Book Description
Tenth year anniversary edition with an update by the author "A relentless, meticulous, and highly persuasive exposé by a journalist who spent nine years investigating the medical research establishment's failure to take seriously chronic fatigue syndrome... In a chronology that runs from 1984 to 1994, Johnson crams in fact after telling fact, building up a dismaying picture of a rigid and haughty biomedical research establishment unwilling or unable to respond to the challenge of a multifaceted disease for which a causative agent has yet to be found... A compelling, well-documented account..."Kirkus Reviews ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Fascinating!
Hillary Johnson's fascinating book, first touched upon in her article in Rolling Stone is a compelling read.The poor response by the CDC and the NIH to an epidemic that has now affected more lives than both AIDS and Lung Cancer is tragic.Ms. Johnson's beautifully woven story (though at times technical) would make for a very moving film in the tradition of And the Band Played On.

Excellant book on the politics and more...
I read this book when it first came out.I would highly recommend it to any health care professional, any sufferer, or any relative of any sufferer.Society has come a long way over the years.Around 1990 I took a copy of one Dr. Jay Goldstein's books on chronic fatigue to a lecture on another subject.One of the other attendees picked it up, read the title, and disdainfully tossed in back on the table declaring, "Chronic fatigue?There is no such thing.It's only depression." On the other hand, myths are still all too common.

Back to this book. It leaves me dumbfounded how many of the issues clearly dealt with in this book are still reported incorrectly.Example:Epstein-Barr virus.It has widely been reported that since EB virus does not appear in clusters/epidemics, and that antibodies are present in a very high percent of the population, attributing chronic-fatigue to and EBV outbreak is, well, wrong.And that the doctor(s) should have known that.

However, in the book is it made clear that the doctors at Incline Village where an outbreak occured did know that.So when one of the doctors started seeing many of his patient's showing up with positive blood tests for EBV, he sent some samples to a researcher.The researcher found an antibody pattern that was not indicative of new infections, but rather of a recurrence or reactivation of a prior infection.This was a pattern the researcher had never seen before, and implied another cause, possible a weakening of the immune system.But not an epidemic of new EBV cases.By the way, that also argues against the assertion some have made that EBV is a possible cause, although it should be ruled out clinically.

The book is replete with many stories and issues, that differ remarkably from what is commonly reported about this issue.

One final chilling note.In the book dozens sufferers are introduced, some in depth, some obliquely.In an annex at the end of the book, the is a short follow up on many of the sufferers.What is chilling is how many have died.

A must-read if you have ME
This book really gives you an understanding of how and why ME has been stigmatized, ridiculed and ignored as much as it has. It makes it very clear that it was not a mistake or an oversight at all but that it was in fact utterly deliberate. The pure stupidity and lack of basic human compassion involved is astounding. It's important to know how we've ended up in this mess so we can see how we might get ourselves out I think. It's also important that we not underestimate how low these people will go - its lower than you could even imagine.

A must read if you are well enough to tackle such a long non-fiction book, it'll just blow your mind and really fire you up about how badly we have all been treated historically and the...well you'd have to call them evil, people behind it all. A fantastic book to fire up your activism urges.

The Definitive Work on Chronic Fatigue
This is the most informative book I've read on Chronic Fatigue.The reading is dry at times, but very informative.This book is about the Center for Disease Control (CDC) involvement in investigating CFS up to the date when the CDC was found quilty of misappropriation of funding for CFS research.Anyone new to the illness should have this book in their library, even if it is just used for references.

