First a few words about me. I am a 24-year old writer from Finland. In 2000 I caught some virus that just wouldn't go away. It later turned out to be a progressive form of a neurological illness called chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), more accurately known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). I found a job as a tech journalist working from home, which was a real lucky stroke, as my parents kicked me out of home, and otherwise I wouldn't have been able to make my living.

I worked that job for six years and even wrote some articles for a decoration magazine, but in reality medicine had always been my main interest. I am more interested in how humans work than how computers work or what kind of sofas are in fashion right now. Studying neuropharmacology, endocrinology, psychiatry and such in-depth really lets you understand how the human body works. The sad thing is that most doctors do not have this knowledge. Even neurologists hardly ever know neuropharmacology and hardly any neurologists know what CFS/ME is, even though it is one of the most common neurological illnesses - more common than MS, for example.

In 2006 I started compiling a list of medications that can be used to treat CFS/ME. It was intended as a brochure for my Finnish CFS/ME website, but it turned into a full-length book, listing over 150 medications. It was published in 2007 and a few months later I started working on the English version, which again turned out much bigger than I had anticipated - 346 pages and lists over 250 medications (the Finnish version only included medications available in Finland and our pharmacopea is quite limited). It also features fibromyalgia treatments. The cover you see above is designed by *Shurakai-Zero.

Today is the CFS/ME/FM awareness day, celebrated in memory of Florence Nightingale's birthday, as Nightingale is thought to have suffered from CFS/ME and/or FM. As of today, my book is available for sale. You can find more information on its website. On the site you will also find my press release. It has been sent to about 900 media on six continents, but you can help me spread awareness by telling your local paper. Or tell the aunt of yours who works at a radio station. And of course, tell everyone who you think might benefit from book. Most likely you know people with fibromyalgia or CFS/ME who haven't got a diagnosis.

I can tell you from personal experience that the medications do work. This book changed at least one person's life - my own. I haven't been nearly as sick as some people I know, but I have suffered from severe cognitive difficulties bordering on dementia and at one point I all but lost my ability to walk. Considering the progression in my illness I would probably be in wheelchair and unable to take care of myself at this point, if it wasn't for medical treatment. But now, while far from cured, I can walk, my cognitive problems are mostly solved, my sleep disturbances (that had lasted for about 18 years) are mostly solved, my former 24/7 fever does not really bother me any more, I no longer get bacterial infections all the time, and most importantly, I don't crash to bed for several days at the slightest overexertion.

Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a debilitating neurological illness, which is much more than just "fatigue". Post-exertional malaise is an important part of CFS/ME and can last for days, weeks or even months after exertion. Other symptoms include cognitive and neurological symptoms, chronic pain (sometimes extremely severe), cardiac problems, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), bladder problems, swollen lymph nodes, chronic or intermittent fever, increased suspectibility to infections, allergies, nausea and hair loss. About 0.5-1% of the population is affected by CFS/ME. Anyone can get it, even small children, and it may be infectious. The severity varies from mild to extremely severe (unable to do anything at all) and some people even die of the illness or its complications.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread pain and so called tender points, painful areas in certain parts of the body. Besides muscle and joint pain there are often headaches, chest pain and facial pain. Allodynia or heightened pain sensitivity means that even gentle touch can feel immensely painful. There are usually other symptoms as well, such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, paresthesias (abnormal sensations), morning stiffness, cognitive problems, depression and anxiety. Migraines, restless legs and irritable bowel are common. Fibromyalgia is commonly associated with some autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It affects a staggering 5-10% of the population.

P.S. If you see my book mentioned in any media, could you please let me know! I'd really appreciate it if you could scan/mail me a copy or a digitized recording. I live in Finland, so I don't have access to most of the media that received my press kit.



CFS awareness day journal 2005
CFS awareness day journal 2006
CFS awareness day journal 2007
CFS/ME awareness day journal 2008