http://www.cbc.ca/whitecoat/blog/2011/05/27/diseases-that-get-no-respect-show/
“Thank you for this show on disrespected conditions. As one of a handful of physicians in Canada caring for over 338,000 patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and similar number with Fibromyalgia I have reached the conclusion that the medical profession is being wilfully blind. These conditions are not taught in most medical schools. Therefore doctors do not learn the criteria (which have been around for over 20 years as mentioned) and do not know what tests to order to prove that there is an objective problem. For example in ME/CFS, research for over 20 years has shown immune dysfunction specifically a defect in an ancient defence called natural killer cell function. However the necessary test "natural killer cell function" is not available in any province in Canada. As a result, patients pay out of pocket for this and other tests in US labs to help them gather evidence of the severity of their condition and to track progress when they try various treatment approaches. Similarly in both ME/CFS and FM cognitive testing offers objective evidence of problems. In Alberta patients with ME/CFS and FM are specifically (by name) denied access to neuropsychological testing through Alberta Health Services- presumably because it would overwhelm the system and because they are not considered "as important" as people with dementia or traumatic brain injury. I hope this program helps generate "respect" and that access to timely diagnosis, objective testing and compassionate management will follow.” – Dr. Ellie Stein, Calgary