Finding a Doctor for ME/CFS

I was getting ready to e-mail this information to an online friend, and I realized I get asked these questions a lot and should just post it on my blog!

If you're looking for a doctor who understands ME/CFS and knows how to treat it, try these three online doctor databases:

• Co-Cure's ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia Good Doctor List is organized by state and includes over a dozen other countries, outside the US, as well.  Anyone can add to this list, so there's no guarantee, but if a doctor appears here, it means that at least one person had a good experience with him or her.
• Chronic Fatigue Treatments website has a searchable database of doctors in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.  This database is also based on recommendations by patients.
• FM/CFS/ME Resources has a database that includes almost 6000 doctors in over 80 countries.  Just in a quick look, I noticed that many of the doctors listed here are Rheumatologists, so they probably treat FM only.  When I checked my own area, it was almost entirely focused on FM, so be aware of that limitation.  Not all listings are based on patient recommendations.  Some listings specify which conditions the doctor treats.  You can always call the doctor's office and ask.

Finding a doctor who "gets" ME/CFS is so important - it can make a huge difference in your treatment and level of functioning.

Another good approach is to ask other ME/CFS patients in your local area for recommendations.  If you don't know anyone in your local area, try to find a support group or organization.  Here is a list of resources from the CFIDS Association, and when you join the Association, they send you a customized list of support people and groups in your area.

Also, feel free to trade recommendations and suggestions here in the comment section.

Hope this helps!