Background:
A 56-year old man, living in Ireland, relayed a 5-year history of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. He was housebound, unable to keep a job, heavily restricted in his social interactions, and unable to pursue his favourite hobbies – photography and golf. Traditional care and reactions to medications were adding to his overall health challenge and not assisting his quality of life. His life was reduced to an existence type living and in a downward spiral. With a marked loss of hope, decreased confidence and strained relationships due to financial pressures, long distance care commenced in June 2013.
Method
Treatment commenced with assessments on medical history, behavioral movement patterns, environmental factors, and overall health (Bowel, sleep patterns, aches etc).
Based on the information that was shared using Telemedicine (Skype), a tailored treatment plan was established. Meaningful goals were created, and key behavioral modifications, exercises, and simple modifications were made. Importantly, he was instructed to keep diary entries of activities, reactions and significant meaningful moments as predetermined prior to care.
A time frame of 6 months was recommended and notable firsts predicted.
As the client was located overseas, no physical contact or spinal manipulation by the practitioner was possible, or required in this case.
Results.
- The client noticed clarity of thinking, a new-found awareness within the first 3 weeks.
- Energy returned gradual and surprising manner, feeling “brighter” and like a “spark had come back”.
- He gradually reduced the amount of medication for the last 5 years and for the first time, over the 6 months of care, is now medication free. All under the supervision of his local GP.
- He has resumed his hobbies (Pitch & Putt and photography)
- He has completed a 5 km fun run.
- Entered a Pitch & Putt competition, which became his first significant social engagement since the onset of his condition.
- Sleeps more than 6+ hours a night, and wakes feeling refreshed and without having to visit the bathroom at all during the night.
- He stated that he was more confident about himself, and felt that he was able to return to work. He has secured a part time job is entering his second year of work.
- He no longer worries about long trips or where the next toilet stop will be.
Discussion
Confidence and understanding take time.
This is understandable as Chronic Health Disorders have a significant psychological impact. This origin of this disorder did not stem from the mind, however the mind is affected. Time, of itself, rarely heals yet time will convince a person if improvements are being made.
After 24 months since beginning care and 12 months since his last official consultation, this man is convinced that he has been healed.
Health Restoration all began from the identification of causative factors that were affecting his health.
Insults to the gastrointestinal, vascular, neurological and lymphatic systems, as expressed above, were functions of faulty behaviours. As difficult as this is to believe, he positioned himself in such a manner to compromise key vital functions.
Careful analysis of his mechanical behaviors lead to key behavioral modifications. This affected blood and nerve flow, intestinal movements, and ultimately psychology. His body was treated as a whole and without medications and his return to work status has been restored now entering his 2nd year.
Whilst this is not a traditional nor well-understood approach for the management of such conditions many people with CFS have co-morbities (other illnesses) such as:
- Heart rhythm anomalies (arrhythmia, panic, anxiety)
- Gastro-intestinal issues (IBS, bloating, constipation / diarrhoea issues)
- Unrefreshing sleep (night mares, terrors, sweats)
- Temperature regulation
It can be exhausting investigating the separate issues in a person who is already fatigue compromised.
In this case results were predicted after the two consultations.
An estimate time frame was also given. (See appendix: 1 from original case notes)
The client achieved all of the meaningful goals established at the beginning of treatment.
Over 6 months, he noticed many other improvements that increased his quality of life.
This is the first of 4 case updates on CFS who have all been treated remotely.
The body’s POTENTIAL to heal itself from a long-standing chronic disorder was demonstrated.
Behavioural Medicine.
Importantly: His complete reduction in BP medications, Gastrointestinal and cholesterol medications were achieved and monitored under the supervision of his local GP.
Skype afforded a medium to analyse and appraise the clinical challenge. This is not ideal though given the circumstance, there was little hope from conventional medicine. The process has now been repeated x4 in consecutive international clients. This represents some confidence that there is a way forward for clients who may be unable to visit a practitioner in person for one reason or another.
The recommendations are based on key behavioural modifications through knowing “What to do” to, and equally important “What to avoid”.
Time has provided certainty to these results. It is now 13 months since he has returned to employment, running and living an active and healthy life.
Appendix 1: Guide to Goal setting: Notes taken from first consultation in June 2013
Establish in advance significant goals termed ‘Meaningful Moments’
(What are the things you would like to achieve and what are those milestones that would indicate that you are on your way to your goal – see examples below)
Recording of Goals is most useful done on a daily basis:
These are typically first time ever events or ones that sound like: For “as long as I could remember” that I could ……………
- Sleep for more than 3 hours straight
- Sleep with no more than 3 interruptions at night.
- Walk to the corner store
- Go shopping with my wife.
- Dreams that were pleasant
- Have regular bowel movements
- Stop urinating frequently
- Feel different in my mind / personality … something’s changed
Predicted milestones (meaningful moments) in the recovery process allowed a significant increase in confidence and for further formation of new goals.
NB: Results vary from case to case and one person’s success does not imply success for future clients.
All results on this site have been achieved without bracing, machines, surgery or medications.