Realistic and Revealing
The author does an outstanding job of revealing how some of our most "respected" agencies in western medicine attempt to deal with what they can not define, despite what the patient says. Through constant shifts in focus, we are shown how several different groups deal with this syndrome. The writings illicit a tremendous amount of rage at the incompetence, pain at the ignorance, and confusion in the beurocratic anchors. This book reads like a mystery, and keeps you intrigued until the last page. It concludes like the reality of the search for this anomoly- with no 'pat' answers. ... Read more

Book Description
Strengthen Your Body to Combat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome!
Chronic fatigue syndrome can lead to a continual cycle of symptoms including muscle and joint pain, headaches, low-grade fever, and lymph node swelling. If you or someone you love is struggling with chronic fatigue, turn the pages of this book to discover a thoughtful, complete approach that will help lead you to wellness. While traditional medicine treats each symptom separately, this book offers a “host-centered” approach that focuses on natural methods to effectively raise your energy level.
Dr. Michael T. Murray, co-author of the bestseller Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, clearly explains specific measures you can take to improve your stamina, mental energy, and physical abilities. He offers advice on topics such as:
·The causes of chronic fatigue syndrome
·Detoxification purifiers to enhance your immune system
·Methods for stimulating lymphatic flow
·Nutritional support for the immune system
·Adrenal balance and stress management techniques
Now you can take control of your healing process using this completely natural approach. Begin a new, healthful lifestyle today! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Empowering book
I was diagnosed with CFS more than 10 years ago, and this was one of the books I got at that time.I just finished re-reading it, and remembered why I liked it so much.It emphasizes that there are many things *we* can do to help ourselves rather than waiting for the doctor to dole out little pills.The other two books I'd gotten were much more focused on a victim-mentality.

One of the reviewer mentions Murray's recommendation for exercise.Yes, hard exercise or physical strain knocks me flat on my back for a few days.But, gradual amounts of light exercise do make me feel better, and I've been able to do more over the years.Murray perhaps doesn't emphasize the gradual part of the exercise program.I wish he'd been clearer about what kind of exercises are useful, and how to gage how much is too much.He doesn't mention anything about yoga, either.He *does* mention in other portions of the text that physical exertion does lead to excessive exhaustion.

One problem with the book is the overview nature.It does cover a lot of different things, but doesn't really delve deeply into any one.It does have some recommendations for herbal support, and gives a good sample diet.But, as it does cover a breadth of things, it does suggest further avenues to explore.

I don't feel this book is the end-all and be-all of CFS self-treatment books, but it is a positive book, and well worth the money.

Do NOT but this book
This is the worst book about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that I have ever read! His suggestions to exercise show clearly that he NO understanding of CFS/CFIDS! Yes, exercise will help many people with fatigue, even chronic fatigue; but not Chronic Fatigue SYNDROME. For someone with true CFS (also known as CFDIS) exercise will make things worse, sometimes far worse!
He also talks about all kinds of other things (such as hypothiroidism) that can cause fatigue but have nothing to do with CFS. (other than the fact that if you have CFS these things have already been ruled out by your doctor and are not the cause). So long discussions of those causes of fatigue are useless if you've already been diagnosed!
There are a lot of other holes in this book. It was a total waste of money, and I'll be throwing it out!
There are many GOOD CFS/CFIDS books, buy one of those!
(such as "Running on Empty" by Katrina Berne,PH.D , "The Doctors Guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" by David S. Bell,M.D. or "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, A Treatment Guide" by Erica F. Verrillo and Lauren M. Gellam these 3 books are very helpful and have accurate information.)

Great Help
Most doctors give us medication that doesn't help. This book offers real ways we can help ourselves!

Do Me A Favor...
Before you read any farther, scroll up and look to the left column.
Click on the link that says "table of contents", read it,
and then come back here.Done?Good.That in itself should be
enough to get you to buy this book.All of Dr. Murray's books are as
thoroughly organized. You have explanations, common symptoms, and then
a whole array of dietary options and explanations of how any number of
nutritional supplements can help your condition....Michael Murray is a
standard in the alternative medicine field because of the research he
does and cites and because the supplements he recommends have found a
valid place in today's society.

