This report, published by the Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association, is an eye-opener regarding Dr. Lerner’s treatment of ME/CFS patients who were suffering from remaining active viruses (non-latent) after initial infections. The immune system couldn’t fight strongly enough to defeat the viral infections.
Dr. Lerner treated small groups (not controlled) who suffered with CFS/ME; some with EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus); some with cytomegalovirus (HCMV), or human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6); and some with both.
Dr. A. Martin Lerner
His treatment, over the course of approximately 2 years, consisted of antivirals. These patients exhibited different stages of improvement, and many were able to resume an active, normal life, after suffering years of debilitating illness. Cardiac symptoms also improved.
Dr. Lerner is an infectious disease specialist who became ill with CFS/CFIDS/ME. In 1986 he began having troubles with dizziness and severe fatigue. A visit to the Cleveland Clinic found his heart was found to be grossly dilated. 10 years later he’d figured out how to treat himself and recovered.
Prior to becoming ill, he had completed decades of research of various infectious diseases. Over the subsequent decades, his research has concentrated on the viral aspects of CFS/CFIDS/ME; the use of antivirals in its treatment; and the effects of viral infections on cardiac activity in CFS/CFIDS/ME patients.
Patients underwent lab tests, at 4-6 week intervals, in order to be checked for signs of toxicity. Different organs in the body (particularly the liver) could be negatively affected. Close monitoring assisted with adjustments in the dosages of these antivirals and/or substitutions from one medication to another.
Dr. Lerner’s work is reason to hope for improvement in ME/CFS patients’ lives.
Sunshinebright 