Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses

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Summary: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible
Review: An excellent book, full of useful advice and support. As a Consultant Psychiatrist, I have been treating Chronic Fatigue Syndromes since 1982 and this is one of the best books on the subject, that I have ever read. I would thoroughly recommend this book to all sufferers and their relatives. The illness is extremely difficult to treat and is very frustrating for both the patient and also the therapist. However, books like this offer considerable hope and guidance.
Keep up ther good work.
Dr. Adrian Winbow, Consultant Psychiatrist

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Summary: Chronic Enormously Complex Disease Syndrome
Review: As a fan of Dr. Berne's first book, Running on Empty, I was delighted to find the same clear, accurate, scientific, and common sense approach to the disease the U.S. CDC has chosen to name "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" (but has been called Myalgic Encephalytis, or M.E, for 50 years outside the U.S.) and the condition that is all too often its companion, fibromyalgia. Someone not familiar with the disease may find the complexity described herein difficult to believe -- but it is absolutely accurate, based on good research and Dr. Berne's relationship with many patients with the diseases. This book of lists includes the full array of symptoms most patients have, along with currently suggested treatments, theories of its cause and nature, and above all compassion for those of us who suffer from it. It might frighten your relatives a bit, but they should see it. The same goes for any general practitioner who thinks this disease is just about "fatigue," which is comparable to looking at congestive heart failure as being mainly characterized by "fatigue." Buy it, send it to friends, relatives, TV stations, reporters, and of course, keep a copy for yourself. It's written in a style that you can read bit by bit -- which is, sad to say, how most of our minds work when afflicted by the illness. As Berne notes, the CDC admits that over half a milllion Americans suffer from this illness (a more recent demographic study states 800,000 victims) and only 10 percent have been diagnosed. Read this book, and then imagine how those people can possibly be living. Maybe with this book, someone in the media or in government will finally pay attention. Bravo again to Katrina Berne for a job well done.

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Summary: give this one to your doctor
Review: This book is easy to read and understand. Research in areas of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia is severely underfunded, however, Ms. Berne does a wonderful job of relating the most recent findings; many of which dispel the notion that this is about being just a little tired. I highlighted the symptoms that I had in several of the lists in this book and gave it to my physician to keep which she did. I also just hand it to friends and family when they seem skeptical. It does the trick.

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Summary: Great book!
Review: This is a wonderful book for patients, doctors, family members, caregivers, or anyone wanting more information on what CFS/FMS really is and how to live with it and have a productive life. As a FMS patient, I strongly identified with the symptoms and feelings, and found the sample letters to my doctor, my family, my friends, extremely valid and able to put my feelings into perspective.

While it was hard for me to keep reading the "reality" that this disease has no cure -- (I face that in daily life too but it's easier to forget about it than when you're reading it every few pages!), it was important for me to realize that I'm not just "dreaming this up" -- nor am I "faking it". For years, I went undiagnosed, and had many doctor's tell me that it was "all in my head"....this book helps patients realize that these ARE real diseases that have not been given the proper "title" or validation by the CDC that they deserve.

This book was a great source of information and support for me and I highly recommended it to my doctor and to other FMS/CFS patients as well.

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Summary: An Incredible Book
Review: This is the fibromyalgia/cfs book that not only "tells it like it is," but also demonstrates how to live gracefully and positively with the uncertainty and pain of chronic illness. Read every word not only for comprehensive information on causal theories, symptoms, and research, but also for the author's insights as one who has been fighting the good fight for many years.

Rating:
Summary: An Incredible Book
Review: This is the fibromyalgia/cfs book that not only "tells it like it is," but also demonstrates how to live gracefully and positively with the uncertainty and pain of chronic illness. Read every word not only for comprehensive information on causal theories, symptoms, and research, but also for the author's insights as one who has been fighting the good fight for many years.