A patient's journey with myalgic encephalomyelitis

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) presents patients and their general practitioners with the challenge of managing a life shaped by chronic debilitating illness, pain, and uncertainty. The notion that body limitations resulting from illness must be recognised is shown in the literature on chronic illness, but at the same time it is necessary to understand the social context of change and diversity within which illness is conceptualised. People give meaning to their illness and altered life course with reference to socioeconomic relations, cultural perceptions and beliefs, and their interactions with health and social care services.