End Fatigue
New This Week — CFS/Fibromyalgia News: August 28, 2008
Treating Brain Fog in CFS/FMS
Dear Readers,
Brain fog is very common in CFS/FMS, and presents as:
 | 1. | Horrible short term memory, |
|  |  |
| 2. | Difficulty with word finding and word substitution (e.g., substituting the word "fork" for "knife," or your neighbor's name for your husband's name—not a Freudian slip in CFS), and |
| | |
| 3. | Approximately 30% of those with CFS/FMS have episodic disorientation lasting ~ 30-60 seconds. This often occurs when driving or even turning down a supermarket aisle. It can feel scary, but is not dangerous. Though you may not know where you are (or are going) people seem able to drive or walk safely till it passes. This can also manifest as briefly not recognizing common objects or names (even of children). |
Brain fog can sometimes be the scariest part of the illness for some—especially professionals that had been functioning at a very high level. Though standard testing will often not pick up the problem (nor is it designed to), in some cases the brain fog makes it hard or even impossible to continue one's job. In other cases, brain fog can be mild.
The good news is that brain fog tends to resolve with treatment along with the pain and fatigue. In this week's feature article, we will discuss the key treatments that can help you to get your brain back!
READER FEEDBACK ON HEALTH COACHING OPPORTUNITY
I recently sent an email discussing potential income opportunities as a Health Coach. Since then, a few of you have looked into this program and sent me emails expressing surprise over the training costs involved. I want to take this opportunity to address your concerns over this, and mine.
My initial understanding of being a Health Coach looked like a good fit for people who've dealt with CFS/FM. I had been invited by the sponsors of Health Coaching to host a free teleconference class on CFS/FM (which I agreed to do, scheduled for September 16th, 9 pm) and thought some of you might be interested in their coaching program for income-earning possibilities.
After hearing from you, I looked more deeply into the details of becoming a Health Coach. Like you, I was somewhat surprised by the training cost—which is in the range of $6,000-7,000 for their one-year program.
This is a pretty hefty fee and I urge anyone interested in pursuing this to consider their decision carefully. If you remain interested, I invite you to explore all available training companies before you invest in it as there are other coaching groups available to train with as well.
L&B,
Dr. T
RESEARCH BRIEFS
Brain Fog Documented in Fibromyalgia
Another study documents cognitive dysfunction in Fibromyalgia. Read more »
Elavil (Amitriptyline) is Not Very Effective in Fibromyalgia
Vitamin D Deficiency Increases Fibromyalgia Risk
Low Vitamin D levels associated with a doubled risk of widespread pain (FMS). Read more »
Treating Iron Deficiency May Improve Thyroid Function
FEATURED QUESTIONS FROM READERS
Q: Thank you for the information you give. Read more »
Q: Asking about saliva testing for hormones, Isocort Adrenal Support. Read more »
Q: Glad to see TV affirmation that CFS/FMS is a real disease. Read more »
Q: Can "brain fog" leave you forgetting how to use your keys? Read more »
JOKE OF THE WEEK
While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, I used to take my 4-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds. She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs.
One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, "The tooth fairy will never believe this!"
Most Popular Supplements
 | |
 |  |