Coping With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

This book provides a helpful structure and framework for understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and its effects as well as practical exercises to help address some of the symptoms that patients may experience.

Much talked about but little understood, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) lacks a well-defined cause or treatment. Based on up-to-the-minute research findings, Friedberg--who suffers himself from CFS--has devised a nine-point plan for taking control of CFS that incorporates a potent link between stress and CFS symptoms.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are serious, debilitating conditions that affect millions of people in the United States and around the world. ME/CFS can cause significant impairment and disability. Despite substantial efforts by researchers to better understand ME/CFS, there is no known cause or effective treatment. Diagnosing the disease remains a challenge, and patients often struggle with their illness for years before an identification is made. Some health care providers have been skeptical about the serious physiological - rather than psychological - nature of the illness. Once diagnosed, patients often complain of receiving hostility from their health care provider as well as being subjected to treatment strategies that exacerbate their symptoms. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome proposes new diagnostic clinical criteria for ME/CFS and a new term for the illness - systemic exertion intolerance disease(SEID). According to this report, the term myalgic encephalomyelitis does not accurately describe this illness, and the term chronic fatigue syndrome can result in trivialization and stigmatization for patients afflicted with this illness. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome stresses that SEID is a medical - not a psychiatric or psychological - illness. This report lists the major symptoms of SEID and recommends a diagnostic process.One of the report's most important conclusions is that a thorough history, physical examination, and targeted work-up are necessary and often sufficient for diagnosis. The new criteria will allow a large percentage of undiagnosed patients to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome will be a valuable resource to promote the prompt diagnosis of patients with this complex, multisystem, and often devastating disorder; enhance public understanding; and provide a firm foundation for future improvements in diagnosis and treatment.

Written by a recently recovered CFS sufferer, this book offers comfort, hope and reassurance--exactly what millions of chronic fatigue sufferers long for. It defines what CFS is and offers realistic information on where to get help and what to expect from family, friends, and the business and medical communities.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) affects around 250,000 people in the UK, and an estimated one million in the USA. With a characteristic profile of severe exhaustion, flu-like symptoms, and unrefreshing sleep, it has no cure, but often improves with treatment and self-help. This book, by an expert who herself experienced chronic fatigue, presents the latest thinking on the condition, along with tried and tested advice on how to manage it.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) affects approximately 180,000 people in the UK and one million people in the USA, though millions more suffer fatiguing illnesses which don't meet the strict diagnostic criteria for CFS. Chronic fatigue is characterised by persistent and unusual tiredness that has lasted for more than six months, is not cured by rest, and is made worse by any physical and/or mental activity. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headaches, sleep disturbance, loss of concentration and memory, sore throats, and swollen glands. Although recognised by the World Health Organisation as a neurological condition, it is still misunderstood, and specialist healthcare is scarce. This book looks at how to use your own resources to fight chronic fatigue. Topics include: advice on pacing yourself; grading activity and exercise routine; rest, relaxation and sleep; the right diet; how to handle stress; thoughts, feelings, memory and concentration; dealing with other people's reactions; relapses and setbacks; advice for carers.

You’ve been repeatedly poked, prodded, tested and scanned, yet, despite how awful you feel, your doctor, like many of your friends, co-workers, and family members have begun dropping subtle (and some not-so-subtle) hints that they think it’s “all in your head.” Maybe you’re one of the lucky few CFS sufferers who’ve received an accurate diagnosis but nothing your health care provider does seems to help. Well, you’re not alone. According to recent estimates, of the approximately 800,000 Americans with CFS, more than 90% have been misdiagnosed, dismissed, or are not receiving proper treatment. Don’t despair, help has arrived. Written by a national expert who has successfully treated scores of CFS patients in her own practice, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for Dummies gives you the knowledge and tools you need to beat CFS and get back to living a normal life. In plain English Doctor Susan Lisman fills you in on: What CFS is, how you get it, and how it effects your body Its major symptoms and warning signs Getting an accurate diagnosis Avoiding situations that might be making you sicker Teaming up with the right doctor and crafting a treatment plan The most effective drugs, therapies and alternative approaches Coping with CFS in your personal and professional lives Packed with checklists, self-tests, questionnaires, and other powerful tools, and featuring many inspiring real-life stories of patients who’ve licked CFS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for Dummies puts you on the road to recovery.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is one of the most enigmatic medical disorders of our time, striking adults most often in their most productive years. With the controversial debate over cause and treatment of the illness in mind, the authors seek to unravel many of the questions surrounding the disorder and its features and characteristics. Integrating an overview of the latest research with patients' personal experiences, they look at CFS in relation to: * clinical features * personal and economic implications * biological and psychosocial factors * experiencing symptoms * coping with the illness. This book will provide hope for people with chronic fatigue syndrome and will assist health professionals in working with people with CFS to improve their quality of life.