Re: Questionaire/Copy & Paste

June 13, 2002

Hi there

To try and enlighten on one question you asked..

What's in a Name: Fibro vs. CFS

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) share a number of

symptoms, and the names are often used interchangeably in the medical

literature. If you're confused about the difference between the

syndromes, you're not alone. Even doctors are confused. Many experts,

however, think fibromyalgia and CFS are the same -- or are at least

variations of the same -- pain and fatigue syndrome.

Research shows that between 50 percent and 70 percent of people with

fibromyalgia also fit the criteria for CFS, and vice versa. Because the

symptoms are so similar, the difference between one diagnosis and

another may be simply a matter of degree. " Most patients with CFS have

some kind of pain, and, of course, that is a hallmark of fibromyalgia.

And most patients with fibromyalgia report fatigue -- a hallmark of CFS.

Likewise, both involve a high frequency of sleep and cognitive

disturbances, " says Cary Engleberg, MD, chief of the infectious diseases

division at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor.

The diagnosis also may depend on whether your doctor is more familiar

with the criteria for CFS, developed by the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention (CDC) or those for fibromyalgia, developed by the

American College of Rheumatology.

There are a few documented differences between the conditions.

Fibromyalgia often is traced to an injury or physical or emotional

trauma, whereas CFS tends to have a flu-like onset. Researchers have

found that people with fibromyalgia may have abnormal levels of several

chemicals, such as substance P and serotonin, used by the body to

transmit and respond to pain signals. Also, people with CFS only do not

have tender points.

These findings have led to different trends in research. Many

fibromyalgia researchers have explored problems with pain transmission

and pain amplification that may affect the condition. Researchers who

study CFS have tended instead to investigate what role viruses may play

in triggering CFS.

Until researchers determine conclusively the fundamental biological,

neurological and psychological differences between the syndromes, the

diagnostic label makes little difference as long as both the physician

and the patient take a comprehensive approach to treating symptoms.

" Rational treatment consists of maintaining good general health -- in

other words, a balanced diet and exercise as tolerated, and symptomatic

relief of pain, sleep or mood disorders with carefully selected

medications or cognitive behavioral therapy, " says Dr. Elgleberg.

—Caralynhttp://

http://www.lis.net.au/~dbird/cfs.htm

http://www.uihealthcare.com/news/wellandgood/2002issue2/chronicfatigue.h

tml

those are a few sites that list the difference…

one of the most important aspects is to address the sleeping issue…I am

sure there are many opinions as to what works for some people and not

others but in treatment I think that is one thing the doctors try to

address..

Care and Treatment

Alternative Therapies

Acupuncture and Chronic http://www.Acupuncture.com/Research/Maier.htm>

Fatigue Syndrome - Acupuncture.com

Treatment: http://www.cfids.org/about-cfids/alternative-therapy.asp>

Alternative Therapy - Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome

Association of America

Vitamins,

http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/book.asp?PageType=Book&ID=887>

Minerals, and Herbs for Chronic Fatigue - Health World

How Is Chronic Fatigue http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1680.50869>

Syndrome Treated? - WebMD

Treatment: Lifestyle - http://www.cfids.org/about-cfids/lifestyle.asp>

Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Association of America

Treatment: Medical - http://www.cfids.org/about-cfids/medical.asp>

Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Association of America

Treatment: http://www.cfids.org/about-cfids/supportive-therapy.asp>

Supportive Therapy - Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome

Association of America

Treatments - CDC http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs/treat.htm>

Chronic

http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/article.asp?PageType=Article&ID=87

8> Fatigue Syndrome: Overview of Contributing Factors and Treatment

Plan - Health World

hope this might help in some way

sincerely

samantha

Questionaire/Copy & Paste

Questionaire

Name:

Age range: 40

Male/female: Female

What are the symptoms?: Since I was 20 I have had extreme pain in my

left shoulder. It was diagnosed as Bursitis. I knew this was not the

correct diagnosis but just kept taking Motrin. I then developed

pain/aching in both shoulders and behind my neck. This has been going on

for 20 years as well. I have osteoarthritis in my knees and back. I have

muscle stiffness constantly. Extreme fatigue at times, to the point

where I have to just lie down or fall down, one or the other.

Has your illness been diagnosed?: Not yet.

How long did you suffer before you got help?: I had a Gastric Bypass

1/02 and have been taking two multivitamin's a day, extra B-12, Calcium,

Vitamin D and E. This has helped a little.

Is there a time that you can remember when it started?: At age 20.

Have you found it hard to exercise, thus have you gained weight?: Yes. I

had a Gastric Bypass in Jan. of 2002. I have lost 49 pounds thus far and

have another forty to go. This has helped immensely.

Are you on disability?: No.

If you are any pointers for others trying to get on disability?: No.

Have you made any discoveries that have helped with the pain?: Yes. I

have a jacuzzi, which helps tremendously. Losing the weight has helped.

Stretching exercises help as well.

Do you have sleep problems? How do you deal with it?: I drink a tea made

by Celestial Seasonings called, Sleeptytime Tea. I also take a Benedryl

if I have a real big problem with sleep.

Do you have family that understands your illness?: Yes, my mother also

has osteoarthritis and has been diagnosed with FM.

Some have found certain foods causes problems with CFS or Fibro, have

you?: No.

What type of Doctor have you found that has helped you the most?: Have

not found a good doctor to help me, as of yet.

---------------------------------

June 13, 2002