Hi everyone,

I wrote scientific-consultants.com last week and suggested D-Ribose and Reflexology as treatment options. I received 2 very nice replies from a lady named Donna and asked her if I could share her replies with you all. She said sure.

Here's the first one:

I'm on shots of B12 every other day, human growth hormone every night, armour thyroid (do you have any thyroid disorders? that's very common among us CFS/FM sufferers),
and a few handfuls of supplements every day.

and

I've been on the frequent B12 shots since the mid-90s...one of the first things my doc (Susan Levine) did; she also had me cut out wheat and dairy (of course, I cheat now and then) but I think it did help reduce the muscle spasms.

Levine and another of my docs (Dennis Gage, an endocrinologist) were doing a study of Human Growth Hormone levels in CFS/FM patients, suspecting levels would be low; mine were practically undetectable. I've been on nightly injections for several years. The insomnia has GREATLY reduced and I actually feel closer to normal than I have in years...I still have to pace myself, still can't rely on my body from day to day, still have bouts of brain fog and can feel done in by stress and exertion, but way better than before; I'm now quasi-functional.

From the survey, Jeff saw the very high correlation between thyroid disorders and CFS/FM. This jibes with the observations of my doctors to the extent that he and Gage are planning to report on it in JAMA.

Levine started me on thyroid supplements years ago at Jeff's suggestion...he suspected a link although, like you, the TSH was within range;

Gage has taken over monitoring levels, etc. (I also have thyroid goiters). The HGH can increase insulin resistance so diet is important. I've been on low-carb for years (dropped 100+ lbs in the process).

If possible, talk your doc into the T-tests; maybe you have to consult with a savvy endocrinologist or, if you're in the NY area, make an appointment with Gage (he also deals with diabetes and diet).