![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by garnet71 on May 14, 2009, at 18:16:56
My son is always tired and I'm concerned about him. He's 20 now. He had mono in 10th grade of H.S., and after being treated for that, has been tired all the time since he was 18, so he tells me. We just ran out of COQ-10 a couple days ago, and he just told me he has noticed a difference. that stuff is so expensive, I had bought the good kind (BlueBonnet). COQ-10 is indicated for chronic fatigue syndrome. My son works in lanscaping during the day. He works really hard, but he's 20 so shouldn't be fatigued constantly.
I took him to an allergist when he was about 13, and he tested positive on 90% of everything on that scratch test. The only option was to have regular allergy shots for years, and we couldn't afford it at the time. So I wonder if the allergies have something to do with it. He told me the other day his dad took a spoonful of raw honey every day when he was a kid, and his allergies dissapated over a few years. Is there any evidence this works?
His bones used to hurt all the time when he was growing up-mostly his knees. I always attributed this to growing pains; his doctors never thought much of it. But the joints in his hands still hurt from work.
I also suspect celiac disease, although when I tried to get him to sustain a gluten-free diet, he would only do it for 2 days or so, then eat an Italian hoagie or something..lol One of the reasons I suspect celiac disease is because his father became lactose intolerant in middle age, and I've read that lactose intolerance develops as a result of celiac, but it is actually a phase of celiac disease rather than lactose intolerance. And my son drinks tons of milk, 2%. He's had stomach problems, he used to get lots of burning feelings in his stomach, and sometimes it was so painful, he'd double over and wake me up in the middle of night in tears, and I rarely see him cry. He hasn't had major stomach problems for at least a year though.
I've asked him several times to go to his physican about the fatigue for more than a year now, but he has been reluctant to go. He lost his health insurance when he started school, because his work hours had to be reduced to 25 a week, but he's taking a break from school this summer and is supposed to get his health insurance back soon, and now wants to go to his physician.
He also goes hunting every year, and we live in a high lyme area, but I know those Lyme disease tests are not accurate.
He's had anxiety off/on over the years too, but thinks SSRIs make people worse so he wouldn't get treated, though I had to take him to the ER once it was so bad. That was when he was about 13 or 14, doesn't have anxiety attacks now - but does experience mild anxiety from time to time.
He said he'd feel silly bring me, his mom, with him to the doctor's office..but I really want to go with him. But I want to look into all possibilities before we go.
Some questions -
I've read here or somewhere else there is something called "post-viral syndrome". Has anyone here had mono, then a reocurrence, or know about this syndrome? Can allergies alone cause this tiredness?
I don't want him to slip through the cracks with this doctor, though I found this doctor a few years ago for him-and he is one of the better ones. But it seems with such generalized symptoms, it's easy to fall into the health care abyss. And they always put you with a nurse practitioner if you don't ask for the doctor; even if I tell my son to ask specifically for his doctor, i know my son won't do it or will say he 'forgot'.
Should he get tested for Celiac, Lyme's, and mono? Anything else? Anyone have advice about the allergies?
I'm also concerned because he hasn't dated all this time. He had steady girlfriends all through high school, then when he graduated, hasn't dated since. He told me he has had sex at parties or whatever since then, but am wondering if this is abnormal. He tells me he just doesn't meet girls anymore, there's nowhere for people his age to hang out, and he doesn't have a car anymore. These are the reasons he gives me. He also seems really miserable in the morning, but tells me he is just not a morning person. He gets irritable alot, but we don't fight at all anymore; not for the past year at least. We get along great.
He also has ADD; was extremely hyperactive since he was a baby; bouncing off walls; I oculdn't even come inside to answer the phone if he was playing outside because he'd run into the street the moment i disappeared! When he was still in his crib, he wore a bald spot on the back of his head and I was accused of child abuse by one hospital (suspecting I never held him-omg i held him too much!) and he used to jump out of his crib each night and I'd hear a loud thump on the floor..lol He doesn't have the hyperactivity anymore, but has inattentive ADD. He's pretty calm all the time now, I don't know if it is the fatigue or if these could be symptoms of depression. He doesn't seem particularly sad, but doesn't seem as happy as he used to be. He used to joke around and be silly a lot, he's not like that much anymore.
