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Running on Empty: The Complete Guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
An updated guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome draws on current medical research, patient interviews, and alternative health sources to provide a detailed study of the history and possible causes of, and effective treatments for, the disease. Simultaneous. IP.
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First published March 1, 1992
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March 10, 2012
This book means well, the author clearly means well, but this book reinforces all the misinformation spread about 'CFS' and M.E. by people like the CDC and the big 'ME/CFS' and 'CFIDS' groups.
Almost all of the medical information here is outdated, incorrect and irrelevant to those with actual M.E. Every now and then desciptions of symptoms related to M.E. to some extent but that was about it. 98% of the information in this book was about 'CFS.' (I make no comment on which the author suffered with.)
The poor quality information in this book was a real lost opportunity to do some good.
This is one of the first books I got after becoming ill with M.E. and it is partly responsible for my remaining ignorant of the basic facts or the disease for so long, and also played a role in the illness severely worsening over time.
This type of misinformation and lack of political awareness is also a big part of why we have made so very little progress over the last 20 years. I don't understand why some patients still recommend this book to fellow M.E. patients. It's hugely problematic. This is not a book on M.E.!
What this book should have said is:
Under the cover of 'CFS' certain vested interest groups have assiduously attempted to obliterate recorded medical history of M.E.; even though the existing evidence has been published in prestigious peer-reviewed journals around the world and spans over 70 years.
M.E. is a distinct, scientifically verifiable and measurable, acute onset, organic neurological disease. 'CFS' in contrast, is not a distinct disease. 'CFS' doesn't exist. Every diagnosis of CFS - based on any of the CFS definitions - can only ever be a misdiagnosis. A watebasket diagnosis.
The fact that a person qualifies for a diagnosis of 'CFS' (a) does not mean that the patient has M.E., and (b) does not mean that the patient has any other distinct illness named CFS.' M.E. and 'CFS' are not the same.
Far fewer than 0.5% of the population has the distinct neurological disease known since 1956 as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an artificial construct created in the US in 1988 for the benefit of various political and financial vested interest groups. It is a mere diagnosis of exclusion based on the presence of gradual or acute onset fatigue lasting 6 months. If tests show serious abnormalities, a person no longer qualifies for the diagnosis, as 'CFS' is 'medically unexplained.' A diagnosis of 'CFS' does not mean that a person has any distinct disease (including M.E.). According to the latest CDC estimates, 2.54% of the population qualify for a 'CFS' (mis)diagnosis.
The patient population diagnosed with 'CFS' is made up of people with a vast array of unrelated illnesses, or with no detectable illness. However, while 'CFS' is not a genuine diagnosis, those given this misdiagnosis are in many cases significantly or even severely ill and disabled. 'CFS' is made up of people with cancer, MS, Lyme disease, depression and hundreds of other unrelated conditions.
Sub-grouping different types of 'CFS,' refining the bogus 'CFS' definitions further or renaming 'CFS' with some variation on the term M.E. (such as 'ME/CFS') would achieve nothing and only create yet more confusion and help to continue and further entrench the mistreatment and abuse.
The problem is not that 'CFS' patients are being mistreated as psychiatric patients; some of those patients misdiagnosed with CFS actually do have psychological illnesses. There is no such distinct disease/s as 'CFS' - that is the entire issue.
Due to outrageous political influences on medicine and govermnent policy, the vast majority of M.E. patients will not be able to be correctly diagnosed with M.E. Most M.E. patients will unfortunately be misdiagnosed with 'CFS.' It is extremely important to note, however, that only a very tiny percentage of those told they have 'CFS' will be M.E. patients. The overwhelming majority of those misdiagnosed with 'CFS' do NOT have M.E. 'CFS' is NOT just another term for M.E.
For more information on genuine M.E. read books and articles by genuine M.E. experts such as Dr Hyde and Dr Dowsett. This book should be avoided by M.E. patients and the 'CFS' misdiagnosed non-M.E. patient alike. None of us need the facts muddied even further, this only makes it harder for us all to start slowly getting well.
I give this book 2 stars instead of one as the author clearly means well and is motivated to help people. If only the content of the book had lived up to the authors strong desire to help.
Jodi Bassett, The Hummingbirds' Foundation for M.E.
