The Encyclopedia
From Fatigued to Fantastic, 3rd Ed. by Jacob Teitelbaum , A Review by Cort
Johnson
Dr. Teitelbaum believes chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) physicians have
crossed a threshold in their ability to ‘effectively treat’ it. Indeed he
reports that for more than 50% of his patients ‘symptoms are no longer a major
problem’, and that 35-40% show major if incomplete improvement – rates of
improvement good enough to perk up any patients ears.
With its encyclopedic approach the latest edition of from Fatigued To Fantastic
just about throws his treatment plans in your lap. Dr. Teitelbaum appears to
have tried every approach under the sun and they all seem to be covered in this
rather hefty volume. Besides the usual treatment sections on sleep, fatigue,
pain, etc. there are chapters on Finding a Physician, two appendices that spell
out Dr. Teitelbaum’s treatment protocol for patients and for physicians, an
complete resources section, a support group section, a disability section and
more.
Where Fatigued to Fantastic really shines, though, is in Dr. Teitelbaum’s
personal insights into what does and doesn’t work in ME/CFS. Dr. Teitelbaum
doesn’t just give lists of drugs or treatments; he states what each treatment
does, why he thinks it may work and what his experiences have been with it.
Ironically one of the books strongest points – it comprehensiveness and detail
may seem daunting at first to the brain addled chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
patients. But the book is clearly organized and Dr. Teitelbaum bows to none in
his communication skills. One would think almost any patient would find
something of value here.
Dr. Teitelbaum’s approach may not be for everyone; his doctor’s satchel contains
everything from newest alternative approaches to most traditional pharmaceutical
ones. He’s an aggressive physician - sometimes going where others may not. He
advocates, for instance, the use of (bio-identical) hormone supplementation even
when laboratory tests are negative and in his efforts to get his patients to
sleep better – the most essential problem in chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
he believes – instead of one or two sleep medications he will prescribe up to
six - all in small quantities – at once.
Whether Dr. Teitelbaum’s approach is the most effective or not, From Fatigued to
Fantastic is easily the most comprehensive, well thought out and informative
guide to chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) found today. Every patient should
have a copy.
C