Episode 22: Up Close with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) - Part 1

Amy Mooney, MS, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist who knows first-hand about the role of caregiving and about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, or "ME," as the mother of a child with this condition.  ME is also referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Myalgic Encephalopathy, Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome, and Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome.

Amy has an undergraduate degree from Loyola University in Chicago and a Master's degree in OT from Rush University Chicago.  She is a retired Peace Corp volunteer and has worked as an OT in a variety of pediatric settings, including schools, early intervention/home health, outpatient, and private practice. Amy is the mother of 3 school-aged children including a 12 year-old daughter who has ME. Amy is interested in increasing awareness about ME, especially in the medical community, and hopes to inform fellow OT practitioners about how they can support the care and provide treatment for people with this condition.

On this episode of On The air, Amy talks about her path into the profession of OT and shares about her family's journey with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.  We discuss gaps in care and support sometimes experienced by individuals and families with chronic conditions and how a background and training in occupational therapy enters into the equation in assuming the role of caregiver for a loved one with a chronic illness.

Recommendations and resources from this episode:​

• Unrest - a documentary film about ME
• How I used the film "Unrest" in my teaching
• The Forgotten Plague [film]
• The Blue Ribbon Foundation
• Facebook group on ME/CFS - ME/CFS4OT
• What is ME/CFS? [website]
• ME Action Network

Connect with Amy:
​Email - amymooney145@gmail.com

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