An good source for those with CFIDS and their families
I found this book to be very well written with an style that was casual and easy to read.The information is through when needed yet doesn't overwhelm.It has been the best on the subject of CFIDS I have read. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

very useful recipes, easy and enjoyable
I have 2 shelves of cookbooks and this one is the one I turn to most often.The recipes here are clean enough that they work with my somewhat capricious-seeming system, and my husband loves the food, too.Mary andChris's book has lots of fairly easy, very tasty main dishes.For me,having had to move to a fairly focused diet centered on vegetables andlight meats, this book provides diversity and fun!

very useful recipes, easy and enjoyable
I have 2 shelves of cookbooks and this one is the one I turn to most often.The recipes here are clean enough that they work with my somehat capricious-seeming system, and my husband loves the food, too.Mary andChris's book has lots of fairly easy, very tasty main dishes.For me,having had to move to a fairly focused diet centered on vegetables andlight meats, this book provides diversity and fun!

Okay, but not for everyone
According to Mary Hale her diet therapy for CFIDS will help everyone but Idon't agree.It is very strict and punishing and according to her you musteliminate any kind of fruit from your diet because it contains sugar. According to her sugar is a no-no for people with CFIDS but that has notbeen proven beyond a shadow of a doubt.No two people who have CFIDS arethe same and she makes it sound like everyone is.Just remember this,check with your doctor before starting any kind of diet. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a new story of an illness that has raged for more than two decades: Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, known as CFIDS and also referred to as CFS. Part life story, part call to action, this book explores the tragedies of being sick, becoming sicker, and being misunderstood. The global epidemic is growing. What are we doing to stop it?"Dr. Kirk's journey is a wake-up call and warning about the health of our nation."- David Buscher, M.D., F.A.A.E.M.Past President, American Academy of Environmental Medicine ... Read more

Book Description
CFS starts as a persistent fatigue that lasts six months or more. Physical and mental activity may worsen the condition, and sleep does not produce any new energy. Originally dubbed "The Yuppie Flu" in the 1970s, it is accompanied by four or more other maladies--short-term memory loss or inability to concentrate, sore throat, muscle pain, joint pain, and/or tender lymph nodes. "It is a therapeutic challenge," says Naturopath Bharadvaj. But this author explains naturopathic approaches that are proving effective in the treatment of CFS, either alone or in concert with Western medicines. The reader is guided to a comprehensive understanding of this condition from its controversial history to its growing acceptance and evolving definition. Written from a foundation of scientific research, the book elaborates current theories of the cause of CFS, discusses how the disorder can display in different people, and presents alternative diagnostic methods. Naturopathic medicine, homeopathy, Ayurveda, acupuncture, clinical nutrition, and botanical medicines for CFS are all explained in this excellent resource. ... Read more

Book Description
In this enlightening and compassionate guide, one of the foremost specialists in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome--himself a ten-year survivor of the disease--helps victims and their loved ones regain control of their lives. This updated edition includes new information about current medical treatments, related disorders, and strategies for living with the CFS. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Painfully insightful book by an author with CFIDS
As a newly diagnosed person, this is one of the first books that I read.The explanation of CFIDS and general treatments available is well written.Author sites his specific symptoms and how it has affected his life, which at times is painful to read.My favorite chapters included the one ondealing with family and friends and the interview with the doctor fromMassachusetts.This interview lends credibility to the disease and wasconcise.Happy reading! ... Read more

Product Description
Are you suffering from M.E.?Are you caring for someone with M.E.?Does someone close to you have M.E.?Whoever the sufferer, young or old, man or woman, he or she is highly likely to have been told the conditionis 'psychosomatic' ( all in the mind ), depression is the root cause, and antidepressants the only sensible answer.In Professor Basant Puri's ground-breaking new book you will discover a very different way of looking at M.E.Historical and contemporary evidence are combined to show how M.E. is almost certainly a physical, or 'organic',condition resulting from viral and other influences that reduce essential chemicals in the body. As such, it can betreated, and in a natural, cost-effective way.Read how and why EPA ('eicosapentaenoic acid') will be essential to recovery, how to take it, whatsupplements to have with it, and how to change to a lifestyle that will promote recovery.Contents1.A breakthrough2.What is chronic fatigue syndrome?3. All in the mind?4. How and why fatty acids can help5. How to take fatty acids6.The vitamin and mineral cofactors7. Other benefits from taking fatty acids8.Treating chronic fatigue syndrome naturallyGlossaryReferencesFurther sources of informationUseful names and addressesIndex ... Read more

