Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide

A completely updated edition of the CFIDS classic Running on Empty Once you were active, energetic, unstoppable. Now you can’t seem to get better. . . Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or CFIDS) is a complex illness characterized primarily by severe, persistent fatigue. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a condition of widespread muscular and joint pain, with specific tender points on the body. Both of these “invisible” illnesses are also accompanied by a mix of physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms such as sore throat, persistent headache, brain fog, sleep disturbance, balance problems, anxiety and depression. This book is a definitive guide to virtually every aspect of CFS and FMS. Written frankly and compassionately, the book describes the first signs of illness, the difficult process of diagnosis and the frustrating search for effective treatment. Detailed chapters based on the latest research and reports from patients cover: what we know about causes of CFS and FMS, and whether they