Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Never before in healthcare has there been a greater need for "wholism" (examining and treating the body as a whole). This is evidenced by the growing number of people who are being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The definition of the word syndrome is "a group of symptoms that collectively characterize a disease or disorder." Therefore, the use of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as a diagnosis is similar to a patient with headaches being diagnosed with "Headache." In other words, there is no further insight into the patient's problem other than what the patient already knows. The physician's job is to find out why a patient has the symptom(s). The definition of diagnosis is "identification, especially of a disease, by examination or analysis." A somewhat more astute diagnosis for a patient's chronic fatigue may be Epstein-Barr virus.

The Problem

The problem with this diagnosis is that there is no treatment, conventionally, for viruses. So the patient is led to believe that he/she is stuck with the problem - no cure!

But what causes one person to be susceptible to this virus and another not? Why do some patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome not have Epstein-Barr virus? The answer lies in the adage "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts." Unfortunately, many diseases no longer fit into the conventional model of one problem - one cure - quick fix. All the bodily functions need to be assessed along with the patient's lifestyle and habits for syndromes, such as Chronic Fatigue, to be successfully treated.

 

If you need help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, contact us to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Piro.