, communicate effectively with your doctor, and advocate for the care you deserve

Emergency care is meant to be a safety net—a place to turn when symptoms escalate or a crisis hits. But for individuals living with ME , FM, or Long-COVID , visits to the ER can often feel more like an uphill battle than a lifeline. This post explores the unique challenges our community faces in emergency settings, shares lived experiences from across British Columbia, and offers practical tools to help prepare for and navigate these often difficult situations. Ongoing Strugg

The ME|FM Society of BC expresses profound disappointment with the 2025 BC Budget’s continued neglect of over 87,000 British Columbians living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), 136,000 with FM and 118,000+ for those living with ME post COVID. Despite years of advocacy and explicit recommendations from the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, this budget ignores the urgent needs of a community facing systemic healthcare barriers, stigma, and a loom

The ME|FM Society is revamping the My MLA & ME program for the new Legislative session – and you’re invited to be a part of it . People with myalgic encephalomyelitis know too well what it is to live with a misunderstood disease. From gaslighting to lack of awareness, we are practiced at advocating for ourselves in medical settings. But what does it look like to bring those advocacy skills to the political realm? Since 2020, the Society has run its My MLA & ME campaign, supp

Welcome back, myth-busters! In our second installment of the 'Dispelling Myths' campaign, we're diving deeper into the intricate world of ME/CFS and Long-COVID. Today, we're tackling two prevalent misconceptions that often leave patients feeling misunderstood and frustrated. Ever heard someone say, 'If you could do it yesterday, why can't you do it today?' or 'Isn't that just a middle-aged woman's condition?' Buckle up as we challenge these oversimplifications and shed light

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our "Dispelling Myths" campaign, a vital initiative aimed at tackling the misconceptions surrounding ME/CFS and Long-COVID. These conditions affect millions, yet misinformation can lead to stigma, misunderstanding and even harmful treatments. Our goal is to provide evidence-based content and foster a supportive community for those impacted. What You Can Expect: Over the next six weeks, we will publish a series of blog posts, each desi

The holidays are a time for joy, but for those of us with ME, FM and/or Long-COVID, they can also be a recipe for exhaustion and symptom flares. That's why we've created a free "Living with ME/Long-COVID" email series module dedicated to helping you navigate the holidays with energy to spare. Register for our "Living with ME/Long-COVID" email series now . Note if you have signed up for our email series, you do not need to sign up again. Need an energy boost? Jam out to our

BC Women's Hospital Complex Chronic Diseases Program presents a position statement regarding Functional Capacity Evaluations for people living with ME/CFS. “Healthcare providers need to keep in mind that when patients with ME/CFS exceed their individual capacities, PEM and serious deterioration of function may result”. "Based on current guidance from major institutions..., FCEs are not recommended for assessment of functioning in individuals with a diagnosis of ME/CFS." Read

Guardian columnist George Monbiot says in his opinion piece that "the outdated treatment of ME/CFS patients is a national scandal". Read this compelling article here . Trigger Warning: this article may bring up issues if you have had negative medical experiences.

"I feel like this series is a life-line for people with ME or Long-COVID who are faced with healthcare and social support systems that provide so little access to knowledgeable help and meaningful support." Christina Wiebe Our new educational series, including 12+ helpful, informative modules, is now being sent directly, by email, to people across the province. Information is fact-based, up-to-date, and developed by experts, patients and caregivers. Includes friendly, easy

For an audio version of this article, click on the red SoundCloud arrow. CityNews Vancouver ME/FM Society of BC My MLA and ME program Full article Recently, the ME/FM Society of BC was invited to participate in a local local news story from CityNews Vancouver highlighting the challenge to find care for ME in BC. This news article highlights the challenges that ME patients have in finding a knowledgeable doctor to support their care. The article also highlights the stigma e

For an audio version of this article, click on the red SoundCloud arrow. Introduction and diagnosis Symptom management and referral ME W ebinar for physicians Complex Chronic Diseases Program FAQ page In order to support you with your primary care provider, our website hosts information on Introduction and diagnosis and Symptom management and referral . This information is aimed at health care providers. Our Introduction and Diagnosis page contains links to The National

For an audio version of this article, click on the red SoundCloud arrow on the right. Applicable links My MLA and ME program L etter to Minister Dix and Ministry of Health staff We continue to advocate for all British Columbians living with ME in our ongoing communications with sitting MLAs, Health Minister Dix and Ministry of Health staff. In addition to our successful and ongoing My MLA and ME program, we also communicate our concerns in other ways. As demonstrated in

For an audio recording of this article, click the SoundCloud link arrow. Summary notes of the May 12 webinar Accompanying survey Examining the Unmet Needs of British Columbians living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis On May 12, 2022, in recognition of International ME Awareness Day, the ME|FM Society of BC was pleased to host a virtual event: Sounds Like ME - a community conversation. During the event, Society Co-chair Hilary Robertson provided an update on Society work and

The connection between Long COVID and ME is evolving. In an effort to collect information on this developing topic, there is a new page to our website out today. ME and long covid resources - hosts a collection of published research on ME and Long COVID, collected accounts from researchers and experts, and a series of media pieces covering “long-haulers” developing ME/CFS. Please visit, read and share.

We are excited to announce a new page on our website! Pacing is one of the key management strategies for ME/CFS. Pacing Resources is a collection of high quality resources that support pacing education for people living with ME/CFS. This page lists educational materials such as, guides, tool suggestions and videos. We also encourage health care providers to learn more about pacing. We have highlighted pacing management on our Symptom management and referral (for health car

We have found two new helpful resources to share this week: 1) ME/CFS Survival Guidebook: The Art of Living with ME/CFS 2) Facets of ME: A launch of a new education series of the multiple aspects of living and managing ME/CFS 1) ME/CFS Crash Survival Guidebook: The Art of Living with ME/CFS The guidebook can be viewed online, downloaded, or printed – in color or black and white. This guidebook is designed for patients, for those allies supporting patients and for medical p

On November 29, 2021, we hosted a webinar for our members. Great to see so many of you together with us! This session presented findings of our preliminary project examining the unmet needs of British Columbians living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). Full, short and graphic reports of this project: ME in BC: How the healthcare system for ME impacts clinicians and patients , is available at: Our research | MEFM SOCIETY OF BC . Watch the recording of this presentation belo