End Fatigue

The Dr. Oz Show

Dear Readers,

Many viewers were concerned that The Dr. Oz Show segment with me last Friday glanced over CFS and focused on fatigue and exhaustion, sometimes seeming to lump them together. I share this concern, and was a bit disappointed when I saw the segment. It edited out most of what I had said about CFS, including it NOT being regular fatigue but a separate, real and distinct problem. It also edited out my discussion on its causes and how to treat it.

Unfortunately, the best part of many shows sometimes ends up on the editing floor!

It is not Dr. Oz’ fault, but represents a difference in communications.

The show was a good entertaining segment for those with day to day fatigue (as it was initially meant to be), but didn't provide a more thorough discussion of CFS itself. On the bright side, for those with CFS but without a diagnosis, identifying the combination of exhaustion and insomnia as a warning marker that you may have CFS has been leading many of you to the correct diagnosis from the show. Hopefully, it has also opened the door to having a segment on CFS or FMS alone.

So though it did not have the CFS focus we were hoping for (and that I was trying to move it toward), it does reflect getting a foot in the door, and I will be encouraging a show with a full segment on CFS and FMS so it can be covered properly. Having worked with and encouraged the Oprah producers to cover these syndromes for many years, I would note these simple observations:

Letters that are angry, and even abusive, likely leave them feeling the topic is still too controversial to cover. So venting may feel good sometimes, but if done without being reasonably considerate, it may simply once again push CFS/FMS OFF their “radar screen.”

Letters thanking them for covering the topic, but noting how and why the coverage should be improved, and why it is important to cover, will more likely get what we want. It is OK to thank them for covering CFS and still let them know that you'd like to hear more.

Sorry if there were misunderstandings, but know that I am on your side — and Dr. Oz is as well.

Thank you.

Love and Blessings,

Jacob Teitelbaum, MD