Book Description
For years people have been looking for news of an effective treatment for M.E./Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. At last, here is the book they have been waiting for.Reverse Therapy is the radical new Bodymind healing process that has taken the UK by storm, bringing relief to hundreds of sufferers from these conditions since it was first offered to the General Public in 2003.Dr. John Eaton has now written this short book in order to explain Reverse Therapy in simple terms, accessible to the general reader. He describes how he evolved the ideas for Reverse Therapy and the underlying treatment process.Other chapters explain the nature of these illnesses and what exactly causes the symptoms. Then John goes on to describe how Reverse Therapy works and what sufferers can do to get well again.This may well be the first and last book anyone will need to buy in order to understand M.E./CFS and Fibromyalgia, and find the way to their cure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Introduces a new way of thinking and living
I read (and reread) this book after beginning reverse therapy. While I am finding the therapy very important, reading the book has given me a great foundation for understanding the process, and provides reminders and support between sessions. Applying the principles described in the book is life-changing, and not just for people who have CFS. Anyone wanting a healthier and happier life can benefit from the mindset and strategies described here.

Helpful, but not magic
I read the book a year ago, and I've been going to Reverse Therapy sessions for about 6 months.I'm about 10 percent better, and I will persevere as that's more benefit than I've gotten from anything else.I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about trying Reverse Therapy, and I would recommend it to anyone with CFS to have as a tool.Reading it in conjunction with John Sarno and Freedom From Fibromyalgia (Selfridge and Peterson) will help.

Well worth the read
Whether you go ahead and work with a therapist using this approach or not, just the reading alone can be enormously helpful.It was for me.I think with this view I am finally getting to the root of why the CFS took hold and what causes the various symptoms, and this education/perspective is helping me get going so the symptoms can loosen their grip, not only for CFS but for other sub-optimal reactions my body has developed over the years that lessen a full experience of life.

Life-Changing
In a word, this book was life-changing.I thought I was recovered from CFS, but I have made great strides since reading, and internalizing, the smart tenets of this book.It's a quick read, and Dr. John Eaton makes all the concepts simple and easy to understand. A must-read.

The best book ever written on CFS/M.E.
I suffered from CFS for 13 years, but now I am recovered. Reading Dr. Eaton`s book gave me very valuable and vital clues about the process of recovery. The book is almost sufficient to treat the condition by yourself and I would recommend it to anyone suffering with CFS/M.E. or fibromyalgia. It gives a detailed overview of Reverse Therapy and how it developed from earlier theories of eminent psychologists and therapists. In addition to giving a good theoretical basis for understanding RT, this book gives a lot of practical information as well. The book gives you a good understanding of Reverse Therapy, but is a bit lacking in instructions on how to treat the condition by yourself. But I assure you: you can get well with the help of this book. I used some additional sources to learn about the process, but I would say that if you read this book, you only need a bit of outside support to get well. Which is not to say that the therapy is useless, ofcourse. If you have a chance, attend the sessions, but by all means, read the book first!
This book is THE BEST book ever written on CFS! Dr. Eaton has done a wonderful job. Thank you for your invaluable work!


... Read more

Book Description
This is a book written to accelerate the personal healing of anyone suffering from any form of environmental illness. It tells the story of how a physician and a nurse liberate themselves from a common debilitating condition. After exhaustive attempts to heal themselves through conventional methods, they moved beyond feeling victimized by physical symptoms. Instead, they learned how to interpret them as communications from their bodies about unexpressed emotions and various structures they had created in their lives which no longer supported them.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Not a self-help book, but the appendices are good
Others have pointed out the shortcomings of this book... the long narrative, the lack of solid how-to advice, the hodge-podge of techniques mentioned but not thoroughly explained. Yet there are some good things if you read it with a grain of salt and don't get bogged down.

