By. Dr Rosamund Vallings MNZM, MB BS A fully revised edition of this internationally acclaimed book provides a timely review of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the impact of COVID-19, and the latest research into treatments. First published in 2012, now fully revised and updated. Often known as ‘ME’, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat, yet its effects are profound, and often prolonged and debilitating. Dr Rosamund Vallings has been helping people with this condition for more than 40 years. Drawing on the latest international diagnostic guidelines, she describes the process for accurate diagnosis, and the difficulties entailed. She clearly explains all aspects of the illness, and how it affects the body’s many systems and functions. In separate sections she provides useful strategies for dealing with specific symptoms, as well as positive suggestions on how to cope with the disorder on a daily basis and make the necessary lifestyle changes. In this fully revised edition, Dr Vallings updates the huge body of research into this previously elusive condition. With the practical understanding of a highly experienced and internationally respected expert, she explains the science and current understanding of the illness. This definitive book provides a unique and timely overview of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME. It is particularly pertinent with the emergence of vigorous viral pandemics and provides an important resource for ongoing management. It is essential reading for anyone with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME, and for friends and family members who might struggle to understand the condition. It is also a useful guide for health professionals diagnosing and treating the disease.
Reviews Drawing on her many years’ experience treating this illness, Dr Vallings here provides a wealth of information, with particular insights and sound medical advice. This is an outstanding, comprehensive, authoritative reference guide for the patient, carer and doctor. -- Christine Hunter, AM, Alison Hunter Memorial Foundation
This is simply the best book available on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME. Dr Vallings informs and educates readers on every aspect of this often misunderstood illness. Everyone who has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME should read this book – it will help them cope and will improve their life. -- Dr Ken Jolly, Medical Advisor, ANZMES
Managing ME CFS A Guide for Young People
By. Dr Rosamund Vallings MNZM, MB BS Foreword by Richie Barnett If you are a young person who has just been diagnosed with ME or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (that’s CFS), and even if you’ve had this condition for a while, you will find a sympathetic voice in this book. Dr Vallings is a very experienced medical doctor and she has spent much of her career helping people with ME/CFS. She explains this complicated illness in a way that is easy to understand. The book is full of great suggestions for managing everyday tasks and working through the ups and downs of the illness, and there are lots of tips on how to create the best chance of recovery. Dr Vallings has even included stories from young people who are managing this illness. Her message to young people is to learn as much as you can about ME/CFS and to actively take charge of your health. As she says, ‘Only you know how you really feel.’ Anyone caring for a young person with ME/CFS will also find this book useful.
The Pocket Guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME Key Facts and tips for Improved Health
By. Dr Rosamund Vallings MNZM, MB BS Forward by Dr Ken Jolly, MBChB, BSc, MRNZCGP Medical Advisor to ANZMES In 2012 Dr Rosamund Vallings wrote her first book, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Management. At that time it was the most widely acknowledged, all-encompassing treatise available on CFS/ME. In 2017 Dr Vallings has now produced a condensed version of the book, omitting the complex scientific material, and with more readable accounts of the condition. The title, The Pocket Guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME: Key Facts and Tips for Improved Health, says it all. Written in simple terms, this book covers all the aspects of CFS/ME that any reader would most likely want to know. New topics include chapters on ‘The severely ill’, ‘Caring for someone with CFS/ME’, ‘The balancing act’ and ‘Current research and the way forward’. This entirely new material I found especially compelling. CFS/ME is still poorly understood by many people, and it continues to be a difficult illness to understand. With her encyclopaedic knowledge of the condition and her ability to communicate complex medical matters easily, Dr Vallings explains and clarifies the many inconsistencies associated with CFS/ME. Dr Vallings is New Zealand’s foremost expert on CFS/ME and in my opinion also a leading world expert in the field. She has seen over 3000 CFS/ME patients over her 40-year medical career, and attends at least two international conferences a year on the subject. Through these two arms of experience she has developed a wide understanding of the condition. I would recommend this book for all laypeople and health professionals alike. With The Pocket Guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME, Dr Vallings has produced a work that will cheer and enlighten the CFS/ME community for years to come.