A Healthy Confusion ???

[Guest guest]

Good article Heidi

A " Healthy Confusion "

By Dr. Don | December 21st, 2008

We have known for a good while that there are many symptom overlaps

between fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Many aspects of

Gulf War Illness seem to fit with aspects of CFS and FMS as well.

Interesting research just completed at town University reveals

that there are proteins found in the CFS (cerebrospinal fluid) of

patients with theses disorders that are unique to these illnesses

and " overlap in these 3 " syndromes " as well.

Add to this recent research pinpointing around 20 genetic variations

occurring in patients with FMS, CFS, and GWI and what do we have….

Healthy Confusion!!!

What I mean by this is that when research creates more questions than

it answers we know we are making progress! Researchers are digging

deep, creating theories, wanting answers.

We know that these illnesses have genetic components and

predispositions. We know that there are abnormal levels of

neurotransmitters and other central nervous system proteins in those

of us who have these " syndromes " .

These

overlaps make us wonder… " do these various `invisible illnesses'

perhaps have one, common and fundamental abnormality and, perhaps a

basic…..cause? "

This is not unlike what has happened in physics in recent history.

All kinds of related discoveries have been made and advances

embraced. But disparate findings have led physicists to ask….

Is there just ONE theory, one basic underpinning, that explains all

these findings? A…

Grand Unified Theory

Well, there is not one for physics at this point and there is not one

for our " invisible illnesses " . Yet the fact that so much research is

now being done is great news.

Perhaps we will find a " unified theory " - a commonly shared genetic or

biochemical abnormality that will produce a focused, targeted

treatment.

Until then we try new treatments as they become available and should

be grateful that research continues to confirm that " invisible

illnesses " should not be invisible after all!