Wessely Lecture, Trends and Future Treatment

[Guest guest]

PRIOR

" Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2006 16:52:11 -0000

Subject: USA NIH and:Matters Arising Out of the Wessely Lecture at Gresham

College

I, too, noticed that Debra Buchwald's new papers seemed to be moving away

from the physical model of illness, too. She was one of the first people to

start researching CFS back in the 1980's in the Seattle area. I had a few

visits with her back then.

Recently, I have discovered the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Treatment Centers,

Inc., that are opening up all around the US. I would recommend checking

them out. The owner is a fellow sufferer. they hold a free monthly seminar

that you need to register for. I haven't attended the seminar yet. From my

layman's knowledge level, it appears to me that they are following a

diagnostic and treatment protocol that encompasses the physical model for

the illness. They use tests and ideas based on the latest research about

virus and bacteria causing ongoing infections, sleeping disorders, metabolic

disorders, pain disorders, etc... They use physical therapy, pain medicine,

prescription therapy, nutritional supplements, getting rid of neurotoxins,

balancing hormones, sleeping disorder treatment, etc... They don't seem to

be as expensive as compared with some other independent treatment models out

there. They have a six step treatment program. From what I understand,

with the exception of the first two or three long appointments, they get you

into the proper treatments based on your test results right away, and then

you come in for follow up appointments. Here is the website address and I

copied their treatment plan if you are interested. I hope it was OK for me

to copy it and put it in this e-mail. I don't have any affiliation with

them. But I am planning to go there for treatment. I read on their website

that they work with a medical finance company if your insurance won't work

with them. If I sound enthusiastic, I am because they are the first medical

establishment I've seen in awhile that seems to be knowledgeable about and

incorporated the latest research ideas about what causes this disorder and

what might be successful in treating it. My own doctor is recommending that

I go there as she doesn't have much to offer me.

www.fibroandfatigue.com

Toll free phone 1-

THE FIBROMYALGIA AND FATIGUE TREATMENT CENTERS, INC.'s New Standard for the

Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia are complex diseases that involve

multi-system disturbances and abnormalities. Because of this complexity,

these conditions have been poorly treated by the current medical system in

this country. These conditions do not lend themselves to be successfully

treated with the eight to fifteen minute visits that address only a portion

of the wide spectrum of underlying dysfunctions. Through a more detailed

evaluation, all identifiable etiologies contributing to the symptomatology

may be appropriately addressed, and when multifaceted treatment is

instituted that addresses the entire spectrum of these diseases, truly

remarkable success and total cures can be obtained. In general, successful

treatment can be viewed in components. Treatment needs to be individualized,

components may occur in different order and multiple components are often

addressed simultaneously, but these can be broken down as follows.

Component One: Stabilize the patient

This is a component in which pain and sleep disturbances are addressed. This

may include the use of, sleep medications, pain medications and

antidepressants. This is in general a temporary " stop gap " phase because as

the treatment progresses and the underlying problems are addressed, the

medications that " mask the symptoms " are no longer needed. Unfortunately,

the overwhelming majority of patients are never brought past this stage by

their doctors. This is because this component is the limit of training for

most doctors, but it really should only be the first step.

Component Two: Mitochondrial enhancement

This component is actually integrated throughout the treatment program and

tapered as the patient returns to normal functioning. The mitochondria are

the energy producers of the cells and are critical for normal functioning.

But they are shown to be poisoned in these conditions, leaving the cells

starving for energy. Many things can poison the mitochondria including

hormonal deficiencies, toxins and infections. Mitochondria dysfunction may

be the common denominator and underlying mechanism that explains the

symptoms of CF/FM. In addition to the treatments above to rid the body of

the offending agents, specific nutrients can be given to jump start the

mitochondria and get the body functioning again. These can also be

administered orally or via an intravenous route.

Component Three: Balance the hormones

There are a number of hormonal deficiencies with these conditions that must

be addressed to assure successful treatment. Unfortunately, these hormonal

deficiencies are often missed or poorly treated because doctors have come to

rely on standard blood tests that require an intact pituitary and

hypothalamus for diagnosis and dosing of hormone levels. There is, however,

severe hypothalamic and pituitary dysfunction with these conditions, making

the standard blood tests inadequate. Some typical hormones functions, not

just levels, that need to be evaluated include thyroid function, growth

hormone, testosterone, aldosterone, cortisol, DHEA, pregnenolone, estradiol,

progesterone, among others. When they are properly treated and balanced,

tremendous results can be achieved.

Component Four: Treat the infectious components

There are multiple infections that either may be the cause of CF/FM or

contribute to the dysfunction. Because of the immune dysfunctions, there is

often more than one infection that must be addressed. Potential pathogens

include a variety of viruses such as Epstein Barr (EBV), Cytomegalovirus

(CMV), Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV6), Enteroviruses, such as sackie, Echo,

and Stealth virus. Bacterial infections include intracellular organisms such

as Mycoplasma, Chlamydia pneumonia, Borrelia Burgdorferi (Lyme Disease) and

Ehrlichia. A number of yeasts such as Candida and parasites must also be

evaluated. Infections with many of the above organisms will also further

suppress the immunity, often resulting in further infections with other

organisms. Thus, many organisms must be evaluated and treated along with an

assessment and treatment of the immune system. If a poor immune system is

not addressed, successful eradication of the organisms is not likely, even

with the most potent treatments. Treatment may be administered with oral

medications or via an intravenous route. A combination of IV and oral

medication in conjunction with immune modulation is extremely powerful.

Component Five: Address Unique Etiologies

There are a number of problems that must be addressed in select patients.

For instance, some individuals have a coagulation defect that is set off by

a chronic infection. This results in the laying down of a fibrin coating on

the lumen of the vessel causing impaired oxygen and nutrient transfer. This

can result in fatigue, muscle aches and " brain fog " . If suspected, diagnosis

requires specialized testing. If not treated, not only are the cells starved

for oxygen and nutrients, but it is very difficult to eradicate any

infection because they will " hide " in the fibrin coating. Also, if the

organism is one that produces neurotoxins, this must also be addressed.

These substances can remain in the body and continue to cause symptoms long

after the organism that produced them are gone. Special testing and

protocols must be done to rid the body of these tiny toxins.

Component Six: Maintenance

Here is where the patient is weaned to just a few core medications and

supplements to remain symptom free and maintain their health. Significant

recovery or complete resolution of symptoms is the rule rather than the

exception when a multifaceted treatment plan is instituted.

"