Tag Archives: GET

Systematic Overreaching

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

A study published last month* by a group from Norway reports a systematic review of ME/CFS case definitions. It’s important because the Institute of Medicine panel is likely conducting a similar process as part of its work, but the study … Continue reading →

Posted in Research | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

CFSAC Profile: Dr. Gary Kaplan

Posted on October 25, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

The CFS Advisory Committee announced via its listserv on October 23, 2013 that Dr. Gary Kaplan has been appointed to the Committee. Kaplan brings an interesting point of view to the Committee, but advocates have reason to be concerned about … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

Heart Rate and Beta Blockers

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

Beta blockers are routinely prescribed to ME/CFS patients who have orthostatic intolerance. But because of the medication’s effects on heart rate, it can be challenging to incorporate heart rate monitoring into the picture. After some uncertainty, I have managed to … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

AAFP Follow Up

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

After the American Academy of Family Practitioners published an article on CFS in October 2012, Dr. Lucinda Bateman and I submitted a Letter to the Editor. Today, that letter was published and the full version is free online. There is … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Comparing Exercise Advice

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

Exercise is an issue for every CFS patient, and there is no shortage of advice on whether and how to do it. On January 14th, the CDC hosted a conference call as part of its Patient Centered Outreach and Communication … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 44 Comments

Insufficient Data

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

One of the most frustrating aspects of coping with CFS is the lack of definitive data. A PubMed search for “chronic fatigue syndrome” yields 4,877 results (as of today), but as a patient on the front lines I have to … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

Puzzle Pieces

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

Let’s play a game. Imagine you have a large puzzle that makes an Impressionist picture of a colorful cottage-style garden. You can put it together as long as you have the picture on the box. First you assemble the lower … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

This. Is. Why.

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

I’m on the verge of tearing my hair out, and I suspect I’m not the only one. The American Academy of Family Physicians published a review article about CFS (paywall) on Monday, accompanied by a patient information sheet. From the … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 30 Comments

CFSAC Profile: Dr. Lisa Corbin

Posted on July 9, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

The second in a series of profiles of the new members of the CFS Advisory Committee. Four new members were recently appointed to the CFS Advisory Committee.  In previous years, members such as Drs. Jason, Klimas and Snell were well-known … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Raising the Limit

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

I feel like I am getting close to baseline, the state I was in prior to the exercise testing. It’s taken almost seven weeks, and in that time I have left my house a total of seven times – 5 … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments