Director of the Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers, Inc.]
Dr. Teitelbaum's October 30, 2009 free newsletter is now out. It includes:
MY PERSPECTIVE ON THE XMRV VIRUS
In a recent newsletter I discussed the XMRV virus and the research on its
role in CFS. I offered my concern that the buzz may actually be causing some
to miss the larger picture of what is happening in CFS, with XMRV simply
being one of many infections and problems in this illness. It's certainly
not my intent to dash hopes. Rather, my intent is to offer perspective from
over 30 years experience, so that people can use all the tools that can help
them get well.
We have been treating viral infections (and many other infections) as one of
the cornerstones of resolving CFS for decades. The recently reported
research on the XMRV virus, while a useful new finding that will help in our
efforts to find effective CFS treatments, is in essence but one more
documented infection.
Our research shows that 91% of patients treated with the SHINE protocol
(http://www.endfatigue.com/treatment_options/Shine_treatment_protocol.html)
improve, and many get well. Remember that the "I" in SHINE stands for
Infections - with multiple treatments that help treat viral infections (such
as XMRV) included. Following the more complete treatment approach that SHINE
addresses is what represents real and proven hope.
It's good when discoveries are made that point to new infections that are
relevant to CFS. And when this happens, we expand our treatment coverage to
include them. I look forward to seeing if antivirals active against XMRV
offer additional clinical improvement in CFS. But we choose to not be
distracted to reduce our focus to only a single infection type, when there
are so many that we can effectively treat to help you get well now.
The XMRV research also offers other benefits, such as attracting media
attention, and helps make it even clearer how real and devastating CFS is.
This may offer a bit more to silence the nitwits who like to claim CFS is
all in your mind (though I would not count on it, as they have ignored reams
of earlier research showing CFS/FMS to be very real illnesses). My concern
is that this not blind us to the rest of the research in the field, which
would cause much harm to those with the illness.
My take may not be popular with some folks right now, but it is based on a
broad perspective gained by 30 years experience in the field. It may not be
what is most popular today, but it is my responsibility to offer it in my
role as your advocate. With effective treatment already available, and this
new XMRV viral research offering yet another reason to be hopeful, that's
not a bad thing.
In addition, the SHINE protocol includes "I" for infections, and is part of
my program, and the program used at the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers
nationally. SHINE includes many antiviral therapies that likely help against
XMRV, as well as other viruses. Especially helpful to many patients are the
IV therapies. See my earlier article "Treating Hidden Viral Infections in
CFS/FMS Can Sometimes be a Cure"
(http://www.endfatigue.com/health_articles_f-n/Infections-treating_hidden_viral_infections_cfs.html)
Love & Blessings,
Dr. T
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Other articles in this week's newsletter include:
* A New Study on Swine Flu and CFS
* Interim XMRV Guidelines from National Cancer Institute
* Acid Reflux and Constipation More Common in FMS
* Viruses May Trigger Thyroid Illness
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The full articles referenced above are available in Dr Jacob Teitelbaum's
free email newsletter, or can be read at
http://www.endfatigue.com/web-newsletters/nl_53d_10-30-2009.html
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