From Fatigued to Fantastic!

June 3, 1996
An unusually compassionate internist whose own medical education was interrupted by a bout of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, Teitelbaum has made these disorders his specialty. He offers straight talk about severe chronic fatigue states (SCFS). Sufferers who have been unable to locate physicians knowledgeable about diagnosing and treating these disorders will find this a gold mine, as may many doctors who have been baffled by such patients. Teitelbaum argues that a mixture of causes (including bowel disorder, hormonal imbalance and allergies) usually underlie SCFS, each of which can trigger additional problems. His approach is to break the vicious cycle of overwhelming fatigue, infections, "brain fog," achiness, poor sleep, allergies, anxiety and depression by treating them all simultaneously. His recommendations encompass prescription and over-the-counter drugs, dietary modifications, vitamin and mineral supplements, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, herbs, simple home remedies and psychotherapy. While the breadth of his approach may cause some raised eyebrows among more conservative practitioners, extensive notes and bibliography, among other appendices, will answer many of their questions.