Complex Chronic Disease includes but is not limited to Fibromyalgia, Myeloencephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Lyme Disease. There can be much overlap in the symptoms and the complexity of contributing factors for each. Addressing symptoms and patient needs includes assistance with referral to the Complex Chronic Diseases Program at the BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre when necessary.
While conventional medicine is limited to treatment with pain killers, NSAIDs, antidepressants and Benzodiazepines. Natural therapies address underlying deficiencies while helping to ease the symptoms.
Common symptoms of Fibromyalgia:
- Pain - muscle aching that is either burning, throbbing or sharp
- Chronic Neck and Back Pain
- Fatigue - mild to incapacitating making it difficult to concentrate
- Sensitivities - to light, sounds, odors, medications, certain foods
- Difficulty sleeping - not waking refreshed or feeling exhausted on waking
- Chronic headaches - migraines or tension headaches
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome - diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain and gas
Common symptoms of ME/CFS:
- Malaise after exertion
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Muscle and Joint pain
- Sore throat
- Headaches not previously experienced
- Cognitive difficulties
- Depression
- Chronic and severe mental and physical exhaustion
- Therapies to treat Complex Chronic Diseases:
- IV vitamin therapies
- IV glutathione
- Adrenal support
- Acupuncture
- Craniosacral Therapy
- Addressing overgrowth of Candida and other pathogens
- Immune System Support
- Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation
- Detox and Cleansing
- Homeopathics