Almost all of the medical information here is outdated, incorrect and irrelevant to those with actual M.E. Every now and then desciptions of symptoms related to M.E. to some extent but that was about it. 98% of the information in this book was about 'CFS.' (I make no comment on which the author suffered with.)
The poor quality information in this book was a real lost opportunity to do some good.
This is one of the first books I got after becoming ill with M.E. and it is partly responsible for my remaining ignorant of the basic facts or the disease for so long, and also played a role in the illness severely worsening over time.
This type of misinformation and lack of political awareness is also a big part of why we have made so very little progress over the last 20 years. I don't understand why some patients still recommend this book to fellow M.E. patients. It's hugely problematic. This is not a book on M.E.!
What this book should have said is:
Under the cover of 'CFS' certain vested interest groups have assiduously attempted to obliterate recorded medical history of M.E.; even though the existing evidence has been published in prestigious peer-reviewed journals around the world and spans over 70 years.
M.E. is a distinct, scientifically verifiable and measurable, acute onset, organic neurological disease. 'CFS' in contrast, is not a distinct disease. 'CFS' doesn't exist. Every diagnosis of CFS - based on any of the CFS definitions - can only ever be a misdiagnosis. A watebasket diagnosis.
The fact that a person qualifies for a diagnosis of 'CFS' (a) does not mean that the patient has M.E., and (b) does not mean that the patient has any other distinct illness named CFS.' M.E. and 'CFS' are not the same.
Far fewer than 0.5% of the population has the distinct neurological disease known since 1956 as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an artificial construct created in the US in 1988 for the benefit of various political and financial vested interest groups. It is a mere diagnosis of exclusion based on the presence of gradual or acute onset fatigue lasting 6 months. If tests show serious abnormalities, a person no longer qualifies for the diagnosis, as 'CFS' is 'medically unexplained.' A diagnosis of 'CFS' does not mean that a person has any distinct disease (including M.E.). According to the latest CDC estimates, 2.54% of the population qualify for a 'CFS' (mis)diagnosis.
The patient population diagnosed with 'CFS' is made up of people with a vast array of unrelated illnesses, or with no detectable illness. However, while 'CFS' is not a genuine diagnosis, those given this misdiagnosis are in many cases significantly or even severely ill and disabled. 'CFS' is made up of people with cancer, MS, Lyme disease, depression and hundreds of other unrelated conditions.
Sub-grouping different types of 'CFS,' refining the bogus 'CFS' definitions further or renaming 'CFS' with some variation on the term M.E. (such as 'ME/CFS') would achieve nothing and only create yet more confusion and help to continue and further entrench the mistreatment and abuse.
The problem is not that 'CFS' patients are being mistreated as psychiatric patients; some of those patients misdiagnosed with CFS actually do have psychological illnesses. There is no such distinct disease/s as 'CFS' - that is the entire issue.
Due to outrageous political influences on medicine and govermnent policy, the vast majority of M.E. patients will not be able to be correctly diagnosed with M.E. Most M.E. patients will unfortunately be misdiagnosed with 'CFS.' It is extremely important to note, however, that only a very tiny percentage of those told they have 'CFS' will be M.E. patients. The overwhelming majority of those misdiagnosed with 'CFS' do NOT have M.E. 'CFS' is NOT just another term for M.E.
For more information on genuine M.E. read books and articles by genuine M.E. experts such as Dr Hyde and Dr Dowsett. This book should be avoided by M.E. patients and the 'CFS' misdiagnosed non-M.E. patient alike. None of us need the facts muddied even further, this only makes it harder for us all to start slowly getting well.
I give this book 2 stars instead of one as the author clearly means well and is motivated to help people. If only the content of the book had lived up to the authors strong desire to help.
Jodi Bassett, The Hummingbirds' Foundation for M.E.
March 10, 2012
This book means well, the author clearly means well, but this book reinforces all the misinformation spread about 'CFS' and M.E. by people like the CDC and the big 'ME/CFS' and 'CFIDS' groups.
Like her first book, this book does not distinguish adequately, or at all, between fatiguing illnesses and M.E. or 'CFS.' Ridiculous and unscientific claims are also made about Fibromyalgia being basically the same as 'CFS.' This book also very clearly means well, but is not a good source of reliable medical information.
The poor quality information in this book was a real lost opportunity to do some good.
