My tip is to get treatment for past trauma, abuse or dysfunctional family dynamics, which waste PWCs' precious energy supplies. Try these strategies:

• Learn healthy coping skills. I have learned that blaming yourself for family problems is a dysfunctional coping mechanism. Reading Compassion and Self-Hate: An Alternative to Despair, by Theodore Rubin, helped me.
• Correct dysfunctional behavior. I told my therapist that my "to do" list caused overexertion. She noticed that half of the things on the list were for other people, so I learned to put myself first more often.
• Release built-up emotions. I wrote about my bad feelings and experiences in a journal and listened to guided meditation audiotapes such as "Healing Journey" by Emmett Miller and "Chakra Clearing" by Doreen Virtue (both available at 602/265-6589). I also went to a massage therapist for chakra clearing treatments and learned quigong exercises.

Anonymous

I was diagnosed with CFIDS and fibromyalgia six years after contracting CMV virus and Epstein Barr virus. I have tried everything I could get my hands on and spent hundreds of dollars on vitamins and other alternative therapies. I went to two immunologists and did not do well on their therapies. Then I received the Summer 1999 (Vol 22) issue of International Journal of Alternative Therapies, which has an article on an immune system breakthrough called Immutol tm425. I bought some, and have had no symptoms since starting it. The Immutol cost $59.99 plus shipping for 60 capsules.  For more information, call 800/446-3063, ext. 364.
Valerie Striba, Bangor, Pa.

In the four years that I have had CFIDS, I have tried countless therapies, treatments and medications, but the following things in combination have helped me feel "new and improved":

• Salt, for neurally-mediated hypotension. This allowed me to go from bedridden to back to a full-time sales job. It corrected my dizziness as well. I take one to two salt capsules a day.
• Noni juice. This took me from a one to a five on a scale of 10 for energy and memory problems.
• Avoiding some foods. A naturopathic doctor drew blood and had it tested four days apart. The results showed major sensitivities to more than 40 foods. By eliminating those foods, I went from five to nine and a half.
• An herbal mix of panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng, licorice, whole adrenal, adrenal cortex and calcium pantothenate (B5). This gives me a boost of energy each day.
• A low dose of Trazadone for sleep disturbances.

Pam Miller, Sauk Centre, Minn.

A natural herbal supplement called Citreem has made a huge difference in lessening my chronic fatigue symptoms. It is manufactured by Nature's Body Products, and sells for $35.00 for a month's supply. The company offers a 100% money back guarantee.
Suzanne Wiley, Scottsdale, Ariz.

The success of this section depends on you. If you have a coping tip, a favorite quotation or a self-care treatment that has helped you, share it with others. Mark notes "One to One" and please include an E-mail address or a phone number.