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.
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.
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.
Explore the complexities of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) with 'Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Understanding, Managing, and Thriving.' This comprehensive guide delves into every aspect of CFS, from its historical roots and diagnostic challenges to the latest research and innovative treatments. Discover practical strategies for managing daily life, coping with the emotional impact, and building a supportive network. Each chapter offers in-depth insights, personal stories, and expert advice to help patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals navigate the often misunderstood world of CFS. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with CFS for years, this book provides the knowledge and tools to thrive despite the limitations. Join us in shedding light on CFS and advocating for a future filled with hope and progress.
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.
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.
You may be familiar with Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS), but many are not. Although countless people in the medical profession are seeking a cause and cure, it still remains a mystery to most. This book will give you a glimpse into the world of a very complex and debilitating disease. Written by one who suffers from this illness personally, you will have the opportunity to learn what it is like to experience CFIDS first hand. There are no confusing statistics, sales pitches for useless products, or promises of an overnight cure. This book presents the author's self-reported case study in a no-nonsense manner, geared toward people with CFIDS and the medical professional seeking more information. It is the author's hope that by sharing his experiences, other individuals will not feel alone in their battle with the unknown.
"What Nurses Know ... CFS provides validation to the more than one million PWCFS in the United States. It presents an overview of the illness and the latest informa-tion about, and description of, symptoms, as well as sug-gested management of them. It discusses getting a diagno-sis and putting together a health care team; for example, readers may choose a neurologist for management of their newly acquired headaches or a rheumatologist for joint pain. Emphasis is placed on the importance of finding a knowledgeable, caring health care provider who is suppor-tive, learning how to communicate with the health care provider and team, and making the most of appointment time"--
It is estimated that there are over 100,000 people suffering from M.E. in Britain today. Although not a new disease, M.E. (also known as 'yuppie flu') is at last being recognised and taken seriously. M.E. is short for MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYSELITIS, a term which relates to the parts of the body affected: MYALGIC, the muscles; ENCEPHALO, the brain; and MYSELITIS, the nerves. Until recently, many people suffering from M.E. had great difficulty in finding a diagnosis and a way of dealing effectively with their chronic fatigue. This comprehensive guide provides much-needed information about the disease. It describes the symptoms of M.E., what triggers it and who can get it and also discusses additional problems such as sleep disorders, depression, pain in the joints and difficulties with the eyes, ears and balance. A well-researched, comprehensive guide, LIVING WITH M.E. is THE book to buy for any M.E. sufferer who wants information not speculation.
I hope that if you have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) (or know someone who has) you will find this book useful. M.E. can affect different people in different ways. Some people are able to carry on with a normal life as long as they pace themselves, others are housebound or even bedridden. This book is about my story, how I developed M.E. and how I have tried to search for an answer and treatment for the symptoms I experience.
