Customer Reviews

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

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2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This book is easy to read and understand. Research in areas of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia is severely underfunded, however, Ms. Berne does a wonderful job of relating the most recent findings; many of which dispel the notion that this is about being just a little tired. I highlighted the symptoms that I had in several of the lists in this book and gave it to my physician to keep which she did. I also just hand it to friends and family when they seem skeptical. It does the trick.

An excellent book, full of useful advice and support. As a Consultant Psychiatrist, I have been treating Chronic Fatigue Syndromes since 1982 and this is one of the best books on the subject, that I have ever read. I would thoroughly recommend this book to all sufferers and their relatives. The illness is extremely difficult to treat and is very frustrating for both the patient and also the therapist. However, books like this offer considerable hope and guidance.
Keep up ther good work.
Dr. Adrian Winbow, Consultant Psychiatrist

I have finished all but the conclusion of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Other Invisible Illnesses. This is an excellent resource for sufferers of these diseases. The one and only difficulty with this book is its age; it was published in 2002. Next time I visit the bookstore I will be looking around for an updated book. However that in no way negates the usefulness of this particular work. Dr. Berne (PhD) suffers from Chronic Fatigue herself and she has done a masterful job of portraying a life so afflicted. The book begins with descriptions of both Fibromyalgia and CFS, moves on to discuss overlapping symptoms of both these illnesses and numerous others such as Gulf War Syndrome, Lupus, etc. Then she heads into the symptoms and these were a revelation to me. A lot of things I had been passing off as age or menopause could be symptoms of these illnesses. The book follows the history of diagnosis for these two diseases and paints a portrait of the typical sufferer. I asked my husband to read this chapter and he said it sounded just like me. It is some comfort to know that you are not going insane. Unfortunately the health care industry has shown little interest in researching these illnesses but here is where the age of the book is a detriment. The pharmaceutical industry has produced Lyrica recently and it shows signs of affecting the brain chemistry which may be responsible for the symptoms. As far as that brain chemistry goes it is a strong possibility there is a neurotransmitter glitch that is sending signals of pain for no reason. Environmental and other toxins could be responsible for this glitch, however, you need a predisposition to this malady which should be obvious because otherwise everyone would have it. There are toxins in everything. The latter part of the books deals with treatments (there are none) and alleviation of symptoms, including your own attitude adjustment. Berne mentions Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and I would just like to add my two cents about CBT. When I was seriously depressed the most helpful thing my psychiatrist did was introduce me to Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I have been using it ever since and I believe it is this mental discipline which allows me to be happier than I have ever been even while living with the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. All in all I recommend this book to anyone suffering from these illnesses. It really does help to know you are not alone and you are not crazy - it is not all in your mind although it is quite possibly in your brain. Good luck to all my fellow sufferers.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book, which was honest both in the debilitating nature of the diseases and had a much better discussion of pain medication then many other books. Too often books on fibromyalgia and ME/CFS, while claiming to recognize that these are real, physical illnesses, then spend most of their time on lifestyle changes and counseling and antidepressants being the best treatment for fibromyalgia, showing that they do believe it's all in your head and if you just did "x" better, you'd feel better. This book isn't condesending and doesn't try to play psychiatrist, which I greatly appreciated. A great read, especially for the newly diagnosed.

This wonderful book is our second copy of Berne's book. We have both CFS and
FM and have found this book very helpful and informative. Since these two syndromes are very difficult to diagnosis, having information that is practicaland realistic is invalluable.............

This book means well, the author clearly means well, but this book reinforces all the misinformation spread about 'CFS' and M.E. by people like the CDC and the big 'ME/CFS' and 'CFIDS' groups.

Like her first book, this book does not distinguish adequately, or at all, between fatiguing illnesses and M.E. or 'CFS.' Ridiculous and unscientific claims are also made about Fibromyalgia being basically the same as 'CFS.' This book also very clearly means well, but is not a good source of reliable medical information.

The poor quality information in this book was a real lost opportunity to do some good.

This type of misinformation and lack of political awareness is a big part of why we have made so very little progress over the last 20 years. I don't understand why some patients still recommend this book to fellow M.E. patients. It's hugely problematic.

Anyone who can't see the huge difference betwen FM and M.E. and between the definitions of 'CFS' and M.E. - clearly does not understand even the most basic facts about M.E., with respect.

What this book should have said is:

Under the cover of 'CFS' certain vested interest groups have assiduously attempted to obliterate recorded medical history of M.E.; even though the existing evidence has been published in prestigious peer-reviewed journals around the world and spans over 70 years.

M.E. is a distinct, scientifically verifiable and measurable, acute onset, organic neurological disease. 'CFS' in contrast, is not a distinct disease. 'CFS' doesn't exist. Every diagnosis of CFS - based on any of the CFS definitions - can only ever be a misdiagnosis. A watebasket diagnosis.

The fact that a person qualifies for a diagnosis of 'CFS' (a) does not mean that the patient has M.E., and (b) does not mean that the patient has any other distinct illness named CFS.' M.E. and 'CFS' are not the same.

Far fewer than 0.5% of the population has the distinct neurological disease known since 1956 as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an artificial construct created in the US in 1988 for the benefit of various political and financial vested interest groups. It is a mere diagnosis of exclusion based on the presence of gradual or acute onset fatigue lasting 6 months. If tests show serious abnormalities, a person no longer qualifies for the diagnosis, as 'CFS' is 'medically unexplained.' A diagnosis of 'CFS' does not mean that a person has any distinct disease (including M.E.). According to the latest CDC estimates, 2.54% of the population qualify for a 'CFS' (mis)diagnosis.

The patient population diagnosed with 'CFS' is made up of people with a vast array of unrelated illnesses, or with no detectable illness. However, while 'CFS' is not a genuine diagnosis, those given this misdiagnosis are in many cases significantly or even severely ill and disabled. 'CFS' is made up of people with cancer, MS, Lyme disease, depression and hundreds of other unrelated conditions.

Sub-grouping different types of 'CFS,' refining the bogus 'CFS' definitions further or renaming 'CFS' with some variation on the term M.E. (such as 'ME/CFS') would achieve nothing and only create yet more confusion and help to continue and further entrench the mistreatment and abuse.

The problem is not that 'CFS' patients are being mistreated as psychiatric patients; some of those patients misdiagnosed with CFS actually do have psychological illnesses. There is no such distinct disease/s as 'CFS' - that is the entire issue.

Due to outrageous political influences on medicine and govermnent policy, the vast majority of M.E. patients will not be able to be correctly diagnosed with M.E. Most M.E. patients will unfortunately be misdiagnosed with 'CFS.' It is extremely important to note, however, that only a very tiny percentage of those told they have 'CFS' will be M.E. patients. The overwhelming majority of those misdiagnosed with 'CFS' do NOT have M.E. 'CFS' is NOT just another term for M.E.

For more information on genuine M.E. read books and articles by genuine M.E. experts such as Dr Hyde and Dr Dowsett. This book should be avoided by M.E. patients and the 'CFS' misdiagnosed non-M.E. patient alike. None of us need the facts muddied even further, this only makes it harder for us all to start slowly getting well.

I give this book 2 stars instead of one as the author clearly means well and is motivated to help people. If only the content of the book had lived up to the authors strong desire to help.

Jodi Bassett, The Hummingbirds' Foundation for M.E.