The Doctor's Guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Understanding, Treating, and Living With Cfids

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant and humane
Review: A marvelous, humane, comprehensive look at the mysteries of chronic fatigue syndrome. Dr. Bell, perhaps the best medical writer I have ever encountered, takes on an immensely complex subject and sets forth in clear and concise terms what is known about CFS, what still isn't, what theories and treatments have been rejected and what theories and treatments are still under exploration, and where he thinks the future is headed. Most importantly, Dr. Bell clearly and decisively rejects the misguided notions that this disease is somehow the product of malingering or just a fancy word for depression, and offers encouragment to those who suffer not only from the disease but from the frustration of not being understood by their families or their physicians. I cannot recommend it highly enough for anyone with an interest in CFS.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant and humane
Review: A marvelous, humane, comprehensive look at the mysteries of chronic fatigue syndrome. Dr. Bell, perhaps the best medical writer I have ever encountered, takes on an immensely complex subject and sets forth in clear and concise terms what is known about CFS, what still isn't, what theories and treatments have been rejected and what theories and treatments are still under exploration, and where he thinks the future is headed. Most importantly, Dr. Bell clearly and decisively rejects the misguided notions that this disease is somehow the product of malingering or just a fancy word for depression, and offers encouragment to those who suffer not only from the disease but from the frustration of not being understood by their families or their physicians. I cannot recommend it highly enough for anyone with an interest in CFS.

Rating:
Summary: BUY THIS BOOK FOR YOUR DOCTOR
Review: Buy two copies of this book: one for you and one for your doctor.

Dr. Bell repeatedly makes the point that if the symptoms "don't make sense" it's because the doctor doesn't recognize what he's seeing, and not because the patient is imagining things.

He tells you (and your doctor) how to differentiate between CFS and look-alikes, such as depression, and goes into great detail about what *subtle* things the doctor should be looking for in a physical exam, things that might otherwise be overlooked because they're almost normal.

I've been quoting from this book since it was written, and expect to still be quoting from it (and using it to bash recalcitrant doctors over the head!) for another 20 years.

Rating:
Summary: this book helped me a lot!
Review: This book helped me find the answer to a 3 year search for what was going on. After reading it, we made an appointment to meet Dr. Bell. now, i know what is going on!

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous book! I learned so much!
Review: This book is great and I would recommend it to anyone with CFIDS or anyone who cares about someone with CFIDS. Great background on the upstate NY epidemic of CFIDS and info about the latest treatments. A must read!!