Journal of IiME Volume 4 Issue 1 www.investinme.org Definition of Recovery in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Dr. David S. Bell & David E. Bell Definition of Recovery in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Authors: David S. Bell MD, FAAP Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, State University of New York at Buffalo David E. Bell, MPH Department of Medical Anthropology, State University of New York at Buffalo Key Words: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Prognosis Abstract The definition of clinical recovery has long been debated in myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Clinically, many persons who have had ME/CFS declare themselves "recovered" or "nearly recovered" while continuing to present for medical care because of ongoing somatic symptoms. In this study ten persons who considered themselves "recovered" or "nearly recovered" were given questionnaires to assess health status and compared to healthy adults. Half of the "recovered" subjects would be considered ill with CFS based upon the disability requirements of the CDC empiric definition of CFS, and all "recovered" subjects had significant somatic symptoms. Yet these subjects had all returned to normal in the symptom of orthostatic intolerance so that their daily activity was normal. Thus the perception of recovery in ME/CFS is related to the ability to sustain upright activity and not related to the degree of somatic symptoms, including fatigue. Introduction Contact: D. S. Bell MD dsbellmd@yahoo.com In 1985, a cluster of ME/CFS occurred in Upstate New York involving 210 persons, 60 of whom were children or adolescents. The cluster was located in a 180 square mile rural region located between (but did not include) Rochester and Buffalo, New York. Based Invest in ME (Charity Nr. 1114035) Dr David Bell MD has vast experience of ME/CFS. He graduated from Harvard College in 1967 with an AB degree in English literature followed by Boston University with an MD degree in 1971. Post doctoral training in paediatrics was completed in 1976 with subspecialty training in Paediatric Behaviour and Developmental Disorders. In 1978 he began work at the University of Rochester but soon began a private practice in the town of Lyndonville, New York. In 1985 nearly 220 persons became ill with an illness subsequently called chronic fatigue syndrome in the communities surrounding Lyndonville, New York. This illness cluster began a study of the illness which continues today. Dr. Bell is the author or co-author of numerous scientific papers on CFS, and, in 2003 was named Chairman of the Advisory Committee for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome of the Department of Health and Human Services. Publications include A Disease of A Thousand Names, (1988) and The Doctor’s Guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, (1990). Dr Bell has recently been performing studies on XMRV. Dr. David Bell MD http://www.davidsbell.com Page 23/56
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