When he had health care, he took Adderall and that worked ok, but he couldn't take it consistently because he didn't want to spend the money going to get a script each month (wtf do they make you come in each month just because it is a controlled substance?)
If you've read this--thank you! I know it's long, sorry :(
Posted by Jimmyboy on May 14, 2009, at 20:10:10
In reply to mono/allergies/celiac/Lyme; constant fatigue - son, posted by garnet71 on May 14, 2009, at 18:16:56
FYI , A very knowledgeable fellow on Lyme gave me this info, so I will pass it on to you.
"The standard ELISA/WB tests for Lyme have srious flaws." He recommended the "Igenex western blot" test. It costs $100 each for the IgM and IgG western blot ($200 total) and it is not covered by insurance.
He went on to add... " you can improve the sensitivity of the western blot further with an "antibiotic challenge", which usually consists of taking an effective dose of doxycycline (400mg) for three weeks before taking the test. The western blot looks for antibodies to the bacteria that are not always present, because that requires exposure of the bacteria to the immune system and it is very good at remaining hidden. With antibiotics though, if borellia burgdorferi are present, some will be destroyed by the antibiotics and the resulting debris will be seen by the immune system and antibodies manufactured in response."
Posted by garnet71 on May 14, 2009, at 22:42:15
In reply to Re: mono/allergies/celiac/Lyme; constant fatigue - son » garnet71, posted by Jimmyboy on May 14, 2009, at 20:10:10
Thanks Jimmy-I appreciate the information. Maybe it will be as simple as a mono test; will have to see what the MD has to say.
Posted by Phillipa on May 14, 2009, at 23:19:27
In reply to Re: mono/allergies/celiac/Lyme; constant fatigue - son, posted by garnet71 on May 14, 2009, at 22:42:15
Garnet seriously most docs will poo poo lyme's disease but I have chronic lymes disease. Lived in CT most of life and was found by a pdoc in a routine blood exam as said I'd had a tic on me. But it never engorged. ANA also can help if elevated could indicate autoimmune diseases, or the others with lymes mine was l:2800. Very high. Suggestion also go to a lymes board. Also mono is definitely possible, as well as the autoimmune and thing celiac or IBS is one. Love Phillipa ps also google autoimmune diseases so many.
Posted by ricker on May 14, 2009, at 23:56:40
In reply to mono/allergies/celiac/Lyme; constant fatigue - son, posted by garnet71 on May 14, 2009, at 18:16:56
> I've read here or somewhere else there is something called "post-viral syndrome". Has anyone here had mono, then a reocurrence, or know about this syndrome? Can allergies alone cause this tiredness?
Hi Garnet, I suffered with panic attacks from age 15, depression was never an issue nor is there family history, just anxiety/panic within the family tree.
When I was 28, I came down with mono.... my life has never been the same? It took about 3 months to recover although I experienced fatigue constantly. I was an avid golfer, tennis player and played rec. hockey. One year post mono and I was still chronically fatigued, I could not last through a 12 shift in the oil refinery, depression began to set in.
My GP had blood tests done to see if there was an underlying cause for the chronic fatigue. One of the tests came back showing elevated Epstein Barr antibodies which is indicative of "yuppie syndrome??
My GP said it could take months or years to recover, 22 years have past and I still fight the chronic fatigue. I can't say for sure that mono was the cause, or, if it was a contributing factor that sent me into depression/chronic fatigue?
I've always felt it was a major player with regards to my clinical depression. I should also mention I was taking a 2 month course of accutane when I came down with the mono, another drug that is linked to depression.
A healthy lifestyle.... diet, exersice and sleep is crucial when recovering from mono. I hope your son makes a speedy and full recovery.
