ME/CFS Care

This is not the kind of tiredness a good night's sleep fixes.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome or ME/CFS, can affect energy, thinking, sleep, pain and the ability to manage everyday activity. Care begins with understanding what happens during and after exertion.

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Fatigue is only one part of ME/CFS

ME/CFS involves disabling fatigue and other symptoms that reduce a person's ability to function. A defining feature is post-exertional malaise, where physical, cognitive, emotional or social activity causes symptoms to worsen.

This worsening may be delayed and can last for days or longer. An activity that once felt ordinary, such as working, exercising, concentrating, socialising or completing household tasks, may trigger a disproportionate setback.

Other symptoms can include unrefreshing sleep, brain fog, pain, headaches, dizziness, flu-like feelings and sensitivity to light, sound or temperature.

Your ME/CFS appointment

Understand the effect activity has on your symptoms.

Your doctor may ask about:

01
when the illness began and whether it followed an infection or other event
02
the activities that worsen symptoms
03
whether the worsening is immediate or delayed
04
how long recovery takes
05
sleep and whether it feels restorative
06
concentration, memory and other cognitive changes
07
pain, dizziness, digestive symptoms and temperature sensitivity
08
the effect on work, study, mobility, relationships and self-care
09
previous diagnoses, investigations and treatments
10
medication, mental health and wider medical history

There is no single test that confirms ME/CFS. Your doctor may recommend tests or referrals to investigate other possible causes of fatigue and related symptoms.

If available, bring previous results and specialist reports, a list of medicines and supplements, and brief notes showing activities, delayed symptom changes and recovery time. Do not push yourself to produce a detailed diary if tracking worsens your symptoms.

ME/CFS is not explained by deconditioning alone

ME/CFS is a complex, multi-system condition. It is not ordinary tiredness, a lack of motivation or simply the result of being inactive.

Post-exertional malaise means that fixed increases in exercise or activity can worsen symptoms. Activity advice needs to respect your current energy limits and should not require you to push through a flare.

Management within your energy limits

There is currently no single cure for ME/CFS. Care focuses on understanding your energy limits, reducing symptom flare-ups and addressing the symptoms that affect you most.

Management may include pacing and energy planning, sleep and pain support, medication review, practical adjustments and care for overlapping conditions. Your GP may also coordinate care with specialists and allied health professionals who understand post-exertional malaise.

Any movement or physical activity plan should be individualised, flexible and adjusted according to symptoms. Fixed incremental exercise programs are not recommended as treatment for ME/CFS.

Appointment length

Choose the appointment type that matches where you are in your care. Exact fees follow the medical consultation fee schedule unless a service page states a different confirmed fee.

New patients
45-minute consultation
Returning patients (follow-up)
Up to 20 minutes. If the consultation runs longer, an additional fee may be charged.

Medical consultation fees are listed below. Confirm appointment and fee details with reception when booking.

Medical consultation fees

Mahila Women's Clinic is a private billing practice. The following medical consultation fees apply unless a service page states a different confirmed fee.

A Medicare rebate may apply to an eligible medical consultation. The item billed depends on the service provided, the actual consultation time, the clinician and Medicare requirements.

Procedures, pathology, imaging, products, equipment and other services may involve additional costs. Relevant additional fees should be shown on the individual service page or discussed before the service is provided.

Medical consultation fees by appointment length
Consultation length	Clinic fee
Less than 20 minutes	$150
Up to 30 minutes	$280
Up to 45 minutes	$380
60 minutes or longer	$450

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