Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide [Paperback]

Katrina Berne (Author), Daniel L. Peterson (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 21, 2001

Revised and expanded, this edition offers the latest findings on chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and overlapping diseases such as Gulf War Syndrome. It includes new information on the interaction of the brain, emotions, and immune system as well.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Hunter House; 3rd edition (December 21, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897932803
• ISBN-13: 978-0897932806
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #638,329 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

72 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chronic Enormously Complex Disease Syndrome, June 6, 2002

By 

Mary M. Schweitzer (Newark, Delaware, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide (Paperback)

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.

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Incredible Book, November 12, 2002

By 

Cheryl Repko "crcparma" (Denver, Colorado, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide (Paperback)

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.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, July 22, 2004

By 

catnut "mom2cats" (Moorestown NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide (Paperback)

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.