Generally speaking, stress of every type is often a precursor to overt symptoms and depression including depressed immune responses and hyperactivity.
While we all get stress, everyday stresses, pollution including electromagnetic pollution, sugar, caffeine, chocolate and alcohol are the top six causes. You've already looked at pesticides... ciao Duncan ----- Original Message ----- From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, November 19, 2000 1:11 PM Subject: Re: CS>(OT) Trouble in Iowa For the past year, I have been carefully watching the kinds of disability applications coming into our consulting firm (which specifically does only social security law and represents clients). For over a year, all but two of the clients have presented with the primary diagnosis of chronic fatigue and/or fibromyalgia. Additional diagnoses are consistently: (1) Arthritis, Neurally mediated hypotension, (3) sleep apnea, and (4) frequently depression (after onset). Adult onset diabetes is also frequently seen in addition to the CFIDS/fibro. I have felt it to be an outbreak, and watched, researched, and read. Last week my feelings were confirmed by two separate agencies, who indicate that Iowa has the second highest rate of disability per capita, in the US. These figures were taken from SSA and applications, and would therefore, generally rule out those 65 or older. My suspicions were confirmed by both SSA and the State Voc Rehab offices. On three separate occasions, I have been aware that the CDC has been active in our area, monitoring, but do not know what their focus or findings have been. The incidence of chronic fatigue and fibro do not seem limited to metro areas, and seem to span the state equally. Women seem to be most affected, however, people of all ages, sexes, ethnic background, are being diagnosed in large numbers. The medical professionals in our area, are knee deep, and are trying very hard to understand and help. We can find no real common denominator, and blood work does not reveal conclusive or consistent data, for many patients. Most patients, however, show a curiously low sodium level (below 139 or close). We have also in many cases, done MMPI testing, and are finding little or no indication that mental health issues are the primary or largely contributing cause. After having read and researched for the past year, I still don't have a clue as to the causes. Have looked at water, air, diet, parasitic infections, viruses, bacteria's, and everything looks suspect. We are clueless. Is anyone aware of diagnostic methods or testing process, which might uncover the origin or cause of what we are seeing? (Mycoplasma testing is not available or common here, or covered by insurance.) Many people here are experimenting with alternative therapies, and some medical providers are also starting to consider alternatives. We have two certified Chinese Herbalists in the area, and their waiting lists are as long as 6 - 7 months, for an initial appointment. Are any of you close to Iowa, or aware of reputable and reliable alternative health care providers? Many of these people cannot travel. Will apologize in advance, if this post is inappropriate for the CS list. suzy
