Dear Dr Betty
For the past six months I have been working with a holistic practitioner who has been treating me with herbs and homeopathy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I do not feel any different and don’t know where to turn. — KR. Lakeville
Dear K.R.
This is a difficult question to answer. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a condition that affects many people in different ways. Some are still able to continue working and others are totally disabled by their symptoms. You have not indicated in your e-mail who made the diagnosis for you. If you have not been diagnosed by a medical doctor using blood tests and a complete history and physical, you may want to start here.
There are some conditions that will have the symptoms of chronic fatigue but may be something simple such as anemia (a low red blood cell count). You may want to look for a physician who either practices some complementary medicine or is at least open to the practices of a holistic healthcare practitioner. Most will be very happy to give you their opinion on these therapies.
I also suggest you sit down with the holistic practitioner that you are currently seeing to discuss your treatment plan. It is important that you work with your practitioner to set goals. If you have not seen any progress at all in the past six months some changes should be considered to meet your treatment goals.
Perhaps some modifications need to be made to your diet or some energy work could be included. Also, you may want to consider another practitioner with more experience treating patients with this condition.
Finally, remember that even though you may be seeing a holistic healthcare practitioner, there is no reason why you cannot also work with a physician. The current trend is to integrate both therapies so that you will receive the best of both worlds.
Readers are encouraged to send questions to Dr. Betty at Minerva Educational Center, 303 Deer Lane, Honesdale, PA 18431 or email: minervaed@aol.com. For more information visit the Minerva website at www.minervaed.com.
