Prof John Jackson PhD, FRCPath.
Fatigue, widespread muscle pain (fibromyalgia), severe headache and other symptoms such as, brain fog, hot or cold sensitivity, palpitations, dizziness, nausea, pins and needles, irritable bowel or bladder, are very common. In the first instance, it is important that such symptoms are properly investigated to ensure that they do not have a medically treatable cause. Not infrequently, no medical cause or treatment for these symptoms can be found.
This problem can become very exacerbating for doctors and patients alike, frequently leading to further medical consultations and the development of more frustration and even anger. Sometimes these symptoms have been triggered by an infection or trauma and occasionally no apparent trigger can be found. For some individuals, the symptoms can become so severe that they can interfere with ability to work or attend education and it can seem to those affected, that their lives have begun to unravel. This can be very bewildering and the person may begin to suspect that they are imagining their problems. This is almost never the case and these symptoms are indeed very real. Another important issue that can arise, is that the sufferer may begin to think that the symptoms are their fault or that they may they are in some way, weak people. The very opposite is often the case and such individuals are frequently very brave in terms of how they try to deal with their frightening symptoms.
It is important at the outset to understand that all illnesses are multifactorial, that is they do not have a single cause and there are always many different factors that contribute to ill health. This is true for heart disease, cancer, joint disease, bowel disease and in fact any disorder that you can think of. Medically unexplained symptoms are no different. However, understanding the symptoms and how they arise is an important first step, and there are often different factors at work in each individual. In terms of treatment, similarly to the patient who suffers a heart attack, a variety of approaches are required to bring about healing and wellness, and these usually include lifestyle changes and other approaches.
We offer a holistic treatment which includes, enhancing understanding of underlying issues, appropriate tailored exercise, meditation and mindfulness approaches, learning self-compassion, social health programmes and engagement with creative exercises. This approach, can be very successful and for some even transformative. If interested, you can listen to a recent interview with Prof John Jackson HERE, conducted by the Royal College of Surgeons which goes into more detail regarding the background and approaches we use.
Further information can also be obtained by e-mailing info@bhaf.ie and mark for the attention of Prof John Jackson
