Empowering book

I was diagnosed with CFS more than 10 years ago, and this was one of the books I got at that time. I just finished re-reading it, and remembered why I liked it so much. It emphasizes that there are many things *we* can do to help ourselves rather than waiting for the doctor to dole out little pills. The other two books I'd gotten were much more focused on a victim-mentality.

One of the reviewer mentions Murray's recommendation for exercise. Yes, hard exercise or physical strain knocks me flat on my back for a few days. But, gradual amounts of light exercise do make me feel better, and I've been able to do more over the years. Murray perhaps doesn't emphasize the gradual part of the exercise program. I wish he'd been clearer about what kind of exercises are useful, and how to gage how much is too much. He doesn't mention anything about yoga, either. He *does* mention in other portions of the text that physical exertion does lead to excessive exhaustion.

One problem with the book is the overview nature. It does cover a lot of different things, but doesn't really delve deeply into any one. It does have some recommendations for herbal support, and gives a good sample diet. But, as it does cover a breadth of things, it does suggest further avenues to explore.

I don't feel this book is the end-all and be-all of CFS self-treatment books, but it is a positive book, and well worth the money.

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Do NOT but this book

This is the worst book about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that I have ever read! His suggestions to exercise show clearly that he NO understanding of CFS/CFIDS! Yes, exercise will help many people with fatigue, even chronic fatigue; but not Chronic Fatigue SYNDROME. For someone with true CFS (also known as CFDIS) exercise will make things worse, sometimes far worse!
He also talks about all kinds of other things (such as hypothiroidism) that can cause fatigue but have nothing to do with CFS. (other than the fact that if you have CFS these things have already been ruled out by your doctor and are not the cause). So long discussions of those causes of fatigue are useless if you've already been diagnosed!
There are a lot of other holes in this book. It was a total waste of money, and I'll be throwing it out!
There are many GOOD CFS/CFIDS books, buy one of those!
(such as "Running on Empty" by Katrina Berne,PH.D , "The Doctors Guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" by David S. Bell,M.D. or "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, A Treatment Guide" by Erica F. Verrillo and Lauren M. Gellam these 3 books are very helpful and have accurate information.)

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Great Help

Most doctors give us medication that doesn't help. This book offers real ways we can help ourselves!

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