The authors point out the importance of attitude but it's their examples of misguided attitudes in the first part of the book that make their point. They knew they were very sensitive to chemicals and mold and yet stayed in toxic environments and then were really really upset when they had severe reactions. This is understandable at first but when they keep doing this the reader gets a bit impatient. Then they seek out supernatural advice through mediums and such and also try bodywork and kineseology and they eventually improve. Yet it's not clear exactly what cured them, or even how much better they are. So the book is a little frustrating.

There is a series of appendices which I actually found useful. If you are looking for help with MCS/EI, read Pam Gibson's reports on what helps and does not help, but consider getting a copy of this book at the library, or buy a used copy. Skim through the text, keeping an open mind about the channeled guidance - it may or may not have happened exactly the way they understood it, but they were there and advice was coming from somewhere, so I can accept that something was happening and eventually it was helpful. Anyway, the appendices are worth looking over.

Puuuhleeeeze!! Don't Waste Your TIME!
They don't even have a clue! This is a very old - outdated book. It needs to be out of print!

Opened My Mind
This book helped me to look at my illness in a new way.Although parts of the authors' story were a bit longwinded, I found it helpful to read about their process in detail.I could feel (and relate to) how consumed they were by trying to create a "safe" environment in the external world- and how this obsession did little to improve their health.I felt encouraged as they discovered new ways of relating to EI and how they were transformed by their intense inner work.

I had never heard of "channeling" and I wasn't really into energy healing when I first read this book. I benefitted from its basic message nonetheless.I still refer back to it, especially Appendix IV which is a summary of the authors' observations on healing CFS/EI.As the authors note, not everyone has to do what they did to heal the illness, but if you have tried "everything" are stuck, this book could be helpful to you.

If this book is too "woo-woo" for your taste (and even if it isn't), I recommend "Healing Environmental Illness from Within" by Marcia Murphy.It is the story of woman who wholeheartedly tried the more conventional treatments for EI, but failed to break through it until she included mind & spirit in her healing process.

Disappointing but interesting
As a longtime CFS and EI sufferer, I couldn't wait to get this book. I'm now very open to "channels" and messages from angels or highly evolved beings, and also the incredible helpfulness of energy medicine in the very necessary changing of beliefs, letting go of emotions, as well as the physical avoidance of toxins (at least in the healing stages) and attention to diet, allergies, etc. Although I'm almost 100% healed and even starting a new business at age 52, I was enticed by reviews that this book would uncover the mental and emotional reasons people get EI and CFS at this time and place.

I eagerly went to bed each night to read another few chapters, but as each night went on, I was anxious for the story part to be over (it was interesting and validating, even though each EI sufferer is affected quite differently) and the "answer" part to begin. I was disappointed to say the least. Any evolved being who would admonish a human and cause them to suffer and cry with guilt, rage, shame, etc. is NOT a very evolved being!

This being talked in circles that were very hard to follow, and the authors blamed themselves for not getting it! Any entity from the Light is going to feel like a loving parent and bathe them in higher vibrations that feel good, not bad, while releasing the negative energy so many of us have. We need positive loving messages, not more depression!The insights I receive from Highly evolved souls and entities are always helpful and make me feel better; that's how I differentiate them from messages from the "dark side" whether that's a religious belief or your own shadow side.

I don't know what treatments the authors use for people who visit them (another disappointment with the book), but they hinted at NAET, which does have value. Allergies (or more accurately, energy toxins) to everything from foods, inhalants, everyday products, almost ANYTHING) can have a huge impact on the immune system, and in my case, my moods and muscles. NAET neutralizes these substances to much relief, but I found early on that I was so sick, I couldn't hold the treatments, even though I did them for 2 years.