Regards, Rick
Posted by desolationrower on May 15, 2009, at 7:07:05
In reply to mono/allergies/celiac/Lyme; constant fatigue - son, posted by garnet71 on May 14, 2009, at 18:16:56
hm. well if its just the ADHDi, a TCA is cheap and you don't need the monthly refill. (i think some docs will rx 3 months of a stim at a time, using 3 rx sheets, two postdated for 1month and 2months hence.) it might help if he brings the negative results of other things he's gotten; i kind of get the idea that for mild, chronic things you need to make sure the doc sees that the easy, step1 kind of things that fix 90% of people have been tried and failed before they put their thinking cap on.
sleep apnea is always a possibility too. i don't have much to say about allergies or general stuff. Thyroid should be measured, including t3/t4 not just tsh. once he's got insurance, throw in sex hormones too.
ALCAR might help too, its dirt cheap bulk, and tastes ok (like vinegar) you can mix it in OJ or lemonade and its not noticeable. creatine too. bulknutrition.com i use.
what does he think about it? it sounds like a kind of passivity, which is why you think you should accompany him? maybe if he agrees that its part of the illness that keeps him from getting the right care and not just that he still needs mom he'd be more open.
re dating: is he socially withdrawing in general, or just from girls? Or maybe he's gay (or not sure)?
-d/r
Posted by bleauberry on May 15, 2009, at 18:04:00
In reply to mono/allergies/celiac/Lyme; constant fatigue - son, posted by garnet71 on May 14, 2009, at 18:16:56
It is hard to feel like dating when one feels like crap. Or if they do have desires, it is a monumental task to go through the process of beginning a courtship when one doesn't feel good or stable. I would not be suprised if there is a sense of unworthiness involved as well, completely unjustified, but quite real for someone who sees they are mysteriously ill yet surrounded by healthy bouncy peers. It is an isolating feeling.
Getting a diagnosis will be very difficult if not impossible. A likely scenario...lab tests come back normal, various infectious disease tests come back negative, thyroid values appear normalish. Several doctors and specialists get nowhere, years go by, 15 years later some new pioneering doctor comes into your path and has healing underway in a short time, with something very simple that any of the previous doctors years ago could have done.
To fight those microbial beasts...mono, Lyme, Lyme-like cousins...is a pioneering art. There is no standard cookbook or recipe. The best bet is to hunt down an MD who is considered to be an LLMD (Lyme literate MD), not just because they are pioneers in recognizing and treating Lyme, but because in the process they also become experts at treating other hidden organisms that can look like Lyme.
Without an LLMD, I can share info gathered from top infectious disease experts, including my own doctor. That is, pulsed antibiotic therapy for a long time (1 to 2 years) with antibiotics that are capable of intracellular penetration and capable of attacking organisms that do not have cell walls. Common meds used for Lyme do that. Pulsed means once every other day, and good tools for that include Minocycline, Doxycycline, and Tetracycline. Really top-line docs have recognized that for some reason Tetracycline produces the best results.
This kind of treatment sometimes has to be entered blind without any proof of a diagnosis. Technology does not allow much proof in these things, and that is why infections usually get names like "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome", "Fibromyalgia", "Arthritis", when many of those same patients ultimately improve to 95% healed given longterm antibiotics. Or, let the person's illness continue to progress.
Treating something you can't prove or see is hard to accept. (but we do it 100% of the time in psychiatry and it seems ok there?) Going on a hunch and a cluster of symptoms causes hesitation, confusion, and doubt. But, what is the other option? Simple, do nothing and allow the person's life to continue to deteriorate. The blind treatment choice all of a sudden looks real good.
I have focused primarily on infectious organisms in this post, because the history does indicate mono is a provable suspect, and the environment, activities, history, and symptoms all point to Lyme. And quite frankly, outside of normal routine tests, I cannot think of anything else that causes those syndromes.
No body knows what causes chronic fatigue. All we do know, or at least about a hundred MDs anyway, is that several mystery diseases of that nature seem to nearly vanish on antibiotics. One can only guess what the invader was, and all they know for sure is they got well.
