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.

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Recommendations by James Oleske, M.D., M.P.H.

Dr. James Oleske, a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Medicine and Dentistry, Newark, New Jersey, in his talk of October 17, 2010 explained his theory of the multi-causality of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and also described some specifics for what a primary care doctor working with a CFS patient can and should do. These recommendations cover the initial evaluation, specialized studies, treatments, and the structure of an overall care plan, and may be helpful as a starting point for discussion and planning between patients and their physicians. He spoke at the New Jersey Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Fall Conference, October 17, 2010.

Dr. Oleske emphasized that even if a physician has not had much experience evaluating and treating CFS patients, there is still much that s/he can do for the patient.

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.