The Somerset Fatigue Service helps people learn how to live with and manage their fatigue.
We currently work with people who have a diagnosis of ME/CFS or Post COVID-19 Syndrome
What is ME/CFS?
ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is a long-term condition. It can cause different symptoms, but the most common one is extreme fatigue.
What is Post COVID 19 Syndrome?
Post COVID-19 Syndrome is when someone still feels unwell after having COVID-19. The symptoms do not go away after the first illness. If these symptoms last for more than 12 weeks, you are likely to have Post COVID, it is often called Long COVID.
Somerset Fatigue Service
Referral
To get support from the Somerset Fatigue Service, you need your GP to refer you. They will need to do some tests to make sure nothing else is causing your symptoms You can find more information in the ‘Information for Referrers’ section.
If you are being referred to the Fatigue Service for help with ME/CFS, your GP needs to confirm that you have this condition first.
You do not need to already have a diagnosis of Post COVID-19 Syndrome to come to our service. We will check your symptoms and tell you if you have it.
Initial assessment
Your first appointment will last about one hour. It will usually take place by video call, unless you have asked for a different way. We will send you a link to your appointment before it takes place.
Sometimes our emails may go into your junk folder, and our phone calls may show as “no number.” If you are waiting to hear from us, please check your junk mail.
If you cannot come to your appointment, please let us know. If you miss an appointment without telling us, we will contact you by email or post. If we do not hear from you within 2 weeks, we will close your case. If you miss 2 appointments in a row without telling us at least 48 hours before, we will discharge you back to the care of your GP.
Before your first appointment, we will ask you to fill in some questionnaires. It is important to do this before your appointment, so the practitioner has all the information they need.
At the end of your appointment, the practitioner will make a plan with you for what happens next. This might include joining a group session to learn more, or having more one-to-one appointments. They will also send a summary of the appointment to your GP.
It is important that you feel ready to make changes and try new ways to manage your health. Everyone is ready at different times, so it may be best to wait until you feel ready before using the service.
Managing fatigue to live well online group sessions
We run 4 online group sessions to help people learn how to manage their fatigue and live well. The sessions take place once a week, on the same day and time, usually at 10:30am, by video. We will tell you the dates and times when you are booked on.
If you cannot come to the group, please let us know before the session. If you have trouble joining the meeting, please call our number and ask for help.
We will send you 4 handouts and the presentation slides by email before the sessions. If you would like these on paper instead, please let us know.
The groups will cover; Fatigue and associated symptoms, effective rest, activity diaries, emotional energy, cognitive difficulties, sleep, altered breathing patterns, communication and managing setbacks.
After you have been to all the groups, you can ask for one-to-one sessions with a Fatigue Practitioner. If you choose this, a Health Navigator will contact you to help you with keeping an activity diary.
1:1 follow up sessions
These sessions help you use what you learned in the workshops in your own daily life. These are usually done by video call. We will send you a link before your appointment.
Just a reminder: If you cannot come to your appointment, please let us know. If you miss 2 appointments in a row without telling us at least 48 hours before, we will discharge you back to the care of your GP.
Additional services
Once you join the service, you might be able to get extra support. You can talk to our Health Navigator or practitioner to learn more about these additional services.
Activity diary support
If you ask for one-to-one sessions, a Health Navigator will support you first. They will help you learn how to use an activity diary before your 1:1 follow up appointments.
Employment advice
Our Employment Advisor can help you with work, employment, and benefits. They can support you in a group or one-to-one.
Physiotherapy
Our physiotherapist can help you with breathing, movement, and understanding a condition called POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).
Peer support
Peer support groups are a place where you can meet other people with fatigue. You can share your experiences and help each other with advice and support.
Information for referrers
Please note exclusion criteria for our service can be found on the referral form.
If you think your patient would benefit from help with their ME/CFS or Post COVID-19 Syndrome symptoms, please refer them to our service using the form on TeamNet or our Intranet.
ME/CFS
We do not make the diagnosis. A GP or main health professional needs to diagnose ME/CFS and explain this to the patient first. They also need to check that nothing else is causing the fatigue.
Post COVID-19 Syndrome
If a patient has symptoms that last more than 12 weeks after having COVID, please consider a referral to our service. A specialist GP will see the patient and confirm the diagnosis.
Emotional wellbeing
Fatigue can be difficult and may affect how you feel. If you need help with your feelings, please reach out.
Talking Therapies have helpful information on their website about things like anxiety, low mood, and living with a long-term illness. You can also contact them yourself for support.
If you feel you need more urgent help:
Useful links
We have gathered some useful resources for further information.
Please note, we not recommending these websites or saying we agree with everything on them. They are shared to help you learn more.
General support
- The ME Association
- Action for ME
- COVID recovery – YouTube Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust ‘Recovery Puzzle’ Films.