Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome

[msemma]

I've just been diagnosed with this, having been ill since new year after I had a nasty flu-like virus. Has anyone else been told they have this, and how did they get better? My doctor has been really good so far, and is sending me for blood tests to make sure nothing else is wrong. I've had a search on the web for information, but most websites seem to be geared towards longer standing Chronic Fatigue Syndrom sufferers.

[Roughquest]

Hi Msemma,

I have been very ill with flu/cough/sinusitis since beginning of November last year. Just when I thought I was getting better I would get another bought of flu on top. My doc gave me antibiotics, but it just took time, it is nearly end of January and I am just starting to feel 100% well again but I am so very tired....I think when your body is fighting a bad virus it really takes it out of you as it is working overtime to rid itself of its invaders, even walking my dog again has taken its toll, you need to give yourself plenty of rest and recovery, be kind to yourself - I am still feeling very fatigued but it will get better.

Get well soon,

RQ x

[felinechums]

Hi msemma sorry to hear you have been so ill. Some years ago I went through a similar spell that lasted for months. I had blood tests etc and was eventually diagnised with post viral fatique syndrome. I tried all sorts of vitamin pills but nothing made me feel better, until I started going to a local Chinese clinic for acupuncture and began to improve slowly. Some people scoff, but I believe the acupuncture was the one thing that helped.

Hope you feel better soon

[derekpara]

Hi, msemma.

Sorry to hear you have this nasty illness. I'm pushed for time just now, but will get back to you but must give you some urgent advice. Whatever you do, you must not PUSH ON. Rest is the only cure- otherwise you could enter the chronic category with long-term consequences. My wife is this group and we have both been through the whole process of diagnosis/ disbelief/etc.

Just take it easy and I will get back to you.

All the best.

[derekpara]

Hello, again msemma,

First of all thank your lucky stars you've got a sympathetic GP ! A lot of the are very sceptical od ME/CFS and think it's 'all in the mind.' There is no cure at present for the illness but you stand a much better chance of making a recovery if it is caught and dealt with in the early stages. (First year).

Pacing is the answer and information about this can be found on the Action for ME website. My wife, who has had the illness for 25 years, is under Professor Findley at the ME Centre in Essex. I sincerely hope your blood tests indicate something like thyroid problems, which can be much more easily dealt with.

There is plenty of information out there but you will find that rest in the early stages is vital

I sincerely wish you well, msemma. This illness always seems to strike active people ( my wife was an international athlete) which makes it all the harder to accept. Good luck

[derekpara]

It would be nice to have some response !

[msemma]

thanks derekpara, feline chums and roughquest - I'm doing my best to rest - going outdoors really seems to make my headaches get 10 times worse so there's not much else I can do! luckily I've got a lot of good alternative remedy type places near where i live, so started taking aloe vera juice and i've got a herbal tincture from neal's yard to try and boost my immune system and suchlike, so I'm hoping they kick in soon. gillian mckeith would be proud of me (until i prove all her philosophies wrong and they dont work!) seems I was pushing myself too hard to begin with, should've rested when i got a virus but just didn't and pushed myself on, so kicking myself now. i've had no sense of taste since i got ill which is a bit weird as my sense of smell is ok! doctor has taken blood tests etc etc. so hoping they don't show up anything weird when i get them back! msemma x