It wasn't until I met the folks at Quantum Techniques (www.quantumtechniques.com) that I was able to release the viruses, bacteria, past emotional traumas, beliefs- all kinds of things that didn't seem at the time to be connected to EI, TOTALLY PAINLESSLY. It's been an amazing journey, though not cheap. I also recommend Machaelle Small Wright's MAP book- Medical Assistance Program from beings of the Light who are there to help humans heal. And it's free, and it feels good!

dangerous book
The authors seem to be implying that Environmental Illness is a mental disorder, or at least they implied that if one thinks differently one can be cured.First I was amazed that they were able to drive 200 miles to and from work, and not only that but that they were able to go to work full time with this illness.I know there are many different functioning levels with this illness, and by reading their book it was apparent that they did not have the numerous difficulties that a majority of those suffering from EI have.Also, the channeling of entities about EI surprised me.At one point one of the channeled sprits said that this illness is an excuse not to do anything with your life and that the reason for it was that people with EI don't want to be on earth.I desperately want to be back to being able to go out and eat, and socialize, and be a part of society again.Being a recluse and spending thousands of extra dollars a year to keep myself from being fully bedridden would not be desired over living a full, productive life.I love living on earth and love this planet, so I really don't buy the channeled experience.I have been to many channels throughout my life and have never doubted anything more than what this channel says.The reason I feel this is a dangerous view the authors are conveying is that it says we can go on polluting the earth and our world, as long as we do certain new age practices to heal us, then our bodies will be ok with toxins. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Huge conflict of interest: edited and written by researchers, executives, and psychiatrist consultants funded by Eli Lilly
There is nothing here for patients, scientists or doctors requiring factually accurate biomedical information regarding the organically classified brain disorder ICD-10 G93.3 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

To understand why the information in this book does not apply to patients with the organic brain disorder Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), readers need to understand a basic principle of scientific medical research.

Organically classified diseases already HAVE medical explanations for symptoms whether or not the exact cause is known.

Patients with organic diseases, by definition alone, do not meet the criteria for psychiatric somatization (psychosomatic) disorders.

And according to the principles of scientific research information based on factually incorrect assumptions and study group selection criteria cannot be extrapolated to organically ill patients.

Nor, for that matter, do beliefs, personalities or behavior cause or perpetuate organic damage caused by active or cyclically reactivated neurotropic (brain/heart) viruses such as HHV-6 and EBV (check PubMed for biomedical studies).

Verification is beyond simple: Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/post viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are exclusively listed under G93.3 on page 494 - photocopies are available to the public.

Many doctors and patients are unaware of the ongoing ideological battle currently raging between psychiatrists over who is actually mentally ill and where mental illness ends and organic disease begins.

Or that adherents of psychiatrist George Engel's "Biopsychosocial" theory are reclassifying many organic diseases, not just G93.3 ME/PVFS/CFS or M79 fibromyalgia, as psychosomatic disorders in an effort to validate their theory.

Looking for a list of these organic disorders? Check the list of patient medical disorders covered under the lawsuits filed and won by states attorneys nationwide against UnumProvident Disability Insurance conglomerate or read biopsychosocial psychosomatic research by AJ Barsky.

Readers interested in accurate, applicable psychological information on CFS and fibromyalgia need to read books by longtime CDC and NIH researchers Dr. Leonard Jason and Renee Taylor also on Amazon.

Straus's work exhibits pure genius!
Dr. Straus presents the indisputable facts about CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) with unsurpassed clarity.While it clearly shows a scholarly understanding of the topic, Straus's work serves to answer the questions ofthe layman and the scientist alike. ... Read more

Book Description
After suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for eleven years, Patricia Taylor refused her doctor's prognosis and discovered solutions in the holistic and metaphysical community. Now Patricia shares her discoveries including hints on how to cope with the everyday problems suffered by millions of CFS sufferers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Not at all what I was expecting!
Caution:This book is not based on medical facts.The premise is that channeling and a spirit guide helped her get well.The first 23 pages are essentially just mere lists of foods to eat, foods not to eat, symptoms of CFS and sick building syndrome, not in prose fashion, but in actual lists.No new information there from what is general knowledge when a person gets CFS.

