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

 

About the Author:

Susan R. Lisman, MD, is Director of Pediatric Anesthesia at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, MA. Karla Dougherty is a leading writer and editor in the fields of medicine, health, diet, and exercise.

 

Table of Contents:

Introduction.

Part I: Recognizing and Taking Steps Toward Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Chapter 1: Dipping into Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments.

Chapter 2: Gauging Your Symptoms: CFS Is More Than Being Tired.

Chapter 3: Looking At the Possible Causes: Where Does CFS Come From?

Chapter 4: Finding Comfort in Numbers: You’re Not Alone.

Part II: Teaming Up with Treatment Professionals.

Chapter 5: Tracking Down the Best Doctor for You.

Chapter 6: Working with Your Doctor to Sort Out Your Symptoms.

Chapter 7: Crafting Your Medical Treatment Plan.

Chapter 8: Handling Your Emotional and Psychological Issues.

Chapter 9: Checking Out Some Alternative (Therapy) Routes.

Chapter 10: Exorcising CFS Symptoms with Sensible Exercise.

Part III: Living and Working Well

with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Chapter 11: Setting Up a Healthy Daily Routine.

Chapter 12: Working When You Have CFS.

Chapter 13: CFS and Relationships: How to Stabilize the Rocking Boat.

Chapter 14: When Someone You Love Has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Chapter 15: Leading a Child Through the CFS Minefield.

Chapter 16: Peering into the Future of CFS.

Part IV: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 17: Ten Famous People with CFS.

Chapter 18: Ten Drug-Free Ways to Fight Fatigue.

Chapter 19: Ten Common Myths About CFS.

Chapter 20: Ten Things to Avoid If You Have CFS.

Chapter 21: Ten Strategies to Enhance Your Life.

Appendix: CFS Reference and Support Sources.

Glossary.

Index.

 

ISBN: 978-0-470-11772-9
Format: Paper
Pages: 384 Pages
Pub. Date: April 2007