This type of misinformation and lack of political awareness is a big part of why we have made so very little progress over the last 20 years. I don't understand why some patients still recommend this book to fellow M.E. patients. It's hugely problematic.
Anyone who can't see the huge difference betwen FM and M.E. and between the definitions of 'CFS' and M.E. - clearly does not understand even the most basic facts about M.E., with respect.
What this book should have said is:
Under the cover of 'CFS' certain vested interest groups have assiduously attempted to obliterate recorded medical history of M.E.; even though the existing evidence has been published in prestigious peer-reviewed journals around the world and spans over 70 years.
M.E. is a distinct, scientifically verifiable and measurable, acute onset, organic neurological disease. 'CFS' in contrast, is not a distinct disease. 'CFS' doesn't exist. Every diagnosis of CFS - based on any of the CFS definitions - can only ever be a misdiagnosis. A watebasket diagnosis.
The fact that a person qualifies for a diagnosis of 'CFS' (a) does not mean that the patient has M.E., and (b) does not mean that the patient has any other distinct illness named CFS.' M.E. and 'CFS' are not the same.
Far fewer than 0.5% of the population has the distinct neurological disease known since 1956 as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an artificial construct created in the US in 1988 for the benefit of various political and financial vested interest groups. It is a mere diagnosis of exclusion based on the presence of gradual or acute onset fatigue lasting 6 months. If tests show serious abnormalities, a person no longer qualifies for the diagnosis, as 'CFS' is 'medically unexplained.' A diagnosis of 'CFS' does not mean that a person has any distinct disease (including M.E.). According to the latest CDC estimates, 2.54% of the population qualify for a 'CFS' (mis)diagnosis.
The patient population diagnosed with 'CFS' is made up of people with a vast array of unrelated illnesses, or with no detectable illness. However, while 'CFS' is not a genuine diagnosis, those given this misdiagnosis are in many cases significantly or even severely ill and disabled. 'CFS' is made up of people with cancer, MS, Lyme disease, depression and hundreds of other unrelated conditions.
Sub-grouping different types of 'CFS,' refining the bogus 'CFS' definitions further or renaming 'CFS' with some variation on the term M.E. (such as 'ME/CFS') would achieve nothing and only create yet more confusion and help to continue and further entrench the mistreatment and abuse.
The problem is not that 'CFS' patients are being mistreated as psychiatric patients; some of those patients misdiagnosed with CFS actually do have psychological illnesses. There is no such distinct disease/s as 'CFS' - that is the entire issue.
Due to outrageous political influences on medicine and govermnent policy, the vast majority of M.E. patients will not be able to be correctly diagnosed with M.E. Most M.E. patients will unfortunately be misdiagnosed with 'CFS.' It is extremely important to note, however, that only a very tiny percentage of those told they have 'CFS' will be M.E. patients. The overwhelming majority of those misdiagnosed with 'CFS' do NOT have M.E. 'CFS' is NOT just another term for M.E.
For more information on genuine M.E. read books and articles by genuine M.E. experts such as Dr Hyde and Dr Dowsett. This book should be avoided by M.E. patients and the 'CFS' misdiagnosed non-M.E. patient alike. None of us need the facts muddied even further, this only makes it harder for us all to start slowly getting well.
I give this book 2 stars instead of one as the author clearly means well and is motivated to help people. If only the content of the book had lived up to the authors strong desire to help.
Jodi Bassett, The Hummingbirds' Foundation for M.E.
Like her first book, this book does not distinguish adequately, or at all, between fatiguing illnesses and M.E. or 'CFS.' Ridiculous and unscientific claims are also made about Fibromyalgia being basically the same as 'CFS.' This book also very clearly means well, but is not a good source of reliable medical information.
The poor quality information in this book was a real lost opportunity to do some good.
This type of misinformation and lack of political awareness is a big part of why we have made so very little progress over the last 20 years. I don't understand why some patients still recommend this book to fellow M.E. patients. It's hugely problematic.
Anyone who can't see the huge difference betwen FM and M.E. and between the definitions of 'CFS' and M.E. - clearly does not understand even the most basic facts about M.E., with respect.
What this book should have said is:
Under the cover of 'CFS' certain vested interest groups have assiduously attempted to obliterate recorded medical history of M.E.; even though the existing evidence has been published in prestigious peer-reviewed journals around the world and spans over 70 years.