On a personal note, being a Christian, I wish I'd have known that this was a book based on occult teachings (channeling spirits).I would not have spent my money on it to support it at all.That's what I get for buying a pig in a poke.At a bookstore, I'd have spotted it right off because of the references it has in the back.

Perhaps the author (who I think is probably also the one who published it) should at least fill in the information about the book so people know what they are buying.Or submit a copy of the book to Amazon.com so they can scan it and people can check it out before buying it.I feel a bit hoodwinked on this one. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This book tried hard but didn't give any real answers.
I bought this book (one of many that I have bought and read) to try to gain new insight on chemical sensitivity and environmental illness.I have suffered from chemical sensitivities for three years now and throughseveral interventions, mostly nutritional and avoidance, have improvedmeasurably.I was hoping to find some new ideas that have proven helpfulto others but I didn't find much new in this book.It's a very good bookfor readers new to the subject though and the personal stories are helpful. ... Read more

Book Description
From the author of Living Well With Hypothyroidism, a comprehensive guide to the diagnosis and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia--vital help for the millions of people suffering from pain, fatigue, and sleep problems.

Recent studies indicate that 3 to 6 million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia--a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points. This terrible condition is often accompanied by chronic fatigue syndrome, a persistent and debilitating sense of exhaustion that is estimated to affect 800,000 Americans--twice the number of people with multiple sclerosis. Yet there are no official blood tests of diagnostic procedures that can confirm that yes, you definitely have these conditions, and in fact, a whole segment of the medical world doesn't even believe these two diseases actually exist. In addition, the few books that are on the market tend to focus on single solutions or eschew conventional and pharmaceutical approaches, which could alienate readers who use conventional medicine in whole or part. In her trademark accessible, easy-to-follow style, patient advocate Mary J. Shomon integrates the latest findings regarding these misunderstood conditions. Highlighting the pros and cons of the antibiotic, metabolic/endocrine, hormonal, musculoskeletal, and many other approaches to treatment, Shomon explores the fads and viable alternatives--both conventional and alternative--and provides helpful, clear solutions to help sufferers of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Customer Reviews (11)

Too complicated
The book is extremely well written. However, I had a hard time understanding everything because of the medical words being used.

not helpful
I don't believe in writing negative reviews unless they're really useful.I ordered this book based on all the good things I'd read about it.As I read it I wondered if these reviewers had read the same book!It's a dense and not terribly readable listing of all the readily researched material on CFS and fibromyalgia.Nothing in it is helpful.

Living Well with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
This was the first book I read when I became ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Sept. 2004, and it provided me with eye-opening insights into my disorder as well as sobering, but realistic expectations of the difficulties involved in the healing process. Additionally, it outlines the dysfunctions involved in this disorder as well as how to treat and cope with these.
Overall, I found the book to be a rich and helpful source of information for anyone suffering from this condition.
I would suggest complementing this book with others, however, as it isn't an all-inclusive source of information on CFIDS. Additionally, research has taught me that CFIDS/Fibromyalgia aren't conditions in and of themselves, but often manifestations of other illnesses, including Lyme Disease. For treatment of either condition to be effective, possibilities of other illnesses should be investigated and ruled out.
Finally, this book, as most others dealing with CFIDS, did not deal much with past emotional trauma and how this can be stored in the body and manifest as physical illness. For anyone who suspects that this factor has played a role in the development of his/her illness, finding information that deals with this aspect of healing is absolutely vital for recovery.

there are better books out there
This book seems to be cobbled together from Teitelbaum and various Web sites. It's broad and superficial. Major issues, such as the treatment of hormonal imbalances, are glossed over with a couple of sentences. Worst of all, she describes the relationship between depression and CFIDS and FMS as a "chicken-egg" thing--everyone who gets these was already depressed. There's no evidence whatsoever for this assertion, and saying it in a book damages advocacy and holds us back much in the same way as the dreaded moniker CFS.

