Community Chat

[MickD]

Chronic fatigue syndrome is I believe linked to the Epstein-Barr virus..which literallly leaves a marker on one's DNA. I had a full blown attack 6 years ago...in which my system was physically depressed. I couldn't eat and I was exhausted. I took blood samples (virus detected) and saliva samples (to test adrenaline levels which were low and almost non-existent in the eve). Went on a host of vitamins and Effexor (to raise my seretonin levels). Oh yes, and vitamin D...I had to get outside atleast 20 minutes a day....

[terrier3]

On 5/24/2014 twopeas said:

There has been so much discussion here about vitamin D, but will still toss this out. About ten years ago, I thought that maybe I had CFS. I was exhausted and weak as a kitten (was usually very active and physically strong). My Dr. had been reading so much new literature about the benefits of vitamin D and he had my blood tested. My level was 18 which was half the required minimum (at that time). I was a new person when I began taking a vitamin D supplement. I live in the PNW and between our area and Canada, there just is not enough sunlight to "keep us going" all year. I still take 5,000 IU's a day.

My Vitamin D level was less than a 3!!!!!

The vitamins helped a lot.

[gidgetgh]

On 5/24/2014 MickD said:

Chronic fatigue syndrome is I believe linked to the Epstein-Barr virus..which literallly leaves a marker on one's DNA. I had a full blown attack 6 years ago...in which my system was physically depressed. I couldn't eat and I was exhausted. I took blood samples (virus detected) and saliva samples (to test adrenaline levels which were low and almost non-existent in the eve). Went on a host of vitamins and Effexor (to raise my seretonin levels). Oh yes, and vitamin D...I had to get outside atleast 20 minutes a day....

Yes, one of the links to CFS is the Epstein Barr virus, which is the virus I've had for 21 years.

[MickD]

Gidget ~ I haven't had a a big fatigue episode since, but I do notice that when a get a virus (stomach or cold) it sticks with me longer (1-2weeks), while the rest of my family quickly recovers.

[gidgetgh]

On 5/24/2014 MickD said:

Gidget ~ I haven't had a a big fatigue episode since, but I do notice that when a get a virus (stomach or cold) it sticks with me longer (1-2weeks), while the rest of my family quickly recovers.

Not surprising. When my Epstein Barr "activated" in 1993, I was very, very ill for 3 weeks and never did fully recover from it. It took 2 1/2 years, three ER visits, 21 doctors and countless tests to finally get the Epstein Barr diagnosis. And, I was finally the one who suggested they test me for Epstein Barr. I take an antiviral and that has helped keep the Epstein Barr levels lower. My immune system has not been able to suppress the virus on its own. I have to be very carful not to overdo or get over stressed because it makes the virus levels rise. And then it takes lots and lots of rest to get them to lower again so that I feel better.

[bells4me]

I think I have it so have started taking iron. I have been napping 3 hrs every afternoon & falling into bed at night.

[gidgetgh]

On 5/24/2014 PinkSugar said:

I think I have it so have started taking iron. I have been napping 3 hrs every afternoon & falling into bed at night.

Have you seen a doctor?

[brewhaha]

I'm tired most of the time. I sleep eight hours at night and I take one or two naps a day and I'm still tired.

[Burnsite]

One of my 38 first cousins suffered from chronic fatigue, but it seemed to be more (as far as her symptoms) connected to a virus. Blood work doesn't detect it.

After several years (she was a stressed out mom of small children) she tired of being put off and went to a specialist in chronic fatigue.

Anyhow, her problem had no relation to a surgery, but she did eventually recover. She is doing fine now.

[herekitty_kitty]

I do believe you should ask your doctor not a shopping board of posters who are not doctors. please see your doctor. it could be nothing or something.