Blood samples wanted for ME/CFS genes expression study

ME researchers are looking for volunteers to supply blood samples to the ME/CFS genes expression study being conducted at Glasgow Caledonian University by Professor John Gow and his research assistant Dr Suzanne Hagan.
They are very grateful for anyone who can either donate a sample of blood for this or pass the information to anyone they know who would wish to take part.
Ideally they would like a 5ml sample of blood in an EDTA tube (not heparin) and a 5ml blood sample in a clotted plasma tube together with a covering letter from the clinician, containing brief details of the case history.
Patients must have been diagnosed for a minimum of 6 months.
The researchers would be happy to pay the postage for any samples sent from surgeries or clinics if required but they cannot afford to pay for the clinician's time.
If you are able to help please contact
Dr Suzanne Hagan
Room C223A, BIO, Charles Oakley Laboratories, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA.
Tel: 0141 331 8615; fax: 0141 332 3208

Disability is more than wheels

A very insightful post from Rachel a ME sufferer,which echoes my thoughts completely, here is a small excerpt:


"My major disability is fatigue, or rather an inability to exert myself in any form without a real impact on my health. Physical, mental and emotional efforts are challenging for me - too much of any and it leaves me with debilitating symptoms for hours, days, weeks, months.
When I talk to your call centre staff and am bombarded by questions like machine gun fire, my brain becomes foggy and my glands start to ache. My body begins to crumple. Your tick boxes do not fit me. You’re impatient when I don’t understand on first explanation or when I need clarification. You speak to me like I’m a child when all I need is a different pace. Your script doesn’t fit with my life and my needs - yet you get frustrated with me.
I’m not asking for your pity. I’m not asking for anything expensive. What I want is something simple. I want your understanding."

In The Garden

Eventually today I was able to venture out into the big wide world garden and found

Almost a Blueberry
















Forget-Me-Nots




















And A Unfurling Frond

There'll Be No Strings To Bind Your Hands

Prompt from HSMS Strings
"A slender cord or thick thread used for binding, tying or playing. Have you got strings?"
Oh I liked this one, didn't even need to get out of bed!














But To Prove I eventually did get up















The lyrics in my head for this prompt are in the title, the song title is "Just Call Me Angel Of The Morning"

Spectacles

Prompt for the day at HSMS is Spectacles
"Eyewear for those why are Myopic, Hyperopic, Photophobic and for those who are plain old shopperholic! Which one are you?"
Am glad of the sunshine today to be able to do this

Like Sue the picture prompts usually make me think of a song and I am pleased that she doesn't mind if I join her blogging the song the prompt reminds me of, thanks Sue. Unfortunately today I cannot think of one song that relates to "Spectacles" .

Wild

HSMS Prompt for today was...Wild

"Living in a state of nature; not tamed or domesticated."


So after waiting most of the day for the rain to stop

It's A Shepherd's Delight