Two of the most debilitating and often misunderstood of all health
challenges are Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome
(CFIDS) and Fibromyalgia (FM). Often, these immune-related illnesses
mimic other diseases, and patients might experience symptoms
not exclusive to CFIDS and FM. An intensive assessment is
our best, most accurate weapon when diagnosing each patient.
Then, Dr. Sharp and his staff encourage and assist each patient on
their individual journey toward wellness.

CFIDS & FM DEFINED
Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), among other names, is a complex and debilitating chronic illness that affects the brain and multiple body systems.This includes the immune, endocrine, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems.

According to the CFS case definition published in the December 15, 1994 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, diagnosing CFIDS requires a thorough medical history, physical and mental status examinations, and laboratory tests to identify underlying or contributing conditions that require treatment. Chronic fatigue can be classified as Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome if the patient meets both the
following criteria:

1. Clinically evaluated, unexplained persistent or relapsing chronic fatigue that is of new or definite onset (i.e., not lifelong) is not the result of ongoing exertion, is not substantially alleviated by rest, and results in substantial reduction in previous levels of occupational, educational, social or personal activities.
2. The concurrent occurrence of four or more of the following symptoms:
• substantial impairment in short-term memory or concentration
• sore throat
• tender lymph nodes
• muscle pain
• multi-joint pain without joint swelling or redness
• headaches of a new type, pattern or severity
• unrefreshing sleep
• and post-exertion malaise lasting more than 24 hours.

These symptoms must have persisted or recurred during six or more consecutive months of illness and must not have pre-dated the fatigue.

Treatment for CFIDS
Treatment for CFIDS is intended primarily to relieve specific symptoms. One-third of patients who develop CFIDS report resolution of symptoms over time; another one-third cycle between periods of good health and wellness and some gradually worsen. What is required is an integrative, step-wise approach. Each patient requires an individualized protocol.

Is CFIDS the same thing as Fibromyalgia?
No, but patients can have both simultaneously.

What is Fibromyalgia?
The American College of Rheumatology 1990 Criteria for the Classification of Fibromyalgia
To meet the diagnostic criteria, patients must have:

1. History of widespread pain for at least three months.
Definition. Pain is considered widespread when it occurs in both the right and left sides of the body, and both above and below the waist. In other words there must be pain in all four quadrants of the body. In addition, axial skeletal pain (cervical spine or anterior chest or thoracic spine or low back) must be present. “Low back” pain is considered lower segment pain.

2. Pain in 11 of 18 tender point sites on digital palpation.
Definition. Pain, on digital palpation, must be present in at least 11 of the following 18 sites:
Occiput: Bilateral, at the suboccipital muscle insertions.
Low cervical: bilateral, at the anterior aspects of the intertransverse spaces at C5-C7.
Trapezius: bilateral, at the midpoint of the upper border.
Supraspinatus: bilateral, at origins, above the scapula spine near the medial border.
Second rib: bilateral, at the second costochondral junctions, just lateral to the junctions on upper surfaces.
Lateral epicondyle: bilateral, 2 cm distal to the epicondyles.
Gluteal: bilateral, in upper outer quadrants of buttocks in anterior fold of muscle.
Greater trochanter: bilateral, posterior to the trochanteric prominence.
Knee: bilateral, at the medial fat pad proximal to the joint line.

A diagram illustrating the location of these tender points can be seen at: http://www.nfra.net/Diagnost.htm
*Digital palpation should be performed with an approximate force of 4 kg/9 lbs.
*A tender point has to be painful at palpation, not just ‘tender’.
*The presence of a second clinical disorder does not exclude the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

Briefly, how do you treat CFIDS?
With an integrated, step-wise approach to address:
* Gut dysbiosis/food allergies-correct gastrointestinal malabsorption problems
* Sleep disorder–if the body can get adequate sleep, it may improve pain issues
* Immune dysfunction/infections
* Endocrine disorders–thyroid, growth hormone, adrenal, sex hormone imbalances (treated with bio-identical hormones)
* Metabolic disturbances–blood volume depletion, mineral deficiency, especially magnesium, acid-base imbalance, DNA and mitochondrial damage, antioxidant depletion, mercury detoxification, brain protection and restoration, autonomic nervous system imbalance, oxygen transport difficulty, adrenal insufficiency, oxidation damage, and pain management.
* Toxic Foci–removal of toxins from the body
* Cell signaling factors-tissue growth factors
Depending on the current status of a patient in the step-wise protocol, we can carefully progress through an individualized plan of treatment. As the body begins to repair itself and heal, the next step is implemented. This allows time to assess what is most
beneficial in a partnership between physician and patient.

CFIDS & Fibromyalgia At-A-Glance:
Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS)
Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that does not improve with bed rest. CFIDS is marked by severe, chronic mental and physical exhaustion and other specific symptoms including:

• impaired memory
• sore throat
• tender lymph nodes
• muscle and joint pain
• headaches
• unrefreshed sleep
• post-activity malaise lasting longer than 24 hours
• swollen, tender lymph glands

Fibromyalgia (FM)
Fibromyalgia is defined by widespread muscular pain, fatigue and tenderness. Other symptoms include:

• headaches
• irritable bowel
• memory dysfunction
• tender points
• insomnia
• anxiety
• depression
• sensitivity to noise and temperature

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call Dr. Sharp today, and schedule a consultation to begin your customized Wellness Plan.