MAGICAL MEDICINE: HOW TO MAKE AN ILLNESS ... - Invest in ME

1999
125
“This study examined the cardiovascular response to orthostatic challenge. Among subjects who completed the test,
those with ME/CFS had higher heart rate and smaller stroke volume than corresponding control subjects. These data
show that there are baseline differences in the cardiovascular profiles of ME/CFS patients when compared
with control subjects” (La Manca JJ et al. Clinical Physiology 1999:19:2:111‐120).
2000
“The results of this study show enhanced cholinergic activity in the peripheral microcirculation of patients with
ME/CFS. Many of the symptoms of ME/CFS, such as temperature sensitivity, gastrointestinal difficulties, problems
with sleep, and orthostatic intolerance, are consistent with altered cholinergic activity. Our findings might have
important implications for features of ME/CFS that involve vascular integrity” (V Spence et al. Am J Med
2000:108:736‐739).
2001
“Convincing evidence of cardiovascular impairment can be demonstrated” (Research Update presentation
to the Alison Hunter Memorial Foundation Third International Clinical and Scientific Conference on
ME/CFS held in Sydney, Professor Mina Behan, University of Glasgow).
2001
According to David Streeten, Professor of Endocrinology at Upstate Medical Centre in Syracuse, NY:
“Inconsistently excessive increases in heart rate were found in ME/CFS patients, in whom venous
compliance was significantly reduced (and in whom) delayed orthostatic hypotension was clearly demonstrable,
implying impaired sympathetic innervation. Excessive lower body venous pooling, perhaps by reduced cerebral
perfusion, is involved in the orthostatic component in these patients” (Streeten DH. Am J Med Sci 2001:321:3:163‐
167).
2001
Erich Ryll, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious and Immunology Diseases,
University of California, believes that in ME/CFS there is an infectious venulitis: “Troublingly (in the
literature) very few vascular features were mentioned. I have followed these patients since 1975. Because of this,
I have learned all the nuances, all the signs and symptoms of the disease. In studying this disease, one must
always have an open mind. This disease teaches the physician to be humble. The extremity discomfort is often
described as a burning, searing sensation. Numbness and tingling of the extremities is common (and) cases have
spontaneous bruises that occur without any injury. The disease is frightening to patients because of its severity
and its many unusual features. Physicians are not trained to diagnose an illness that encompasses so many
signs and symptoms. Two common statements patients make are: ‘I hurt all over’ and ‘I am going to die’.
During relapse, many can be totally helpless and unable to care for themselves. Dizziness often occurs and
for some patients, it is constant. They are uncoordinated and lurch about. They state that their legs just give way,
causing them to fall. The autonomic nervous system that controls blood vessels is deranged in the disease.
Sweating, flushing, icy and blue hands and feet, hot sweaty hands, red and blotchy hands are common. Pain
can be the most severe aspect of this disease. There is partial paralysis of the gastrointestinal tract (which)
can lead to nausea. Small veins can suddenly rupture. Deep veins can remain inflamed and are not visible
on the surface. An electromyogram is frequently abnormal, showing damage to nerves. The MRI brain image
often reveals evidence of demyelination. A SPECT scan invariably shows impairment of brain blood
circulation. Muscles may be damaged but do not waste away. There is currently no treatment that can cure this
disease. Treatments are geared to making life more bearable” (http://web.archive.org/web/20080529023815/http://
home.tampabay.rr.com/lymecfs/ryll.htm).