Review: Complete guide on CFS/ME
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 27, 2014
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by Erica F. Verrillo, is an extremely comprehensive publication–almost 700 pages–about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Over 15 years of hard work and much research have passed between the first edition and this new second edition. Written with Laura Gellman and consultation with several specializing physicians, this is truly everything you’d ever need to know about these conditions.CFS/ME is a condition which is baffling at best. It can manifest by a combination of many different symptoms but there is no definitive diagnostic lab test. Therefore it is often called a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that many other conditions can be ruled out by specific tests and if the problem is none of those, it is sometimes called CFS or ME by default. It can cause complete disability, but because of the word “Fatigue” in the name, is often minimized by doctors and the public. This book gives a thorough history of episodes of this condition from its earliest recognition.Many theories are explained as to why this occurs and how to treat it. Symptoms can range from physical to mental to sexual. They are so varied from patient to patient that it is difficult at best to make any general statements about CFS/ME. Still, it is imperative that these patients get any information that is known about it, and all the current treatments and drug information. As with any illness there are traditional allopathic and alternative holistic treatments, and all have some benefit for some people. Unfortunately, all cases do not behave identically.Coping & management strategies range from stress reduction to rest to stimulant and alcohol avoidance. There are many, many resources given in this book either by text or by hyperlink to other websites and companies. All in all I am very impressed with this book—it is truly a treatment guide for patient and doctor or practitioner to work through together. 5 stars.