Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Book Reviews
Treatment
From Fatigued to Fantastic!: A Proven Program to Regain Vibrant Health, Based on a New Scientific Study Showing Effective Treatment for Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia by Jacob Teitelbaum (Paperback - 2007) -Written by one of the most prominent chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) physicians this fine book offers, despite its overwrought title, an engaging and easily accessible overview of the complex world of CFS treatment. Dr. Teitlebaum is the only physician associated to have subjected his treatment protocol to the vicissitudes of a peer reviewed double-blinded study. Throughout the book he spices the mix with insightful comments on virtually every treatment. Easily the most comprehensive overview of CFS treatment found, this book should be on every chronic fatigue syndrome patients bookshelf.
For a full review of this book
Essays and History
‘ENCOUNTERS WITH THE INVISIBLE’ Unseen Illness, Controversy, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by Dorothy Wall. My favorite book on chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Stricken with CFS as a young adult in 1980, Dorothy Wall’s has been through it all; the uncertainty of dealing with an unknown disease, the attempts to hold it all together, the relationship problems this disease causes, the isolation it engenders, the uncomprehending friends, the clueless doctors, the small steps forward, the occasional big steps back, the bit by bit resumption of her career.These are difficult subjects but this is not a depressing book. Nor is it a get well story or heroic epic, instead it is a look at how an articulate and intelligent woman has confronted and still confronts the vicissitudes of having a difficult chronic disease. As we watch her struggle with the aftermath of a terrible relapse she suffered in the midst of a business trip in 1995 she takes us through a range of topics; the disease’s history, it’s strange name, its effects on relationships, its many manifestations, it’s central nervous and immune system complications, the ups and downs of the advocacy movement, the clash between patient and doctor, advocate and agency, etc.
For a full review of this book
For an interview with Dorothy Wall.
Osler's Web: Inside the Labyrinth of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Epidemic by Hillary Johnson
Check out the inside story on the heady days as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) exploded onto the national scene and the late 1980's and 1990's. Hillary Johnson is a born storyteller and what a story this was as CFS patients, physicians and researchers clawed and scrapped to gain recognition. A medical thriller and scintillating read as well as cautionary tale for anyone with a controversial disease. The latest edition was just upda
Coping and Management
'Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness by JON KABAT-ZINN. A Ph.D and Zen practitioner illustrates ways to cope with the stress of chronic diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome using meditational techniques. This book nicely ties together western science and eastern meditation techniques. With the stress response system and body-mind connection in chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) being more fully explored this book can be heartily recommended.Research
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Biological Approach (ed. Kenny De MeirLeir and Patrick Englebienne). (Hardcover)
CFS viewed through the prism of RNase L dysfunction. Mainly the product of Belgian and Australian researchers, CFS ABA details the largest and potentially most significant attempt yet at uncovering the basis of CFS. Very technical but mandatory reading for those seriously trying to get a handle on the underpinnings of CFS. A chapter by chapter synopsis of this interesting book and related topics is found on this website.
Handbook of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
(Leonard Jason, Patricia Fennel, Renee Taylor, Charles Lapp. eds.)
The largest and most complete overview of the pathology and treatment in CFS in over a decade. Overviews range from those on the immune, endocrine and other systems to the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy to psychological problems to treatment, etc. Quite expensive ($90). The sections on endocrinology, immunology, nutrition etc. seemed excellent. The chapter on post-infective fatigue by Lloyd was particularly fascinating. Several of the big names in the field (Lappe, Hyde, Klimas, Cleare) contributed.