It is a tough road. Modern medicine I do not believe will be much help. You need a pioneering MD familiar with this stuff. When people get ill enough and fed up with worthless doctors, it is common for them to research, study, study, study, and treat themselves with easily ordered meds. In the process, they actually became 10 times the expert any doctor within 500 miles would ever be. Other than that, the only option is to try to lessen symptoms with things like stimulants, antidepressants, specific diets, and supplements. But even though the patient may feel somewhat better with these bandaids, the disease is free to progress.
It is just my opinion, but I believe everyone with a diagnosis of one of the above mentioned mystery diseases should find a cooperative doctor to engage in a longterm trial of pulsed Tetracycline. A Herx reaction near the start of treatment is highly diagnostic that you are on the right track. You may never know what the organism is, only that you are killing large numbers of an enemy.
In a perfect world hopefully some specific lab tests with show exactly what the problem is. If that doesn't happen though, take control. There is always tons of hope, but it requires action.
Posted by garnet71 on May 15, 2009, at 18:10:14
In reply to Re: mono/allergies/celiac/Lyme; constant fatigue - son » garnet71, posted by desolationrower on May 15, 2009, at 7:07:05
Ricker, i am so sorry you are going through that. Man it sux having low life quality. You must certainly be taking the applicable supplements recommended for CFS? I just have a feeling this is my son's issue too..after I read your post, I read up on mono some more....you know, he always used to get sore throats and high fevers with swollen glands, especailly in the winter, though they are much less frequent now. I hope it is not in the autoimmune realm, but aren't allergies and Celiac auto immune issues anyway?
I'm wondering to, Ricker, if I should be tested for mono as well? At least a year ago, I came down with an awful fever, major swollen glands, and sore throat; was ill for days. Prior to that, I haven't had a flu in over 20 years, and I always thought I was somehow immune to the flu. Do you think I should get tested too, since I've had fatigue problems? And I had spleen pain when I took a supplement-really strange. All the times my son was sick, I never worried about germs, i'd drink out of his glass and kiss him and all.
See, this was our primary argument for years--he wouldn't ever get enough sleep! When he had the mono, he did not rest long enough-he'd always be out with his friends, would always put off going to sleep at night w/TV and Playstation; always late for school. It was difficult for me to keep on him though, cause I worked 2 jobs, one full time, and went to school myself during his last 2 years of high school. I still cooked every day for him though, at 11 pm for the next day, so he's eaten pretty good during the time, though who knows what he did with his lunch money (i used to take mine and buy cigarettes with it). But we fought all the time about him not sleeping, and he would never take vitamins. And he worked through H.S. too. But I think 6:30 am is too damn early to leave for school, I really wish they'd update the time to normal people's cycles. At least now, after years of persuasion, he does take vitamins and supplmenets. I was so worried about the spleen issues when he had mono, but would find out he was out playing basketball!!!! What do you do when someone is thickheaded like that? Well of course, to a teenage boy, Mom's are stupid and know nothing..lol.
He's taking 10 credits next semester, and I tried to talk him into only taking 6, but he insisted. What sucks is he has no driver's license, and getting him to school and back is difficult, don't want him to have to take 4 hour bus trips to/from school like I have to do every day.
So I told my son about your story, leaving out the 22 years part, and he asked me what the remedy was for this....I told him rest, good nutrition, and taking it easy. Is that the only way to deal with this? Did you ever check research to see if anything new is out there? Damn herpes viruses!
Posted by garnet71 on May 15, 2009, at 18:41:51
In reply to Re: mono/allergies/celiac/Lyme; constant fatigue - son » garnet71, posted by desolationrower on May 15, 2009, at 7:07:05
d/r - I put ALCAR in the search engine of that site, and nothing came up...what is it?
