The Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Foothold: Jill Moss's CFS Ability Scale

This is the ability scale from the book 'Somebody Help ME' by Jill Moss. It has been specially adapted for young people from the 'Disability Scale' sent out by the UK M.E. Organizations in 1994. Their scale is somewhat more complicated and written with adults in mind (no mention of schooling etc.).

Something else which Jill notes in her book is that this ladder is an ability scale not a disability scale. So for example, don't think of yourself as being 70% disabled, think of yourself as being 30% *able*.

100%

No symptoms even following physical or mental exertion. Able to study full time without difficulty, plus enjoy a social life.
95%: No symptoms at rest. Mild symptoms following physical or mental exertion - tire rather easily but fully recovered next day. Able to study full time without difficulty but it means a slight restriction on social life.
90%: No symptoms at rest. Mild symptoms following physical or mental exertion - tire easily. Study full time with some difficulty. Social life rather restricted.
80%: Mild symptoms at rest, worsened by physical or mental exertion. Full time study at school or college difficult, especially if it is crowded, noisy environment. Home tuition or part-time study without difficulty.
70%: Mild symptoms at rest, worsened by physical or mental exertion. Daily activity limited. Part time study at school/college tiring, restricted social life. With home study and careful pacing of activities, some social life is possible. Careful exercise may be possible: walking swimming/cycling.
60%: Mild to moderate symptoms at rest. Increasing symptoms following physical or mental exertion. Daily activity very limited, although gentle walking/swimming/cycling is possible. Unable to study with others. Short (1 or 2 hours) daily home study is possible. Quiet, non-active social life possible.
50%: Moderate symptoms at rest, Increasing symptoms following physical or mental exertion. Regular rest periods needed. Simple short home study possible when alternated with quiet, non-active social life. Not confined to the house but unable to walk much further than 200 yards. Enjoy a trip to the shops in a wheelchair.
40%: Moderate symptoms at rest. Moderate to severe symptoms following physical or mental exertion. Not confined to the house but unable to walk much more than 100 yards. Can manage a wheelchair outing to the shops on a quiet day. Requires three to four regular rest periods during the day. Only one large activity possible per day - friend dropping by or doctors visit or short home study, etc. Rest of the time spent pottering around.
30%: Moderate to severe symptoms at rest with possible weakness in hands and arms. Severe symptoms following any physical or mental exertion. Usually confined to the house but enjoy a quiet wheelchair ride or a gentle walk in the fresh air. Most of the day resting, although some small tasks possible (e.g. . letter writing). Mental concentration poor and home study very difficult indeed.
20%: Fairly severe symptoms at rest. Weakness in hands, arms or legs may be restricting movement. Unable to leave house except rarely. Confined to bed/settee most of the day but able to sit in chair for short periods. Unable to concentrate for more than one hour a day.
10%: Severe symptoms at rest. In bed the majority of the time. No travel outside the house. Concentration very difficult indeed.
0%: Severe symptoms on a continuous basis. In bed constantly. Unable to sit up. Unable to care for yourself.

The book details are: