Product Description

A practical guide to understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome M. E., commonly called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is an illness about which very little is understood. Doctors have difficulty identifying it, and then can often offer no solution other than bed rest. Dr Anne Macintyre has suffered from M.E. for over 10 years. But she has used her medical expertise to understand the causes of M.E., to communicate the reality of the disease to her sceptical colleagues and, most importantly, has learned how to recover from it. This revised edition of her much acclaimed book gives clear and comprehensive guidelines on: / exercise, rest and relaxation / nutrition and supplements / coping with a change in lifestyle / managing depression / particular problems for women with M.E. / psychiatric approches to the illness

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #139571 in Books
• Published on: 1998-04-20
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

Review
'We are more impressed by this book than by any of the books already written on the subject.' ANZ Myalgic Encephalomyelitic Society (New Zealand)

About the Author
Dr Anne Macintyre is a medical doctor. She has suffered from ME for over 10 years -- and has learnt how to recover from it. 'This book provides the widest and most detailed information on M.E. yet published ! it brings a glimmer of light to the end of the tunnel.'

Customer Reviews

Every GP should read it and every PWC should own it.
Dr Anne Macintyre's book *ME: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Practical Guide* is the single best book I have read on the subject--and as I have had ME for 7 years, I have read a great deal. I wish I had had this book when I first became ill, and even now I find it immensely validating.

The initial chapters focus on the history and nature of the illness and the way it has been perceived by the public and the medical profession. In describing and categorizing symptoms and the basis for diagnosis, Dr Macintyre draws on a vast body of scientific research, presenting it in terms readily comprehensible not merely to the educated lay person, but to the ME sufferer with cognitive dysfunction. (Complete references are provided.) Guidelines for diagnosis and similar conditions which need to be eliminated before a diagnosis of ME can be made are provided throughout the first 4 chapters and again in an appendix at the back of the book. Chapter 3, 'ME, CFS, and Psychiatry', provides a clear look at the psychological problems of ME and no excuse for a misdiagnosis of ME as primary depression.

The middle section of the book is devoted to managing the illness, with chapters on rest and sleep (absolutely vital), exercise (must be handled with care but can be helpful if sufficiently mild and practiced with a sensitivity to the fluctuation of symptoms and the risk of severe relapse), stress and meditation, depression and anxiety.

Starting with Chapter 10, Macintyre surveys methods of treatment: both those of conventional medicine and alternative practices. Her approach is sensible and sensitive to the fact that many PWCs (Persons with CFS/ME) have unusual responses to medications. One chapter is devoted to candida albicans, a common secondary infection in PWCs, and one to diet and nutrition (many PWCs suffer from deficiencies in vitamins and minerals). The advice is always that if a treatment does not work after a reasonable trial, it should be discontinued.

The final chapters of the book focus on 'specialty issues': ME in children, special problems for women with ME, caring and relationships (sex in particular can present problems for PWCs) and on practical issues such as disability and benefits, mobility aids, etc. Appendix A lists 'Sources of Help,' primarily organizations in the UK.

Although the section on benefits and some of the details of the chapter on practical problems are geared specifically for the ME sufferer or carer living in the UK, the rest of the book applies to PWCs everywhere. I have now bought 6 copies: one to keep, one for my GP, one for my therapist, one for my partner, one for my parents, and one to lend to new acquaintances.

The ME/CFS Sufferers' (and Carers') Desert Island Book
I have had ME/CFS for over five years now. It's a long and sometimes lonely journey. I have naturally bought and read many books on the subject, looking for help and even maybe that elusive cure.
This is the book I KEEP coming back to. It may not be the most up-to-date but it is so thoughtful, well-informed and encouraging, that no matter what you are going through (and sadly there can be plenty) it has something to offer you - it's truly the ultimate ME/CFS handbook.
Dr Mackintyre's perspective as a doctor and ex-sufferer is not unique, but her sensitivity and understanding is. Every pitfall and dilemma is explored in a balanced and sympathetic way. I look forward to the day when all those touched by this illness share her serenity, courage and wisdom.

The complete handbook for understanding and managing ME/CFS
The author is a medical practitioner who has suffered from ME/CFS for some years. This book dispels the mumbo-jumbo often associated with CFS; discusses possible causes; and provides a complete handbook for sufferers and their families. It is always practical, always helpful and life-changing for sufferers who follow its guidelines on managing the condition.

If you suffer from ME/CFS/CFIDS or are close to someone who does, this is the only book you need for optimum management of the condition and restoring as much quality as possible to your life.