To Your Good Health: 'Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Has a New Name, Possibly a New Test' - Dr. Roach in Valley News (April 21,2018)

[Melanie]

"I must caution against the over-aggressive use of exercise programs, which can worsen symptoms."

"It’s very frustrating, since it implies that a person’s physical symptoms are due to some weakness in his or her character."

To Your Good Health: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Has a New Name, Possibly a New Test

 

[Seven]

I hope that video showing the cells of Cfs not doing well on salt vs healthy control gets publish soon so this garbage stops soon.

 

[Snowdrop]

It didn't look that bad to me. It looks like it's written by someone who checked that their info is up to date but have had no real connection with this illness from personal experience. No doubt his knowledge is probably on the shallow side with maybe not any idea of the issues around exercise beyond what he might have read through IoM.

Things have been so much worse in the past.

And as an aside -- I've noticed a change whenever there is an article on ME these days the trolls have gone silent. It use to be the comments section was full of gaslighting -- no more.

 

[Diwi9]

Dr. Roach took the exact sort of approach most doctors who don't know a lot about this disease should take. He's read up on some recent research and cautioned against over-exertion. What I sense from him is that he is keeping a curious and open mind about this disease.

 

[Melanie]

He's read up on some recent research and cautioned against over-exertion.

Right. I was scared to read this and then it was like, OK. He stated two very important aspects. CFS is not psychiatric, don't exercise for treatment as it can be harmful. If my Primary knew that much I would be thrilled.

 

[Allele]

I hope that video showing the cells of Cfs not doing well on salt vs healthy control gets publish soon so this garbage stops soon.

Did you read it? It's not really garbage at all, imo.

 

[Barry]

I think it's a good answer at the level he goes into it. Clarifies that the notion of interactions between body and mind is not in itself heresy, but that in everyday use the notion is often corrupted to presume some character weakness. Further clarifies that is definitely not the case with ME/CFS. Clarifies there is no cure. Cautions that exercise can make things worse, though maybe could have done with a bit more emphasis.

 

[Webdog]

“Caution against over-aggressive use of exercise programs.” I feel this needs more caution. A lot more caution.

“There are a variety of treatments available.” What are they? How about mentioning one?

In the past, it has been common for patients to insist there was something physically wrong, while the doctor says it’s psychosomatic. In this case, the patient wonders if it’s psychosomatic while the doctor reassures that it is not all in the head.

I see this article is widely syndicated and popping up all over the place in online searches.