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Elevate Medical

Living with fatigue that rest doesn't fix?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a real, complex medical condition — and you deserve a GP who understands it. Dr Desmond Fang provides thorough assessment, diagnosis and ongoing management at Elevate Medical, Burwood.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious, long-term condition characterised by profound fatigue that is not improved by rest and worsens after physical or mental exertion — known as post-exertional malaise (PEM). It affects multiple body systems and can significantly reduce quality of life.

ME/CFS is not caused by laziness, depression or deconditioning. It is a recognised medical condition with biological underpinnings, and it requires a methodical clinical approach to diagnose and manage well. Many patients wait years before receiving a diagnosis — but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Do any of these sound familiar?

ME/CFS presents differently in every person. Common features include:

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Persistent Fatigue

Overwhelming tiredness lasting six months or more, not explained by other conditions and not relieved by sleep.

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Post-Exertional Malaise

A “crash” after even minor physical or mental activity, often delayed by 24–72 hours.

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Brain Fog

Difficulty concentrating, finding words, or processing information — often described as “thinking through cotton wool.”

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Unrefreshing Sleep

Sleeping for long periods yet waking feeling just as exhausted. Disrupted sleep architecture is common.

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Orthostatic Intolerance

Dizziness, light-headedness or palpitations on standing — may overlap with POTS.

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Pain

Widespread muscle aches, joint pain, headaches and sore throat without another clear cause.

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Dr Desmond Fang?

MD,  FRACGP.

Specialist General Practitioner

Consults: Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Desmond graduated from the University of Melbourne and completed hospital and GP training across metropolitan and rural placements before obtaining his RACGP Fellowship in 2024.

His approach centres on being your “specialist in life” — the GP who takes time to understand the full picture, coordinates your care across specialists and allied health, and advocates for you within the health system.

Desmond has a particular interest in complex chronic syndromes including ME/CFS, POTS, MCAS and hypermobility spectrum disorders. His patients consistently describe his strengths as communication, compassion and thoroughness.

What to expect at your appointment

ME/CFS requires a careful, structured approach. Here’s how Dr Fang works with patients:

1

Comprehensive Initial Assessment

A longer initial consultation to understand your full symptom history, functional impact, timeline of illness and previous investigations. We recommend booking a long appointment (40+ minutes) for your first visit.

2

Thorough Investigation

Targeted blood tests and assessments to rule out other treatable causes of fatigue (thyroid, iron, coeliac, sleep disorders, autoimmune conditions and more) and to identify overlapping conditions like POTS or MCAS.

3

Diagnosis & Education

If ME/CFS is confirmed, Dr Fang will explain the condition thoroughly, discuss what the evidence says, and ensure you feel informed and heard. A GP Management Plan (GPMP) may be created to coordinate your care.

4

Personalised Management Plan

An individualised plan covering pacing strategies, symptom-targeted treatments, sleep optimisation, nutritional support and referrals to allied health or specialists as needed. We take a team-based approach drawing on Elevate’s on-site allied health practitioners.

5

Ongoing Follow-Up

Regular review appointments to monitor progress, adjust your management plan, and ensure you have consistent support as your condition evolves.

Conditions that often overlap with ME/CFS Conditions that often overlap with ME/CFS Conditions that often overlap with ME/CFS

Many patients with ME/CFS also experience one or more of the following. Dr Fang is experienced in assessing and managing these together.

POTS

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome — rapid heart rate and dizziness on standing, common in ME/CFS patients

MCAS

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome — widespread allergic-type symptoms including flushing, hives, GI issues and sensitivities.

Hypermobility / hEDS

Joint hypermobility spectrum disorders often co-occur with ME/CFS and contribute to pain and fatigue.

Fibromyalgia

Widespread musculoskeletal pain and tenderness that frequently overlaps with ME/CFS.

Common questions about CFS/ME care Common questions about CFS/ME care Common questions about CFS/ME care