M.E. is a distinct, scientifically verifiable and measurable, acute onset, organic neurological disease. 'CFS' in contrast, is not a distinct disease. 'CFS' doesn't exist. Every diagnosis of CFS - based on any of the CFS definitions - can only ever be a misdiagnosis. A watebasket diagnosis.
The fact that a person qualifies for a diagnosis of 'CFS' (a) does not mean that the patient has M.E., and (b) does not mean that the patient has any other distinct illness named CFS.' M.E. and 'CFS' are not the same.
Far fewer than 0.5% of the population has the distinct neurological disease known since 1956 as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an artificial construct created in the US in 1988 for the benefit of various political and financial vested interest groups. It is a mere diagnosis of exclusion based on the presence of gradual or acute onset fatigue lasting 6 months. If tests show serious abnormalities, a person no longer qualifies for the diagnosis, as 'CFS' is 'medically unexplained.' A diagnosis of 'CFS' does not mean that a person has any distinct disease (including M.E.). According to the latest CDC estimates, 2.54% of the population qualify for a 'CFS' (mis)diagnosis.
The patient population diagnosed with 'CFS' is made up of people with a vast array of unrelated illnesses, or with no detectable illness. However, while 'CFS' is not a genuine diagnosis, those given this misdiagnosis are in many cases significantly or even severely ill and disabled. 'CFS' is made up of people with cancer, MS, Lyme disease, depression and hundreds of other unrelated conditions.
Sub-grouping different types of 'CFS,' refining the bogus 'CFS' definitions further or renaming 'CFS' with some variation on the term M.E. (such as 'ME/CFS') would achieve nothing and only create yet more confusion and help to continue and further entrench the mistreatment and abuse.
The problem is not that 'CFS' patients are being mistreated as psychiatric patients; some of those patients misdiagnosed with CFS actually do have psychological illnesses. There is no such distinct disease/s as 'CFS' - that is the entire issue.
Due to outrageous political influences on medicine and govermnent policy, the vast majority of M.E. patients will not be able to be correctly diagnosed with M.E. Most M.E. patients will unfortunately be misdiagnosed with 'CFS.' It is extremely important to note, however, that only a very tiny percentage of those told they have 'CFS' will be M.E. patients. The overwhelming majority of those misdiagnosed with 'CFS' do NOT have M.E. 'CFS' is NOT just another term for M.E.
For more information on genuine M.E. read books and articles by genuine M.E. experts such as Dr Hyde and Dr Dowsett. This book should be avoided by M.E. patients and the 'CFS' misdiagnosed non-M.E. patient alike. None of us need the facts muddied even further, this only makes it harder for us all to start slowly getting well.
I give this book 2 stars instead of one as the author clearly means well and is motivated to help people. If only the content of the book had lived up to the authors strong desire to help.
Jodi Bassett, The Hummingbirds' Foundation for M.E.
August 18, 2010
This book is the updated version of Running On Empty.
I bought it after reading some of Katrina Berne's online articles on coping with chronic illness.
As well as a lot of information and advice on symptoms, cause and treatments this book also addresses emotional issues and coping with chronic illnesses like CFS/ME and FMS. It is compassionate yet pulls no punches.
For me Chapter 11 - "Overwhelmed and Uncertain: The Effects of CFS and FMS" is the highlight. Katrina Berne talks about the difficulties of dealing with these illnesses for many people - uncertainty, loss of former life, strain on relationships, feelings of guilt, struggles with relapses and remissions, changes in self image, financial/economic changes.
"Incurable chronic illnesses fall into the category of incomprehensible things that happen to other people. Their onset is met with a sense of disbelief and betrayal. As an illness lingers, it becomes more difficult to deny its foothold on our lives. ...
Chronic Illness can rob us of our former lifestlyes, activites, hopes and dreams. Periodically we get some of it back, only to lose it again. Unpredicatability of symptoms presents a burdensome continuous challenge. ..."
For some this might all seem a bit negative - but I am grateful to Katrina Berne for being honest about the difficult and sometimes dark challenges I and many other sufferers face over time.
In this one chapter alone she describes almost all of the challenges I have faced in my first year of diagnosis. I now know these feelings and challenges are 'normal' and was also able to have my husband read the chapter to explain my wide ranging emotions as I was unable to verbalise them. And I felt better able to tackle them.