Well he doesn't need a TCA, i can get Adderall for only $26 a month. he just didn't want to pay a doctor, but he could afford it if he wanted to since he doesn't pay too many bills here. Yes, it is passivity big time!! He did go to get the Adderall to help with school a few months ago; I begged him to tell the doctor about the fatigue, telling him the possible health issues it could be related to. He came home and said he forgot. I mean if you are so tired, how could you not want to address the issue? I know he feels like sh*t everyday. He is very fogetful, but sometimes the "I forgots" are really that he didn't want to address something. He hates to ask for things, and avoids conflict. I think he does have some self-esteem issues from growing up with ADHD so severe. He got in trouble at school all the time; couldn't do what other kids could do. And a mostly absent father I think hurt his self esteem the most. Like if I tell him when he calls the doctor's ofc to make the appointment to tell them he needs to see his Doc (and not the nurse practitioner)--he likely won't do it. This happened last time. His doctor is a younger male, and very nice to talk to, and i think it would make a difference for him. My son looks up to him too.
He got ripped off by TMobile when he went to buy a new cell phone a few months ago. He came home w/it and told me they had to give him a new number (and he had the other number for years-who wants to change their number?) when he bought a new phone because they "couldn't find his number in the system" (he was a current customer at the time!). I knew right away he got ripped off, and explained to him how the salesguy just needed his commission -getting him as a new customer rather than a phone upgrade. I dealt w/TMobile before, a similar situation, and told him after his first call that didn't resolve the issue, to file a claim with the Attorney General's ofc (which is easy to do online). He wouldn't do it, and spent months trying to straighten it out with all the customer srvce people, hours on the phone. Well 4 months later, they finally quit sending the bills and I hope it's not on his credit report. TMobile is the worst! When they did something similar to me years ago, I got $500 from them after the ordeal. So he's always trying to be "nice" when dealing w/most people, and not make waves, but there's a point where it's self-damaging, as in his case. he is genuinely a nice person though, but I don't think this is healthy.
Well he's matured I think that's what I attribute to his not going out as much, but maybe only in part. He has his friends over still like twice a week, but a few months ago, they were here almost every night. They usually watch movies, play PS3, and make their own rap songs. He used to smoke weed, but I don't think he's doing that much anymore if at all. He's almost always home now, but he does go out to play golf a lot this time of year, or basketball, and some other activities. He's not playing golf as much as he used to, but says he needs a new set of clubs. He drinks once in a while at parties and occaisonally at home, and we'll have a couple glasses of wine together with dinner. He doesn't go out much, and I'm thinking he's just too tired all the time w/work and school and chronic fatigue. I am pretty convinced he's not gay, but it doesn't seem normal to not date at all at that age. He has pictures in his room of girls in bikinis and old gfs. He's masculine. He used to have a lot of female friends too, but no girls ever come over anymore. That's changed only in the past year maybe. His best friend was dating a girl recently, and they broke up-i asked him why and all..he said he didn't want to deal with a girl always wanting to know where he's at or trying to be controlling and demanding. I undestand how girls are at that age, and maybe he doesn't want the hassle. I asked him if his sex drive was ok, and he said it was. But I think at 20, it should be more overpowering.
He's not as outgoing as he used to be, though they are all laughing when they are here, recording their rap songs (they are hilarious) and finding comedy on Youtube.
Never thought about sleep apnea. And yeah, of course i told him about the situation with health care, falling through the cracks if your not assertive and proactive. Well I'm still tryin to talk him into making the appointment and letting me go with him. He's probably need me to drive him there anyway, but i don't want to fight about it in the waiting area when I try to go back with him and possibly embarass him! Thanks~
Posted by Phillipa on May 15, 2009, at 19:23:13
In reply to Re: mono/allergies/celiac/Lyme; constant fatigue - son, posted by garnet71 on May 15, 2009, at 18:41:51
Garnet hope this link works. Phillipa
Posted by garnet71 on May 15, 2009, at 19:34:46
In reply to Re: mono/allergies/celiac/Lyme; constant fatigue - son, posted by bleauberry on May 15, 2009, at 18:04:00
Thanks for the information about Lymes, Phillipa, Bleauberry. He's been hunting since he was 12, so maybe we both need to make a trip to the Lyme's specialists. I can't imagine all these people dragging deer out of the woods each and every hunting season--but no one get's Lyme. lol Actually, he hasn't taken an antibiotic in a number of years, me much longer. His symtpoms were almost always viral, which I got used to distinguishing from bacterial infections from not having health insurance for a number of years...but an antibiotic is something to consider.
