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 practical manual comes from a nationally recognised centre for the condition and is jointly written by health professionals and their patients. They give straightforward and specifci expert advice, accompanied by real life stories, on managing different aspects of everyday life that can affect energy and they show how to put this advice into practice. They understand the way fatigue affects concentration and therefore break their guidance into easy to follow steps that can be worked through at the reader's own pace.
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.
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.
A must resource for the millions of people affected by Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndromes. FMS and CFS, unlike well known and understood diseases like cancer, spring boards a journey for education, understanding and compassion. The book powerfully captures this journey, and is the first to provide patients, family and friends with the imperative resources to find support through their walk. In addition, The Life Planner, is a workbook that maps out a step-by-step guide for adapting and coping with the lifestyle changes fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue patients must face. The book is divided into four sections: The Syndromes: Provides an extensive look at the cause, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatments. From current research to clinical trials. The Resources: A comprehensive listing of FMS/CFS books, medical journals, association newsletters, periodicals and video's, recommended by FMS/CFS Associations. The Support: Worldwide listings of FMS/CFS Associations, as well as associations for sub categories of these syndromes. Including: Advocacy, pain management, alternative therapies and disability issues. The Life Planner: From diagnoses to acceptance, The Life Planner details how to manage life emotionally and physically. A compassionate look at: What to expect, how to work through feelings, goal planning, worksheets and charts, exercise, nutritional choices, how to educate family and friends and work options. Written by a fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue patient, the book outlines not only the journey for the patient, but gets to the heart of awakening family and friends to the devastating effects these illnesses cause, and provides the tools needed for years to come.
Chronic fatigue conditions are some of the most frustrating, life-altering and stigmatized illnesses, so why are they still so poorly understood? ME/CFS affects roughly 17 million people worldwide. Medicalscience still cannot explain why some people get chronic fatigue syndromes and, distressingly, there are few effective treatments. While many people with ME/CFS are able to live a fairly normal life, a significant minority have symptoms so severe that they are confined to their house, or even their bed, and suicide rates are well above the national average. Living with ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, by consultant rheumatologist Dr Gerald Coakley and occupational therapist Beverly Knops, is a much-needed, evidence-based guide for people struggling with ME/CFS - as well as their friends and family - that provides practical information and accessible advice on how to manage and live with this challenging condition, at all stages of severity. It will explore: - The causes and management options for ME/CFS - The impact of the condition on work, education and emotional wellbeing - The importance of a balanced, nutritious diet in managing your symptoms - Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS) and other fatigue-related syndromes - Advice for carers and questions to ask your doctor - Life after ME/CFS This essential, concise book, and its empowering patient stories of hope, will equip readers with the knowledge, strategies and support to navigate and manage this challenging condition.
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.
Sandy Shaw presents a collection of resources on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The resources include definitions, abstracts, and links to support groups, archives, publications, government agencies, universities, and more.
