European Commission answers a question on Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

They exist, hurrah!!!!

[One can see this answer in different European languages by going to:
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getAllAnswers.do?reference=E-2009-4347&l

Questions parlementaires

E-4347/09EN
Answer given by Ms Vassiliou
on behalf of the Commission
(1.10.2009)


As the Commission has indicated in its replies to written questions E
4898/08 by Mr Kilroy-Silk, E 6262/08 by Mr Popa and E-3734/09 by Mr Higgins
, the nature of the two disorders, Fibromyalgia and the Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome (CFS), have been, during years, controversially discussed. This
situation had given rise to major differences of opinion concerning the
ability of fibromyalgia and CFS patients to work, and to their entitlement
to social security benefits. In such context of scientific controversy, it
was difficult for the Commission to promote actions related to these
diseases. Nowadays it appears as an established and accepted fact that these
syndromes are genuine, severe and incapacitating disorders, even if
controversies remain, and even if there are still discussions in relation to
their most appropriate terminology and classification.

Consequently, the current version of the International Classification of
Diseases (ICD-10) includes Fibromyalgia (Code M79.7) and there is no reason
for refusal of treatment in any Member State on the basis of a supposed non
existence of the disease as in the past.

Detection of an Infectious Retrovirus, XMRV, in Blood Cells of Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract:
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating disease
of unknown etiology that is estimated to affect 17 million
people worldwide. Studying peripheral blood
mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from CFS patients, we
identified DNA from a human gammaretrovirus,
xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV),
in 68 of 101 patients (67%) compared to 8 of 218 (3.7%)
healthy controls. Cell culture experiments revealed that
patient-derived XMRV is infectious and that both cellassociated
and cell-free transmission of the virus are
possible. Secondary viral infections were established in
uninfected primary lymphocytes and indicator cell lines
following exposure to activated PBMCs, B cells, T cells, or
plasma derived from CFS patients. These findings raise
the possibility that XMRV may be a contributing factor in
the pathogenesis of CFS.

Journal: Science [Published on-line as a Sciencexpess Report: October 8, 2009]

Authors: Vincent C. Lombardi [1*], Francis W. Ruscetti [2*],
Jaydip Das Gupta [3], Max A. Pfost [1], Kathryn S. Hagen [1],
Daniel L. Peterson [1],Sandra K. Ruscetti [4], Rachel K. Bagni [5],
Cari Petrow-Sadowski [6], Bert Gold [2], Michael Dean [2] Robert
H. Silverman [3], Judy A. Mikovits [1†]

Fibromyalgia myths dispelled...

Fibromyalgia Myth Busting

One to show your GP if they bellieve any of the following about fibro....click link for full article...

by Karen Lee Richards
ImmuneSupport.com

For many years Fibromyalgia has been considered something of a mystery, confounding the doctors who are trying to treat it and the patients who have to live with it. Only recently has new technology begun to unravel the truths about this mysterious disorder. As a result of the previous lack of scientific evidence, several myths about Fibromyalgia have developed that, unfortunately, are still being repeated today. It’s time to dispel the myths and clarify the facts.

Myth 1: Fibromyalgia is a form of arthritis.
Fact: Fibromyalgia is a neurologic disease.

the FM research front, new brain-imaging techniques and scientific studies are revealing that Fibromyalgia is better defined as a central nervous system disorder that results in abnormal pain processing.

Myth 2: Fibromyalgia affects the muscles, joints and connective tissue.
Fact: There is no damage to the muscles, joints or connective tissue of people with Fibromyalgia.

Myth 3: Fibromyalgia is an autoimmune disease.
Fact: Fibromyalgia is NOT an autoimmune disease.


Myth 4: Fibromyalgia is a middle-aged woman’s disease.
Fact: Fibromyalgia affects men, women and children.

Myth 5: Fibromyalgia is a psychological problem.
Fact: Fibromyalgia is a physical disorder with real, measurable biological abnormalities