Rainbow at shoreline

The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association, a 501(c)3 founded in 1985, exists to meet the needs of patients with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) or FM (Fibromyalgia), their families and loved ones. The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association works to educate health-care providers and the general public regarding these severely-disabling physical illnesses. We also support patients and their families and advocate for more effective treatment and research.

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Possible new approaches

Dr. Richie Shoemaker feels that these illnesses are triggered by neurotoxins. He has developed a simple internet-based test called the visual contrast sensitivity test (VCS).

Because the optic nerve is very sensitive to the effects of neurotoxins, he uses the VCS to detect the presence of a neurotoxin. If the test is positive, he recommends treatment with cholestyramine, an older powdered medication that was used to treat high cholesterol. He contends that the powder binds to and excretes neurotoxins, reducing symptoms. You take the medication 4x/da for 2-3 weeks. [We are dubious about this test and treatment.—Ed.] 

Another approach from Dr. Shoemaker is to treat with Actos (pioglitazone), a medication currently used to treat diabetes. The medication blocks tumor necrosis factor (TNF). By blocking TNF, you may reduce the severity of symptoms. Dr. Hubbuch has just started her first patient on this. She'll keep us posted on her progress.

One caution, the drug is designed to lower blood sugar, so this needs to be closely monitored.

[Actos is the subject of a 2015 lawsuit for causing bladder cancer.—Ed.]

Notice about names

The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association would like to clarify the use of the various acronyms for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and  Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) on this site. When we generate our own articles on the illness, we will refer to it as ME/CFS, the term now generally used in the United States. When we are reporting on someone else’s report, we will use the term they use. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal agencies, including the CDC, are currently using ME/CFS. 

Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association changed its name in July, 2018, to reflect this consensus.