Numerous studies, including research on immunologic and hormonal changes, confirm that fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are painfully real illnesses. Though many insurance companies continue to deny that science so they can avoid paying healthcare and disability costs, this research should help speed up understanding of these conditions.

New developments include:

• Widespread changes in the immune system. Numerous cytokine changes have been seen, showing patterns that may be used for diagnostic testing. Natural killer cell activity is also down.

• Thyroid, adrenal, and testosterone deficiencies are common.

• Central sensitization, where chronic pain causes the body to amplify the pain signal.

Work underway by Dr. Mark Sivieri in Maryland is showing that there are common and critical deficiencies in critical IgG antibodies that may be contributing to immune dysfunction. And these deficiencies may be treatable.

Our experience is corroborating his findings.

Antibodies are like the chemical warfare arm of our immune systems, fighting a wide array of infections. The IgG arm of our immune systems are made up of four branches, called IgG 1, IgG 2, IgG 3, and IgG 4.

Branches 1 and 3 are often compromised in cases CFS and fibromyalgia. This often correlates with pain, called small fiber neuropathy.

It also ties into problems with blood pressure and gut function, called autonomic dysfunction.

So we are now seeing a potential “missing link” between the immune dysfunction, pain, and the autonomic dysfunctions commonly seen in CFS and fibromyalgia.

Interestingly, all three of these symptoms respond to treatment with intravenous gamma globulin. Indeed, it has been helpful in the 10 to 15 percent of our patients who have the most severe forms of the illnesses; they are often bedridden and do not respond to other treatments.

Unfortunately, gamma globulin can cost as much as $50,000 per year, and it is difficult to get it covered by insurance.

Our placebo-controlled study shows that, on a scale of 0 to 10 (with 0 being "dead" and 10 being "perfectly healthy"), the average CFS and fibromyalgia patient improved from a 3.5 to a 6.2 score at three months and to almost a 7 score at two years — by which time most people had improved to where they could wean off most treatments.

Treatment was based on our "S.H.I.N.E. Protocol." Our free Energy Analysis Program at www.endfatigue.com can determine what treatments will help YOU optimize your energy and feel the best, as specific treatments vary quite a bit from person to person.

Since this study was published, our research has also shown that a special nutrient called ribose increased energy an average of 61 percent at three weeks (taking 5 grams three times a day).

More good news? The price of ribose just dropped by 50 percent.

There is good reason for hope in this new research, and the good news is that there is also a lot that you can do now.