100 Tips for Coping with
Fibromyalgia & InsomniaDr. Holtorf received his Doctorate of Medicine from St. Louis University School of Medicine in 1991. While in medical school, Dr. Holtorf's symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome emerged and he spent the early part of his medical career searching for the causes and the cure for this little know condition. In 1994, Dr. Holtorf used this knowledge to begin a family practice specializing in natural hormone replacement and optimization, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Hypothyroidism.
Board Certified by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine and certified in oxidative medicine, Dr. Holtorf established the Hormone and Longevity Medical Center, Inc. in Los Angeles in 2001 to continue his specialized care of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients. Last year, Dr. Holtorf joined with one of his Fibromyalgia patients, Bob Baurys, to become the Chief Medical Officer of the Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers, Inc. By training FFC physicians and staff, Dr. Holtorf and his proven medical protocols now give hope and help to the millions of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients nationwide.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia are complex diseases that involve multi-system disturbances and abnormalities. Because of this complexity, these conditions have been poorly treated by the current medical system in this country.
These conditions do not lend themselves to be successfully treated with the eight to fifteen minute visits that address only a portion of the wide spectrum of underlying dysfunctions. Through a more detailed evaluation, all identifiable etiologies contributing to the symptomology may be appropriately addressed, and when multifaceted treatment is instituted that addresses the entire spectrum of these diseases, truly remarkable success and total cures can be obtained.
In general, successful treatment can be viewed in components. Treatment needs to be individualized, components may occur in different order and multiple components are often addressed simultaneously, but these can be broken down as follows.
Component One: Stabilize the Patient
This is a component in which pain and sleep disturbances are addressed. This may include the use of, sleep medications, pain medications and antidepressants. This is in general a temporary "stop gap" phase because as the treatment progresses and the underlying problems are addressed, the medications that "mask the symptoms" are no longer needed. Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of patients are never brought past this stage by their doctors. This is because this component is the limit of training for most doctors, but it really should only be the first step.
Component Two: Mitochondrial Enhancement
This component is actually integrated throughout the treatment program and tapered as the patient returns to normal functioning. The mitochondria are the energy producers of the cells and are critical for normal functioning. But they are shown to be poisoned in these conditions, leaving the cells starving for energy.
Many things can poison the mitochondria including hormonal deficiencies, toxins and infections. Mitochondria dysfunction may be the common denominator and underlying mechanism that explains the symptoms of CFIDS/FM. In addition to the treatments above to rid the body of the offending agents, specific nutrients can be given to jump start the mitochondria and get the body functioning again. These can also be administered orally or via an intravenous route.
Component Three: Balance the Hormones
There are a number of hormonal deficiencies with these conditions that must be addressed to assure successful treatment. Unfortunately, these hormonal deficiencies are often missed or poorly treated because doctors have come to rely on standard blood tests that require an intact pituitary and hypothalamus for diagnosis and dosing of hormone levels.
There is, however, severe hypothalamic and pituitary dysfunction with these conditions, making the standard blood tests inadequate. Some typical hormones functions, not just levels, that need to be evaluated include thyroid function, growth hormone, testosterone, aldosterone, cortisol, DHEA, pregnenolone, estradiol, progesterone, among others. When they are properly treated and balanced, tremendous results can be achieved.
Component Four: Treat the Infectious Components
There are multiple infections that either may be the cause of CFIDS/FM or contribute to the dysfunction. Because of the immune dysfunctions, there is often more than one infection that must be addressed. Potential pathogens include a variety of viruses such as Epstein Barr (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV6), Enteroviruses, such as Coxsackie, Echo, and Stealth virus.
Bacterial infections include intracellular organisms such as Mycoplasma, Chlamydia pneumonia, Borrelia Burgdorferi (Lyme Disease) and Ehrlichia. A number of yeasts such as Candida and parasites must also be evaluated. Infections with many of the above organisms will also further suppress the immunity, often resulting in further infections with other organisms.
Thus, many organisms must be evaluated and treated along with an assessment and treatment of the immune system. If a poor immune system is not addressed, successful eradication of the organisms is not likely, even with the most potent treatments. Treatment may be administered with oral medications or via an intravenous route. A combination of IV and oral medication in conjunction with immune modulation is extremely powerful.
Component Five: Address Unique Etiologies
There are a number of problems that must be addressed in select patients. For instance, some individuals have a coagulation defect that is set off by a chronic infection. This results in the laying down of a fibrin coating on the lumen of the vessel causing impaired oxygen and nutrient transfer. This can result in fatigue, muscle aches and "brain fog". If suspected, diagnosis requires specialized testing. If not treated, not only are the cells starved for oxygen and nutrients, but it is very difficult to eradicate any infection because they will "hide" in the fibrin coating.
Also, if the organism is one that produces neurotoxins, this must also be addressed. These substances can remain in the body and continue to cause symptoms long after the organism that produced them are gone. Special testing and protocols must be done to rid the body of these tiny toxins.
Component Six: Maintenance
Here is where the patient is weaned to just a few core medications and supplements to remain symptom free and maintain their health. Significant recovery or complete resolution of symptoms is the rule rather than the exception when a multifaceted treatment plan is instituted.
(c) 2005 Kent Holtorf, M.D.
100 Tips for Coping with
Fibromyalgia & Insomnia
II Corinthians
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them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are
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DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical doctor. I am a fibromyalgia / chronic fatigue syndrome survivor. The purpose of this website is not to diagnose or cure any disease or malady, but is presented as food for thought. This information cannot take the place of professional medical advice. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness should come under the direction of a physician. No guarantees are made regarding any of the information in this website.
