Carinthian fight against Me/CFS: Challenge and hope demand attention!

Carinthian fight against Me/CFS: Challenge and hope demand attention!

Klagenfurt, Österreich - The symptoms of ME/CFS, a neuroimmunological multisystem disease, are diverse and painful. The most common symptoms include head, limbs and muscle pain as well as extreme exhaustion, even after the simplest of the easiest activities. This disease affects millions of people worldwide, especially in Europe, where an estimated 36 million people live, reports ORF Kärnten . The Covid 19 pandemic has further tightened the numbers, and experts appreciate a doubling of the ME/CFS cases during this time, since long-term aftermath of Corona can cause similar symptoms.

The need to find suitable general practitioners who understand the disease is particularly difficult. According to me-cfs.net , the search for an understanding doctor for me/CFS patients is often frustrating. A family doctor does not have to be a specialist, but it is crucial that he is ready to deal with the illness and take the symptoms seriously. At a time when many patients are hardly able to go to their general practitioners, home visits could offer valuable support.

The support from the health authorities

The Austrian Society for ME/CFS, represented by Kevin Thonhofer, demands more specialized contact points and telemedical offers for those affected, which are severely restricted in their mobility due to their illness. The state of Carinthia has announced measures that depend on the federal funds necessary. Exact diagnosis is often difficult, which is why the health authorities often transfer patients to specialists and outpatient clinics. The decisive role of the general practitioners, which should act as the first contact point.

The challenges in treating and searching for specialized doctors are favored by opening a database for ME/CFS patients. This platform should enable those affected to exchange experiences and pass on recommendations for suitable doctors and clinics. A good family doctor could not only issue necessary transfers and recipes, but also support in important matters such as applying for a care level or a severely disabled ID card.