Also, in terms of tackling emotional issues, Chapter 15 "Coping with Chronic Illness" and Chapter 16 "Relationships: The Balancing Act" are give advice on dealing with many of the issues raised in Chp 11.
She discusses moderation, coping strategies, balancing life and play, reducing stress, coping with our own feelings, looking at a new life philosphy for ourselves in the face of a changed life, and relationships with famillies, spouse, friends, colleagues and being single. There is also a chapter specifically about children with CFS/ME/FMS.
"We have no choice about being ill but have many options as to how to handle symptoms, losses and limitations.
Self-care is an active rather than passive process, coming from "in here" rather then "out there". It requires giving up the attempt to control that which we cannot, focusing instead on the areas in which we have choices. Opportunites to choose lie primarily in the realm of lifestlye modification: balancing activitry and rest, examing our thought processes and self messages, and learning to adap to different circumstances."
I found the emotional support offered in the book really helpful and the best I've found so far in CFS books. Many focus on the medical aspects with little attention to the changes forced into our lives by chronic illness.
There's also a lot of medical information but I found it easier to make sense of it in the context of the other CFS books I've read. So I would also recommend the British focused books "M.E.: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - A Practical Guide" by Anne MacIntyre and "Living with M.E" by Charles Shepherd.
I bought it after reading some of Katrina Berne's online articles on coping with chronic illness.
As well as a lot of information and advice on symptoms, cause and treatments this book also addresses emotional issues and coping with chronic illnesses like CFS/ME and FMS. It is compassionate yet pulls no punches.
For me Chapter 11 - "Overwhelmed and Uncertain: The Effects of CFS and FMS" is the highlight. Katrina Berne talks about the difficulties of dealing with these illnesses for many people - uncertainty, loss of former life, strain on relationships, feelings of guilt, struggles with relapses and remissions, changes in self image, financial/economic changes.
"Incurable chronic illnesses fall into the category of incomprehensible things that happen to other people. Their onset is met with a sense of disbelief and betrayal. As an illness lingers, it becomes more difficult to deny its foothold on our lives. ...
Chronic Illness can rob us of our former lifestlyes, activites, hopes and dreams. Periodically we get some of it back, only to lose it again. Unpredicatability of symptoms presents a burdensome continuous challenge. ..."
For some this might all seem a bit negative - but I am grateful to Katrina Berne for being honest about the difficult and sometimes dark challenges I and many other sufferers face over time.
In this one chapter alone she describes almost all of the challenges I have faced in my first year of diagnosis. I now know these feelings and challenges are 'normal' and was also able to have my husband read the chapter to explain my wide ranging emotions as I was unable to verbalise them. And I felt better able to tackle them.
Also, in terms of tackling emotional issues, Chapter 15 "Coping with Chronic Illness" and Chapter 16 "Relationships: The Balancing Act" are give advice on dealing with many of the issues raised in Chp 11.
She discusses moderation, coping strategies, balancing life and play, reducing stress, coping with our own feelings, looking at a new life philosphy for ourselves in the face of a changed life, and relationships with famillies, spouse, friends, colleagues and being single. There is also a chapter specifically about children with CFS/ME/FMS.
"We have no choice about being ill but have many options as to how to handle symptoms, losses and limitations.
Self-care is an active rather than passive process, coming from "in here" rather then "out there". It requires giving up the attempt to control that which we cannot, focusing instead on the areas in which we have choices. Opportunites to choose lie primarily in the realm of lifestlye modification: balancing activitry and rest, examing our thought processes and self messages, and learning to adap to different circumstances."
I found the emotional support offered in the book really helpful and the best I've found so far in CFS books. Many focus on the medical aspects with little attention to the changes forced into our lives by chronic illness.
There's also a lot of medical information but I found it easier to make sense of it in the context of the other CFS books I've read. So I would also recommend the British focused books "M.E.: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - A Practical Guide" by Anne MacIntyre and "Living with M.E" by Charles Shepherd.
March 13, 2013
If you or someone you love has a debilitating illness such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia, you know how challenging it is to find information that is reliable, relevant and readable.
That’s why I’m pleased to introduce you to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Other Invisible Illnesses – The Comprehensive Guide by Katrina Berne. This is the third edition of Katrina’s classic book that was previously published as Running On Empty.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and other Invisible Illnesses – The Comprehensive Guide is divided into three parts:
• In Part One, What These Illnesses Are, Katrina explores the differences and similarities between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and other chronic but invisible illnesses. She discusses the wide constellation of symptoms that occur among those suffering from these illnesses and covers a number of other relevant topics.
