Other Sellers on Amazon
FREE Shipping
+ $3.99 shipping
92% positive
Usually ships within 3 to 4 days.
& FREE Shipping
88% positive over last 12 months
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide Paperback – December 21, 2001
| Price | New from | Used from |
Enhance your purchase
Additional Details
A completely updated edition of the CFIDS classic Running on Empty
Once you were active, energetic, unstoppable. Now you can’t seem to get better. . .
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or CFIDS) is a complex illness characterized primarily by severe, persistent fatigue. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a condition of widespread muscular and joint pain, with specific tender points on the body. Both of these “invisible” illnesses are also accompanied by a mix of physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms such as sore throat, persistent headache, brain fog, sleep disturbance, balance problems, anxiety and depression. This book is a definitive guide to virtually every aspect of CFS and FMS.
Written frankly and compassionately, the book describes the first signs of illness, the difficult process of diagnosis and the frustrating search for effective treatment. Detailed chapters based on the latest research and reports from patients cover:
- what we know about causes of CFS and FMS, and whether they are related
- the whole range of symptoms and diagnostic techniques for both conditions
- proven and experimental treatment and self-care options, including complementary and alternative methods
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Other Invisible Illnesses also addresses the sensitivities and allergies found in CFS/FMS and similar conditions such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome and Gulf War syndrome. It includes a chapter on CFS and FMS in children and gives invaluable advice on dealing with relationship and professional issues as well as the lifestyle changes that accompany these conditions. This book is what every CFS or FMS patient needs to live fully and successfully.
- Print length352 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherHunter House
- Publication dateDecember 21, 2001
- Dimensions5.5 x 0.89 x 8.5 inches
- ISBN-100897932803
- ISBN-13978-0897932806
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Daniel L. Peterson, M.D., a specialist and researcher at Sierra Internal Medicine in Incline Village, NV, has specialized in the treatment of CFS for over 15 years.
Robert M. Bennett, M.D., FRCP, FACP, is a rheumatologist and a professor at Oregon Health and Science University.
Product details
- Publisher : Hunter House; 3rd edition (December 21, 2001)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 352 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0897932803
- ISBN-13 : 978-0897932806
- Item Weight : 0.035 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.89 x 8.5 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,620,826 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #435 in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia
- #542 in Musculoskeletal Diseases (Books)
- #1,215 in Health, Mind & Body Reference
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
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.
If you have been diagnosed (or are suspected to have either syndrome) or have someone close to you that does, this is a great place to start. I give it 4 stars instead of 5 not because the author in any way 'fails' to accomplish what she set out to do-it is indeed an "essential handbook" on the topic- but because I personally felt a lack of direction on 'what to do next' and certainly overwhelmed with all of the suggested diagnostics necessary to rule out other conditions, as well as little or no "hope" for relief/recovery. Again, just an interpretation of the illness itself and the bewilderingly little progress made by western medicine at large, which is obviously not the fault of the author.
I next joined an online support group and spent weeks feverishly researching & reading the experiences of fellow suffers, only to find myself more bewildered and hopeless. Exhausted, I finally came to the realization that all of this "research" and following others posts, was actually exacerbating the severity of my symptoms!
I suggest this book for basic knowledge but don't get stuck in your illness! If you are inclined, seek western medicine for relief of symptoms but strongly consider alternative therapies and MOST IMPORTANTLY spiritual guidance. Prayer and Meditation may be what you need most! Also, consider researching "spiritual emergency or crisis" and kundalini awakening...there is much overlapping of symptoms.




