Many people don’t have the ability to search for a
good ME/Chronic fatigue syndrome physician. If you’re seeing a physician that
you sense doesn’t know a lot about ME/CFS but wants to learn more consider the
following.
The CFIDS Association of America (CAA) will send an
information packet
containing basic information on ME/CFS to your physician if you request it. A
physician
‘toolkit’ available at the Centers for Disease Control’s
(CDC’s) website provides easy access to basic facts on how CFS is diagnosed and
treated and why it is believed to occur.
The New Jersey Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association provides free downloads of
an approximately 80 page Consensus Manual For the Primary Care and Management of
CFS that covers diagnosis, research and treatment. This document was created by
CFS professionals in collaboration with the New Jersey Dept. of Health.
The CDC provides physicians and other health care professionals an accredited
two hour web-based training course on ME/CFS that fulfills their continuing
education requirements. The CDC also provides ‘Grand Rounds’ presentations at
universities and research centers and exhibits regularly at medical conferences.
Dr. Teitelbaum's Computerized Personal Treatment Program
- For a modest fee you can create your own personalized
treatment program
based on Dr. Teitelbaum's protocols. Two programs are possible; a more
expensive long form you can use to educate your physician about your case
and a less expensive shorter form for your use.
You simply fill in medical history and symptom forms and lab test
information and the computer does the rest. You will be provided with a list
of probable factors that may contribute to your illness and a list of
natural and prescription remedies that may be helpful.
Others.
Your physician might also be interested to know a professional medical
organization dedicated to understanding ME/CFS exists. The
International
Association of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (IACFS/ME)
disseminates information, provides expert testimony to congressional committees
and at scientific conferences, and produces the bi-annual International ME/CFS
Conferences.
Both the CDC and National Institutes of Health
have long term research programs
on CFS. The CFS Advisory Committee (CFSAC) is a federal advisory committee that
monitors the governments response to CFS and provides recommendations to the
Secretary of Health.
If you feel you really have a partner consider printing out a copy of the
Phoenix Rising newsletter and giving it to them. This newsletter – produced by a
ME/CFS patient – provides up to date summaries of the latest research efforts on
ME/CFS.
Finding A Physician / Before The Visit / Assessing Your Physician / Educating Your Physician / Treatment
The Phoenix Rising website is compiled by a layman. It is not a substitute for a physician and is for informational uses only. Please discuss any treatments in these pages with your physician.
______________________________CFIDS Association of America
Centers for Disease Control: CFS
Office Of Research For Women’s Health: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome