CBT for CFS: Luke Shares His Experience and Recovery

Summary

Luke combined self-directed CBT (working through his own negative thought patterns rather than with a therapist) with a methylation protocol developed by Rich Von Konynenburg (B vitamins plus folic acid), guidance from two books -- Kristina Downing-Orr's "Beating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" and Jacob Teitelbaum's SHINE protocol from "From Fatigued to Fantastic" -- plus a long supplement stack (vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, acetyl-L-carnitine, ribose, probiotics, CoQ10, rhodiola and silymarin), a gluten-free diet, naturopath support, and pacing. His CFS began gradually in 2011 and worsened sharply in 2013 with severe flu episodes, leaving him at only 15-20% of his prior functioning, having lost 80% of his capacity, and down from nine weekly exercise sessions to one. Over roughly two years of steady, gradual improvement he returned to full-time work and recovered his cognitive function, which he attributes to the combination of approaches rather than any single one. The page gives no information on whether the recovery has been maintained long-term, faded, or required ongoing treatment since.

What they credit

Credits CBT & mindset, Diet, Pacing, Supplements, B12 injections and methylation, CBT and psychotherapy, Carnitine, BCAA, amino acids, CoQ10 / ubiquinol, Elimination and ketogenic diets, NAD+ boosters (NMN, nicotinamide riboside, NADH, ATP), Pacing and the energy envelope, Probiotics and fermented foods, Selenium, iodine, minerals, Vitamin D and sun exposure.

Symptoms mentioned

Symptoms: Pain & fibromyalgia.