The Dr Oz Show, XMRV Virus and More

New This Week: October 30, 2009

The Dr. Oz Show

Dear Readers,

Many viewers were concerned that The Dr. Oz Show segment with me last Friday glanced over CFS and focused on fatigue and exhaustion, sometimes seeming to lump them together. I share this concern, and was very disappointed when I saw the segment. It edited out most of what I had said about CFS, including it NOT being regular fatigue but a separate, real and distinct problem. It also edited out my discussion on its causes and how to treat it.

Sadly, the best part of many shows ends up on the editing floor!

It is not Dr. Oz’ fault, but represents a difference in communications.

Meanwhile, since we're discussing controversial topics ;-)

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 intention is to offer perspective from over 30 years experience, so that people can use all the tools that may help them get well.

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.

RESEARCH BRIEFS

Swine Flu and CFS

A new study report found CFS occurring after a case of Swine Flu. Read more »

Interim XMRV Guidelines from National Cancer Institute

Is the XMRV virus contagious? Likely no. But it would best for those with CFS to not be blood donors. Read more »

Acid Reflux and Constipation More Common in FMS

Another new study shows that acid reflux and constipation are more common in fibromyalgia. Two of the major causes for this are the autonomic dysfunction and multiple bowel infections seen in fibromyalgia. Read more »

Connection Between Dry Eyes and Thyroid Inflammation

Dry Eyes and dry mouth (called "Sicca Syndrome") are very common in CFS/FMS. A new study shows that 59% of those with Sicca have a positive test for thyroid inflammation as well (anti-TPO antibody). This is another reason why thyroid issues should be considered by anyone with fibromyalgia — even when the routine labs are normal. Read more »

FEATURED EMAIL FROM READERS

Q: [Note from Dr. T: I’d like to share the following email exchange I had with a Dr. Oz Show viewer who was upset at the way they covered the topic of "fatigue."] Read more »

Q: Reader notes “Thank you. Got my life back with Ribose.” Read more »

Q: Thrilled — Feeling 85% better with treatment by Dr. Ali Garcia at the Las Vegas Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Center. Read more »

Q: Using Clomiphene to treat low testosterone in men under 50 years old. Read more »

COOL STUFF

The Chalk Art Guy is Back!

Julian Beezer continues to amaze people with his sidewalk 3D chalk drawings.

See the rest of his latest illusions »

JOKES OF THE WEEK

Charity

I just had a call from a charity asking me to donate some of my clothes to the starving people throughout the world.

I told them NO WAY!

Anybody who fits into my clothes isn't starving!!

What Time Is It?

After driving for a good six hours, a taxi driver decides to pull over and sleep for a little while. As soon as he falls asleep, he is awakened by some knocks on the door of the cab. "Can you tell me the time, please?" asks a jogger. "Yeah, it's 4:30," answers the driver.

He falls asleep again but soon another jogger wakes him up wanting to know the time. "It's 4:40!" shouts the trucker. Deciding to really try to get some shut-eye, he writes on a piece of paper: "I DON'T KNOW THE TIME" and sticks the paper on his windscreen.

But before long, he hears a tap on his cab window. "It's 5:15," says another jogger.