Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Chronic Fatigue and Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome, CFIDS) and Fibromyalgia (FM) are illnesses that often coexist and affect millions of Americans. Symptoms vary but commonly include severe fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive problems commonly called brain fog, muscle pain and multiple infections. CFIDS and FM often seem to begin after an infection or a severe shock (physical or emotional), and the symptoms are very similar. The difference seems to be that for some people the fatigue element is the most dominant while for others the muscular pain symptoms are more severe.

The medical literature is now clear that these are legitimate diseases and individuals with CFIDS/FM have measurable hypothalamic, pituitary, immune and often thyroid dysfunction. The hormonal dysfunction results in multiple deficiencies that are often not detected with standard blood tests. Neurotransmitter abnormalities and nutrient deficiencies have also been shown to occur with CFIDS/FM.

Due to their complexity, these conditions often have been inadequately treated, partly due to the intensive evaluation and follow-up that is required, which can not be addressed in a short office visit. When multifaceted treatment addresses the entire spectrum of these diseases, truly remarkable success can be obtained. Treatment needs to be individualized, ultimately each patient should have a maintenance program with the minimal medications and supplements that are necessary to remain symptom-free.

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