He already had self-esteem issues, so yeah, it complicates things. (Oh and to the anti-hunters: we always eat the deer--if you know how to cook it, it tastes better than beef and it is much more nutritious.)
I agree wtih you about all the mystery illnesses ascribed to people when a doctor is unable to make a diagnosis. I was diagnosed with fibromylagia once, spent a whole summer unable to do much, had horrible swollen joints, intermittent/asymmetric, but quit effexor and it went away and it has not come back since. My PDoc did not even consider my symptoms had anything to do with Effexor. It was like, oh good you've gone to a rheumatologist. actually the reumatologist was one of the better doctors-he talked to me an hour and a half trying to figure out what was wrong w/me when all test results came back negative. He reluctantly gave me that diagnosis. I don't blame him, he did give me tests and took the time. Maybe PDoc didn't attribute those symptoms to an allergic reaction because it was so uncommon? I can't get myself to be mad at them about it!
The auto immune diseases are among the most puzzling even for doctors, i think.
Posted by ricker on May 15, 2009, at 19:39:24
In reply to Re: mono/allergies/celiac/Lyme; constant fatigue - son, posted by garnet71 on May 15, 2009, at 18:10:14
Hi Garnet, yes I take lots of supplements, mega Vitamin C, E, Vitalux, multi B's and sublingual B12.
I always had throat infections as well, before and after mono. The docs filled me with amoxicillin for 2 years... made things much worse! I ended up taking some type of cortisone/steroid meds to keep my throat from swelling shut as the antibiotics raised havoc with my immune system.You could get tested out of curiosity just to see if you have high Epstein Barr antibodies still in your system. That would give you some direction with regards to treatment plans. My liver and spleen were sore as well during the mono. I wish more people had an understanding of what chronic fatigue syndrome can do to a person?? I have not done much research into new treatment options for CFS although I let my p/doc now, might help with his ongoing diagnosis?
Yes, when one is stressed...schooling etc. is a prime time for mono to attack although given your son's age, he may have a better chance at eradicating the virus.
Ya, damned herpes viruses!! When I feel a sore throat coming or extreme tiredness, I take valtrex which seems to shorten the duration.
Oh well, if it's not our kids stressing us out, as if we enjoy the added fun! I Have 2 daughters, 13 and 11 so I'm stocking up on meds, vitamins and earplugs!!!
Take care, Rick
Posted by Phillipa on May 15, 2009, at 20:17:26
In reply to Re: mono/allergies/celiac/Lyme; constant fatigue - son, posted by garnet71 on May 15, 2009, at 19:34:46
Garnet check this one out. I also need the time to read it. Phillipa
Posted by desolationrower on May 16, 2009, at 22:33:23
In reply to Re: mono/allergies/celiac/Lyme; constant fatigue - son, posted by garnet71 on May 15, 2009, at 18:41:51
so maybe you just think he should be back on the adderall? sounds like it might just be some dysthymia from some life things. thats probably teh simplest answer. maybe don't rule out psychological causes.
heres that site's article on ALCAR, it links to the different sizes/brands http://www.1fast400.com/?ingredients_id=23
=d/r
Posted by lynn mae on May 17, 2009, at 11:25:34
In reply to mono/allergies/celiac/Lyme; constant fatigue - son, posted by garnet71 on May 14, 2009, at 18:16:56
You should absolutely have your son tested for celiac disease. Fatigue is a very, very common symptom of celiac--especially in men--and can be confused for so many other conditions. And, with the stomach issues, it seems like a very likely diagnosis.
If your doctor is resistant to ordering the test, there is a new at-home celiac test kit that is so easy to use and will tell you in 10 minutes if your son has celiac disease. It's just a simple finger prick and really doesn't hurt. It kind of feels like a rubber band snapping against your finger. Check it out at http://celiachometest.com/
best of luck!