• In Part Two, What These Illnesses Do, Katrina looks at how these illnesses impact every aspect of our personal lives. She explores the impact of these illnesses on every major system within our bodies – and discusses how these conditions affect adults and children differently. She also discusses the impact of these illnesses on our relationships, including our spouses and partners, our families, and our friendships.
• In Part Three, What You Can Do, Katrina shifts her attention to helping us receive the best care possible within the traditional medical system, and to taking the best care of ourselves possible outside of the medical system. Some of the topics she addresses in this section include choosing a doctor wisely, treatment options, and self-care recommendations.
Katrina includes a wealth of additional resources at the end of her book, including her popular Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Fibromyalgia Syndrome Symptom Checklist (which can be found online at several sites).
One thing that distinguishes this book from others on the market is that Katrina Berne is familiar, both personally and professionally, with the havoc that these illnesses wreak on the lives of the individuals that have them. Katrina was diagnosed with primary CFS and secondary Fibromyalgia in 1985. In addition, she spent over 22 years of private practice specializing in helping others with these and related disorders. Her knowledge of what is relevant to someone seeking information about these conditions is evident throughout the book.
Whether you are a patient or a health care professional, you will find that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Other Invisible Illnesses – The Comprehensive Guide by Katrina Berne an invaluable resource that deserves a place on your medical reference bookshelf.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
That’s why I’m pleased to introduce you to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Other Invisible Illnesses – The Comprehensive Guide by Katrina Berne. This is the third edition of Katrina’s classic book that was previously published as Running On Empty.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and other Invisible Illnesses – The Comprehensive Guide is divided into three parts:
• In Part One, What These Illnesses Are, Katrina explores the differences and similarities between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and other chronic but invisible illnesses. She discusses the wide constellation of symptoms that occur among those suffering from these illnesses and covers a number of other relevant topics.
• In Part Two, What These Illnesses Do, Katrina looks at how these illnesses impact every aspect of our personal lives. She explores the impact of these illnesses on every major system within our bodies – and discusses how these conditions affect adults and children differently. She also discusses the impact of these illnesses on our relationships, including our spouses and partners, our families, and our friendships.
• In Part Three, What You Can Do, Katrina shifts her attention to helping us receive the best care possible within the traditional medical system, and to taking the best care of ourselves possible outside of the medical system. Some of the topics she addresses in this section include choosing a doctor wisely, treatment options, and self-care recommendations.
Katrina includes a wealth of additional resources at the end of her book, including her popular Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Fibromyalgia Syndrome Symptom Checklist (which can be found online at several sites).
One thing that distinguishes this book from others on the market is that Katrina Berne is familiar, both personally and professionally, with the havoc that these illnesses wreak on the lives of the individuals that have them. Katrina was diagnosed with primary CFS and secondary Fibromyalgia in 1985. In addition, she spent over 22 years of private practice specializing in helping others with these and related disorders. Her knowledge of what is relevant to someone seeking information about these conditions is evident throughout the book.
Whether you are a patient or a health care professional, you will find that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Other Invisible Illnesses – The Comprehensive Guide by Katrina Berne an invaluable resource that deserves a place on your medical reference bookshelf.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
June 20, 2013
This is a great book for explaining CFS, fibro, and other "invisible illnesses." However, it's as the title states, it's very comprehensive. Unlike other books, it's very scientific and health oriented as opposed to patient and caretaker oriented. It explains exactly what these illnesses are (at least what is known so far), what they do to the body, how they seem to work, and what is known so far as to possible causes/links. If you're looking for a book to help validate and scientifically understand, it helps, but depending on your level of medical/anatomical/biological comprehension, you may find yourself doing research to find out what the book is talking about at some points. (Just a bit of a heads up).
August 5, 2007
I've read this multiple times. Although I know now that my problem is likely not CFIDS related, it helped me immensely and continues to do so; teaching me things like how to manage my health through eating, how to live on less sleep, and how to function in a fast-paced world when you feel like dying.
February 15, 2012
I keep this by my bed, so I can quickly answer a question or just pull it out to remind myself that this illness is real.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews