By David Tuller, DrPH In recent months, one of the most high-profile people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)—Australian Alem Matthees—has reported significant improvement in his condition. He is still bed-bound, and is still not speaking. This is not, by any means, “recovery.” Nonetheless, the change in Alem's ability to ...

By David Tuller, DrPH As part of its December issue, Future Healthcare Journal, sponsored by the UK's Royal College of Physicians, has published a special section called “Challenging Myths: Debunking Functional Disorders.” The special section title itself creates confusion. In what way are functional disorders being “debunked”? I assume the ...

By David Tuller, DrPH I recently posted a blog about the protocol for a Canadian Long COVID exercise trial in which the investigators proposed lying to the participants about the nature of both the study and the intervention being assessed.  While acknowledging that a significant number of people with Long ...

By David Tuller, DrPH Researchers are planning yet another trial of a rehabilitative exercise program for Long COVID—but, in this one, they propose to lie to all the participants about the nature of the study and the intervention being investigated. BMJ Open has recently published a paper called “Pursuing Reduction ...

By David Tuller, DrPH Anil van der Zee says "Fuck M.E." One aspect of ME and ME/CFS that receives perhaps too little attention is the impact on someone’s sex life. Engaging in sexual activity takes a significant amount of energy—and is therefore likely to trigger post-exertional malaise for many with ...