Posted by Amelia_in_StPaul on May 19, 2009, at 13:15:51
In reply to Re: mono/allergies/celiac/Lyme; constant fatigue - son, posted by ricker on May 14, 2009, at 23:56:40
Hi garnet, jeez, he's so young to be saddled with so much. I'm really sorry.
I've had fibromyalgia since the age of 26 so its hard to have a completely clean picture of this, because the dx predates my experience of mono, but after I had mono in 2003, I have never been the same. I crash like I have never crashed before. I can do physical activity, but I pay for it--if I overdo it, I lose mental energy as well as physical, the same day. I can sometimes start stumbling around, bumping into things, if I have done too much. And how much is too much is hard to say.
Some ideas.
Celiac test--yes. But also, there are tests for leaky gut syndrome, whereby nutrition is not absorbed for any number of reasons (including wheat and dairy sensitivities that don't rise to the level of allergies or autoimmune deficiencies). Ask your doctor for the mannitol and lactose tests (my doctor is going to give these to me--I haven't had them yet, but it's on the radar).
Anaerobic threshold test--my doctor is enrolling me in a study so I will get this for free, but exercise places will give this for a fee. It measures how much activity is too much, so that a person can avoid crashing.
Unfortunately, antibodies don't say much about whether some one has "post viral syndrome" since most people carry around the antibodies (b/c so many people carry around the virus and pass it on, without having the illness themselves).
I hope this helps.
Oh, Rick is right--exercise, diet. Ohhhhh so important.
> > I've read here or somewhere else there is something called "post-viral syndrome". Has anyone here had mono, then a reocurrence, or know about this syndrome? Can allergies alone cause this tiredness?
>
> Hi Garnet, I suffered with panic attacks from age 15, depression was never an issue nor is there family history, just anxiety/panic within the family tree.
>
> When I was 28, I came down with mono.... my life has never been the same? It took about 3 months to recover although I experienced fatigue constantly. I was an avid golfer, tennis player and played rec. hockey. One year post mono and I was still chronically fatigued, I could not last through a 12 shift in the oil refinery, depression began to set in.
>
> My GP had blood tests done to see if there was an underlying cause for the chronic fatigue. One of the tests came back showing elevated Epstein Barr antibodies which is indicative of "yuppie syndrome??
>
> My GP said it could take months or years to recover, 22 years have past and I still fight the chronic fatigue. I can't say for sure that mono was the cause, or, if it was a contributing factor that sent me into depression/chronic fatigue?
>
> I've always felt it was a major player with regards to my clinical depression. I should also mention I was taking a 2 month course of accutane when I came down with the mono, another drug that is linked to depression.
>
> A healthy lifestyle.... diet, exersice and sleep is crucial when recovering from mono. I hope your son makes a speedy and full recovery.
>
> Regards, Rick
>
>
>
>
>
>
Posted by garnet71 on May 23, 2009, at 11:01:16
In reply to Re: mono/allergies/celiac/Lyme; constant fatigue - son » garnet71, posted by desolationrower on May 15, 2009, at 7:07:05
Thanks for the links d/r, lynn. I'll buy that stuff for my son as soon as I get some cash here..
Thanks, you guys, for all your help!!!
Amelia! Hey. I read a book about fibromyalgia a couple of years ago-it basically said the actual cause is not getting enough hours of the right type of sleep. the book explains how it starts to affect your immune system, subsequent symptoms...I don't remember too much about it.
I was diagnosed w/fibromyalgia when I was taking Effexor 2 years ago, and I didn't like that diagnosis so I got that book and after reading it, suspected Effexor was f*ck*ng up my sleep patterns, so after suffering for months, I quit taking it and all the symptoms went away. I guess because Effexor didn't give me those side effects before, it was never suspected as the cause. But after reading that book, it made sense, although it might have been only theory, that the effects of sleep deprivation of a certain type of sleep would lead to protracted changes to your body. Think about that? Maybe you could go to a sleep specialist? But it sounds like you are dealing with enough medical stuff right now! I hope it gets better for you soon-you deserve it!!!
Hugs, Garnet
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
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