Those two diagnosis strike up fear, confusion, disbelief and bafflement in the hearts of individuals and health care providers alike.  There is much in the way of misinformation available both on and offline.
 
Common to both illnesses, muscle pain and fatigue are hallmarks of these disorders. In most cases, adult women most often affected.

 

Today, in 2007 we still do not have good answers to the questions that come up about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.  How are they defined?  What are the symptoms? How can we treat them?  Are they one in the same or two different disease syndrome?

 

Indeed, there are many individuals and health care providers alike who do not feel this really exists.  really are.  It’s not surprising really when you realize that in our Western society, we define illness and disease using very specific scientific guidelines.  And if we cannot use those guidelines to define Fibromyalgia or CFS, how can we begin to research treatment protocols and outcomes. Once again, we seek “evidenced based” clinical data to recommend treatment.

 

So at this point in time…most of those definitions and protocols don’t really work for those with Fibro/CFS.   Indeed, we look to the alternative medicine community, peoples’ experience, and common sense to offer options, hope and comfort to those with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

 

Keep reading, we will add more data as often as we can. And don’t forget to bookmark this site so you can find your way back to new information.