Ask your doctor, not Ms. Shomon
While Ms Shomon's book quotes several CFS doctors, she relies mainly on Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum's advice which includes a barrage of vitamins.His book is titled "From Fatigued to Fantastic" and he wrote the introduction to Ms. Shomon's.It bothers me that Ms. Shomon presents many alternative therapies that are highly suspect and cost prohibitive for the most of us.However, she speaks from experience having suffered from CFS.It bothers me that she does not mention Kutapressin, an amino acid injection that my doctor and many others in the field use. ... Read more

Book Description
...written by a board-certified physician in internal medicine who hasalso suffered from CFS...explains the diagnosis, physiology, and treatment of CFS and how simple lifestyle changes can make the world of difference. ... Read more

Book Description
Recent studies suggest that half a million people in the United Statessuffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)--a severe and debilitationchronic illness of unknown etiology. Many mental health practitioners arerecognizing CFS patients in their practice, although they are not sure how to treat them. Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome--authored by twoexperienced CFS clinician-researchers--is the first volume on CFS writtenspecifically for mental health professionals, offering the latestresearch, informed clinical observations, and a thorough discussion ofassessment methods and therapeutic approaches to this puzzling condition.This comprehensive volume also gives an overview of the history,definition, prevalence, and various explanatory models of the illness, and it includes an eight-session behavioral treatment plan that providesclinicians with detailed guidance for implementing a coping-oriented CFSgroup program. This cutting-edge book will be especially valuable to CFSclinicians and researchers, health psychologists, and those who explorethe mind-body connection through behavioral medicine andpsychoneuroimmunology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
As a PhD psychologist and a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferer since 1987, I found this book exceptionally helpful.This is the first book I have read on the topic that demonstrated that the authors truly understood theillness from a patient's and professional's perspective, AND offerreduseful and effective treatment suggestions.I have recommended it to myprimary care physician and my shrink!I think it has much to offerpatients as well. ... Read more

Book Description
Are you in touch with the latest CFS information?

The Concise Encyclopedia of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome summarizes current knowledge about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) to help doctors and those working with CFS patients become familiar with recent developments and lessons learned about this and related fatiguing disorders. The information has been thoughtfully organized so that you will be able to easily access and become familiar with highlights of the most relevant topics.

The Concise Encyclopedia of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome will bring you up-to-date on advances in cardiovascular medicine, endocrinology, epidemiology, immunology, infectious diseases, neurology, psychiatry, and psychology which have served as the basis for the formulation of new lines of research and novel therapeutic interventions for CFS.

You'll find valuable information on the A-to-Z of CFS in the Concise Encyclopedia of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, including the relationships between:

• AIDS and fatigue
• brain injury and fatigue
• cancer and fatigue as well as:
• demographics of CFS
• interstitial cystitis
• MAO inhibitors
• neuropsychology of CFS
• psychosocial measures
• stress factors
• tumor necrosis factors ...and much more
  
  Comprehensive and thorough, the Concise Encyclopedia of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome highlights areas that need more research and gives you greater awareness of this widespread and growing problem. This compendium will educate and create greater CFS awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public.

Book Description
Are viruses the key to understanding this mysterious, devastating disease?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) causes great suffering, not least because its etiology is so poorly understood. Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the Antiviral Revolution Era offers proof that viruses may be direct or indirect causes of the disease. Therefore the new antiviral agents, the first fruits of the expanding genomics revolution, may be of use in treating this disorder.

In recent years, innovative hypotheses on disease have challenged conventional medical wisdom. New studies give powerful evidence that pathological processes as diverse as atherosclerosis and autoimmune disease may be of viral origin. Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the Antiviral Revolution Era takes these ideas a step further and applies them to CFS, offering fresh possibilities for treating this debilitating disease.

This breakthrough book presents the latest research on antiviral agents, including:

• the scientific rationale for their use in CFS
• the historical evolution of these drugs
• results of clinical trials
• new lines of research