Severe M.E./CFS - a guide to living

Do you have severe M.E. or care for someone who does?

The latest edition of Severe ME/CFS: A Guide to Living is now available.

Published in 2010, this invaluable book was written by the late Emily Collingridge, a patient with more than 12 years’ experience of severe M.E., in consultation with more than 30 patients, carers, friends, relatives and health professionals.

“Emily’s book is the legacy she left behind to support us all. I don’t know how I’d have coped without it. It has been my M.E. bible. I wish I could thank her, but no thanks could ever convey the depth of my gratitude.” Kara, severe M.E. patient

The book’s 144 pages offer guidance on every conceivable area of life with severe M.E. at any age, as well as specific help for carers, loved ones, health and social care professionals and home tutors. It sets out to answer questions like:

• “Washing makes me feel ill; what should I do?”
• “I’m struggling to eat; how can I avoid malnutrition?”
• “My medical team doesn’t know anything about severe M.E.; how can I get them to understand?”
• “Some of my symptoms are very frightening; what can I do about them?”
• “I’m finding basic daily activities really difficult; is there any equipment that could help me?”

Over the past few months Action for M.E. has been honoured to work with Emily’s mother, Jane, and her friends, Naomi and Victoria, to update Severe ME/CFS: A Guide to Living in line with the 2021 NICE guideline for M.E. and revised information about welfare benefits. Jane is also responsible for the www.severeme.info website while Naomi and Victoria manage the guide’s Facebook page. 

We have chosen a printing company which uses only vegetable-based inks, water-based chemistry and FSC accredited paper and board, and a sample has been tested for smell-sensitivity.

In accordance with Emily’s wishes, we sell the book at cost price. Increased paper/printing charges mean that this has risen to £9.25, which includes postage to anywhere in the UK. Extra postage will be added to international orders.

Order by phone

Want to speak tosomeone, or having issues with the online shop? All items can be bought over the phone on 0117 927 9551, just choose the option for fundraising and quote the name of the item you're interested in.