The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) estimates that only about 20% of
chronic fatigue syndrome patients have been diagnosed and many physicians are not aware of how to
diagnose it.
Finding a Knowledgeable Doctor. Because
doctor's knowledgeable in
chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are still rare it is important that people who believe they may have CFS
find one. Some ME/CFS patients spend exorbitant amounts of money being sent
from specialist to specialist before they are finally told they have chronic
fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). While a diagnosis can be somewhat complicated the CDC believes this kind
of long drawn out process is unnecessary:
“CFS can be diagnosed in a primary care setting. Referring patients to
various specialists just to confirm a CFS diagnosis is costly and
unnecessary”
Peter Rowe, M.D. Johns Hopkins Medical School.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) physicians can often be found by contacting a local support group for information. The CFIDS Association of America and the CDC provide lists of CFS support groups on their websites. The ProHealth and CFSFMExperimental chat groups are also good sources of information.
The Fibro-Fatigue Centers - For the first time a group of clinics focused specifically on treating ME/CFS and fibromyalgia has been created. Modeled on Dr. Holtorf's protocol the Fibro-Fatigue Centers were created by a recovered CFS businessman. Dr. Teitelbaum became their national medical director in 2006. As of December, 2007 sixteen centers across the U.S. had been created. One of the Google Ads on the right features the Fibro-Fatigue Centers.
Holistic Health Physicians - An increasing number of M.D.'s utilize both traditional and alternative therapies. Every major city and many smaller ones contain a number of 'holistic' health oriented M.D.'s who are well acquainted with ME/CFS. The American Board of Holistic Medicine can help you find one in your area if you want to take this approach.
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.
Finding A Physician / Before The Visit / Assessing Your Physician / Educating Your Physician / TreatmentThe 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.