Expert: Suzan Jackson - 9/6/2007

Question
Are there any doctors you can recommend?  I have had this condition for 15 years, but not as bad as many I have read about.  Does detoxing help?  Thank you so much!  Renee

Answer
Hi, Renee -

You don't mention where you live.  If you can tell me the state or region you live in, I may be able to suggest some doctors who are nearby.  Fortunately, there are more and more doctors who understand and can treat CFS (though we still have a long way to go!)

I don't know much about detoxing, so I really can't comment on that.

Some of the things that have helped me include:

Treating Orthostatic Intolerance (OI).
 OI is a low blood pressure condition that occurs in over 90% of CFS patients.  Often treating OI can help to improve many symptoms.  At a minimum, extra salt and fluids might help.  If your OI is severe, then there are a few medications and supplements that might help (my two boys both take Florinef; I take licorice supplements).  Here is an excellent article about OI, written by the doctor who first identified it in CFS and pioneered its treatment:
http://www.pediatricnetwork.org/medical/OI/johnshopkins.htm

I've also had some improvement with supplements to balance and strengthen my immune system.  Here's a summary I wrote for my blog:
http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2006_12_01_archive.html
(page down to the Dec. 6 entry, Viruses and CFIDS)

I don't know if you've been keeping up with the latest news about anti-viral treatments for CFS.  It's very exciting - the first chance for significant improvement (maybe even recovery for some) that has been identified.  Here's a summary I wrote for my blog:

http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/
(page down to July 31, CFS and Valcyte)

I hope some of these ideas might help you.  In the meantime, let me know where you live, and I'll see if I can help you find a doctor.

All the best -

Sue Jackson

www.livewithcfs.blogspot.com