Understanding And Treating Chronic Fatigue

Some doctors still think Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a "fake" diagnosis. In this book, Joel Young, MD, presents the research, experience, and treatments that prove otherwise. Millions of Americans experience chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a continuous exhaustion and a feeling comparable to that of having just run a marathon when all they have done is a daily living task, such as taking a shower or getting dressed. Doctors don't have tests for CFS, and some think it's a faux or psychological disorder. Joel Young, MD, in this heavily researched book, explains why it is a true physical illness and how it may be treated. He details how he successfully treats the symptoms, which can include severe fatigue, "brain fog," chronic pain, and sleep problems. Unlike doctors who recommend exercise, supplements, or opioid medications, Young integrates such options as long-acting stimulants, meditation, and dietary changes to reduce fatigue, as well as non-opioid drugs, medical marijuana, and self-help options including yoga for the associated chronic pain.

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.

Some doctors still think Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a "fake" diagnosis. In this book, Joel Young, MD, presents the research, experience, and treatments that prove otherwise. Millions of Americans experience chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a continuous exhaustion and a feeling comparable to that of having just run a marathon when all they have done is a daily living task, such as taking a shower or getting dressed. Doctors don't have tests for CFS, and some think it's a faux or psychological disorder. Joel Young, MD, in this heavily researched book, explains why it is a true physical illness and how it may be treated. He details how he successfully treats the symptoms, which can include severe fatigue, "brain fog," chronic pain, and sleep problems. Unlike doctors who recommend exercise, supplements, or opioid medications, Young integrates such options as long-acting stimulants, meditation, and dietary changes to reduce fatigue, as well as non-opioid drugs, medical marijuana, and self-help options including yoga for the associated chronic pain.

Written by the nation's most recognized CFIDS' authority, this book is the definitive, up-to-date guide to the history, symptoms, effects, theories, treatment, continuing research, and recent advances on CFIDS. Now anyone touched by this devastating illness can have the solid information they need to understand, treat, and live with CFIDS.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition that causes persistent and debilitating tiredness. The condition has no obvious cause but persists for more than six months, and patients tend to avoid activity due to constant fatigue. A wide variety of causes are thought to contribute to the condition, while the relatively low disease prevalence and lack of diagnostic criteria has made it difficult to identify and diagnose CFS. Here, Naheed Ali presents an overview of CFS, its causes, symptoms and outcomes, and the treatment options available to sufferers. He also includes information about lifestyle changes, preventative measures, and emotional and mental approaches to having the disorder. Readers will find here a ready resource for understanding CFS and the various ways of approaching it, and living well in spite of it.

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 (CFS) remains one of the most controversial illnesses, both in terms of its causes, and the best ways to treat the illness. For years, sufferers have had to deal with scepticism from their families, employers, and even health care professionals. The vast amount of conflicting advice that has been published up to now has served only to confuse sufferers, and professionals, even more. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Facts presents a compassionate guide to this illness, providing sufferers and their families, with practical advice, based solely on scientific evidence. It is unique in being written by both a sufferer and a physician, both of whom have had extensive experience of talking to, and helping, patients. Included in the book is a detailed guide to self-help, written from a patient's perspective, but evidence-based. The book also deals with a number of special issues, advising on how to choose therapies and therapists, and how to deal with CFS in children. The book additionally includes an overview of the history of the illness, looking at the nature and causes of CFS, and the opportunities for the future. The book will be invaluable for sufferers from CFS, their friends and families, and the numerous health professionals who come into contact with sufferers from this illness.

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.