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Anyone any thoughts on this?
BREAKSPEAR MEDICAL BULLETIN, SS 2017 N0:42
https://breakspearmedical.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Issue42SpringSummer2017.pdf Page
Case study:ME/CFS patient’s health restored
This is a condensed version of Dr Daud Mohamed’s case study of a patient whose health was restored by treating him for an illness that was caused by environmental factors. (Full version available upon request.)
Introduction
Mr TH is 45 years old and attended Breakspear Medical in 2015 for environmental and integrative treatment of his medical condition.
His main symptoms were fatigue and brain fog.
Determining the causes of fatigue is always difficult and there are many labels we can apply to it, such as CFS, ME, myalgia etc. In determining the root cause of low energy production, we need to look at pollutant load and its effect on mitochondrial function (energy production), as well as possible viral infection.
Pollutant exposure in the home and workplace and in
the atmosphere is being increasingly recognised as a causative factor in many conditions.
Here we examine if pollutant load makes the patient more susceptible to viral infection and whether simple steps can be taken to minimise the risk of a recurring fatigue. Fatigue in this case is not “normal” fatigue whereby energy is promptly restored with rest. Pathological fatigue, as experienced in ME/CFS, may combine exhaustion, weakness, heaviness, general malaise, light- headedness and sleepiness that can become overwhelming.
Background
Mr TH was a fit and very active person who cycled on a regular basis and did this as a hobby. On a windy Sunday morning in March 2009, he led a group of cyclists and cycled for about 70 miles. He was fine until the following Friday when he became very unwell and was off sick for a week and became bedridden. Since then, he never recovered fully but managed to work intermittently and suffered from recurrence of ME/CFS symptoms (see Definition) plus insomnia. Some doctors thought he was suffering from post -viral fatigue.
Investigations
At Breakspear Medical, a variety of tests were conducted on Mr TH. The significant test results were from:
ME/CFS
In order to be considered to have ME/CFS, a patient needs to have symptoms for at least six months and the symptoms must have begun or altered significantly since the onset. The patient, Mr TH, met these criteria.
The criteria considered for a diagnosis of ME/CFS are:*
al. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: clinical working case definition, diagnostic and treatment protocols. Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. 2003;11:7-115.
was starting to function well. His Comprehensive Viral Panel came back all clear and the patient became asymptomatic. He started to exercise again and
recommenced his hobby of cycling. His ATP (adenosine triphosphate, which is the main energy source for muscles and other tissues) levels had returned to a normal level.
At his recent review consultation, he reported feeling well and he is carrying on with our recommended maintenance supplement programme.
Conclusion
Taking an environmental history is a simple and effective way to evaluate where pollutant exposure may occur. As well, it is beneficial to take a holistic approach to health, including diet and supplementation, to complement the increasing specialisation in environmental healthcare.
BREAKSPEAR MEDICAL BULLETIN, SS 2017 N0:42
https://breakspearmedical.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Issue42SpringSummer2017.pdf Page
Case study:ME/CFS patient’s health restored
This is a condensed version of Dr Daud Mohamed’s case study of a patient whose health was restored by treating him for an illness that was caused by environmental factors. (Full version available upon request.)
Introduction
Mr TH is 45 years old and attended Breakspear Medical in 2015 for environmental and integrative treatment of his medical condition.
His main symptoms were fatigue and brain fog.
Determining the causes of fatigue is always difficult and there are many labels we can apply to it, such as CFS, ME, myalgia etc. In determining the root cause of low energy production, we need to look at pollutant load and its effect on mitochondrial function (energy production), as well as possible viral infection.
Pollutant exposure in the home and workplace and in
the atmosphere is being increasingly recognised as a causative factor in many conditions.
Here we examine if pollutant load makes the patient more susceptible to viral infection and whether simple steps can be taken to minimise the risk of a recurring fatigue. Fatigue in this case is not “normal” fatigue whereby energy is promptly restored with rest. Pathological fatigue, as experienced in ME/CFS, may combine exhaustion, weakness, heaviness, general malaise, light- headedness and sleepiness that can become overwhelming.
Background
Mr TH was a fit and very active person who cycled on a regular basis and did this as a hobby. On a windy Sunday morning in March 2009, he led a group of cyclists and cycled for about 70 miles. He was fine until the following Friday when he became very unwell and was off sick for a week and became bedridden. Since then, he never recovered fully but managed to work intermittently and suffered from recurrence of ME/CFS symptoms (see Definition) plus insomnia. Some doctors thought he was suffering from post -viral fatigue.
Investigations
At Breakspear Medical, a variety of tests were conducted on Mr TH. The significant test results were from:
- The Fatigue Panel, which includes DNA adducts tests
(looking for foreign particles adhering to DNA), showing
that there were plastic particles present in his DNA
- A Comprehensive Viral Panel showing active rubella,
measles and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infections
Treatment & recovery
The patient had treatment with antiviral drugs, including Aciclovir and natural antivirals, together with mitochondrial support and detox supplements. It was recommended that he stop using plastic water bottles (commonly used by cyclists) and not use any plastic involved in food storage, preparation or cooking. Six months later, his Fatigue Panel showed no plastic particles in his DNA, his Comprehensive Viral Panel results for rubella and measles antibodies were negative, although his EBV remained positive, and he had slightly improved energy.
Nine months after starting treatment, the patient felt he
ME/CFS
In order to be considered to have ME/CFS, a patient needs to have symptoms for at least six months and the symptoms must have begun or altered significantly since the onset. The patient, Mr TH, met these criteria.
The criteria considered for a diagnosis of ME/CFS are:*
- Fatigue
- Post-exertional malaise and/
or fatigue
- Sleep dysfunction
- Pain
- Neurological/cognitive manifestations
- Autonomic manifestations (orthostatic intolerance, NMH, POTS etc.)
- Neuroendocrine manifestations (temperature regulation etc.)
- Immune manifestations
al. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: clinical working case definition, diagnostic and treatment protocols. Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. 2003;11:7-115.
was starting to function well. His Comprehensive Viral Panel came back all clear and the patient became asymptomatic. He started to exercise again and
recommenced his hobby of cycling. His ATP (adenosine triphosphate, which is the main energy source for muscles and other tissues) levels had returned to a normal level.
At his recent review consultation, he reported feeling well and he is carrying on with our recommended maintenance supplement programme.
Conclusion
Taking an environmental history is a simple and effective way to evaluate where pollutant exposure may occur. As well, it is beneficial to take a holistic approach to health, including diet and supplementation, to complement the increasing specialisation in environmental healthcare.
