Table 2.

Disability levels at different points in time (n = 26)

Bell’s CFS disability scalea score		Median (range)
Pre-Giardia infection	Spring 2004	100 (90–100)
At time of PIFS diagnosis	Point in time varied, unspecified	30 (10–70)
At time of being most disabled	Point in time varied, unspecified (missing: F = 1, M = 1)	20 (10–40)
When being ill for 3 years	Autumn 2007 (missing: F = 3)	40 (20–60)
At time of interview	Spring 2008	40 (10–100)b

^aA 10-point disability grading scale ranging from 0–100. 0 = Severe symptoms on a continuous basis; bedridden constantly; unable to care for self. 100 = No symptoms with exercise; normal overall activity; able to work or do house/home work full-time with no difficulty [49, 50]. ^bOne participant’s score was 100 but had not resumed work to pre-illness level, was dependent on 50 % welfare benefits, and reported 51 symptoms and a reduced functional level