Any suggestions on coping with Post Viral Fatigue??

I've been diagnosed today with Post Viral Fatigue

Hi Guys

After having a nasty flu-like cold I was left feeling lethargic and very low (and weepy). I'm the sort of person who "just gets on with it" and didn't even take any time off from work even though I felt grotty.

The finial straw came yesterday when I was making a pigs ear of a fairly straightforward task and then (rather embarrasingly) getting quite emotional in front of my Boss. I told him that he had my permission to nag me to get myself sorted out (as his Secretary it's usually me nagging him)!

I was lucky enough to get an appointment this morning with the Nurse Practitioner (NP)who diagnosed my condition. (I didn't even realise I had been suffering from a virus) I've been reading up about it and that's how I've found this forum, which has been very helpful!

The NP was very supportive and STRONGLY advised me to take the rest of the week off to rest! I've also had bloods taken for Full Blood Count and a precautionary test for Gladular Fever.

I am hoping that a few days rest is all I need to get "back up on my feet" again. Through reading the comments I may be a little optimisic but I will take on board about not over doing it and getting to be overtired. I'm a sort of person that doesn't "give in" too easily. So this is going to be quite a challenge for me!

I always feel guilty about going off sick! I know I have to get myself better and this is the only way I will do so but it still makes me feel that I've let people down! Does anyone else feel this way?

CreditonJules

Jules, forget about the guilt and the other people - your body is telling you to rest, listen to it. Give yourself the time and space you need to recouperate and have a read of the posts on these forums, there is a lot of information about ME on there. Examine potential treatments and work out what feels right for you. Rest often, do what you can, nothing more, don't push yourself, eat well, remove any known allergens from around you (consider treatment for this), get a dental check, just in case.

Take things easy, concentrate on yourself, you will be able to care for others sooner and more fully this way.

Hi Jules

What Gussie says is right - forget about other people and what they think! I too was overly concerned with putting other people first. In the weeks prior to getting sick in Feb last year I forced myself into work on 2 separate occasions when I was feeling completely wretched and should have stayed at home. My mindset then was 'If I just go in and sort things out I can take a day off later in the week' - yeah right! It sure backfired - bigtime.

I went for food allergy testing and I found changing my diet a major help.

I also found the internet a blessing as it helps you connect with the outside world and is a source of invaluable info, however it can be a bit depressing at times......so I take a lot of things I read with a grain of salt!! I'm beginning to think PVFS it's a bit like labour - everyone's experience is different! Find the thing that works for you and believe you will get well.

My life has changed dramatically since last Feb - and I can honestly say it is for the better.:p

Wishing you all the very best Jules, remember your body is trying to tell you something, so look after yourself and REST REST REST!:)

Love

Learning to rest!

Thanks for your comments.

I've actually rested quite well today! I've been listening to BBC7 and enjoying the radio plays and comedy. I guess now I've "given in" I realised how tired I actually felt!

I'm currently taking Metatone Tonic and Echinacea to try and boost my immune system. The good thing is that I seem to be getting my appetite back slowly.

I am guessing that this illness is something that can't be easily predicted. I plan to go back to work on Monday but won't really know if I'm up to it until I actually go back and see what I'm like back into a work situation?!

I also enjoy going out walking with my group (we usually cover about 6 miles) on Sundays but am unsure whether I ought to do so this time as I am a little nervous now about "over doing" things at the moment.

What has it been like for you guys? Any advice?

I have post viral fatigue as a result of contracting shingles, since December 2007 and in no way was this brought on by depression.
I disagree wholeheartedly that depression is a cause of pvfs
Pvfs leaves you depressed at times but I say from experience its more like frustration in regards to the massive change to your social, work and family life, not being able to do or participate is enough to depress anyone.
If you are fortunate enough not to experience depression while suffering at the hands of pvfs, all well and good but those people I think are few and far between.

Hi i'm new to this site i have been diagnosed with post viral fatigue it started about 6 months ago with severe flu like symptoms i've been to numorous specialists and doctors with nothing turn up. I think that one of the most difficult aspects of this disease is that it's invisible to the other people and can't be tested for specifically and like i've read used to be considered to be all in the head. but i speak from expierience it is definiately not, it is in fact real and very grim indeed i found a video on you tube the other day i suggest that anyone suffering from M/E (chronic fatigue) google this "chronic fatigue video" and let your friends and family watch it it will help them to understand the sad reality of this disease. also if anyone has any knowledge that might be usefull as to help control the symptoms it would be greatly appreciated

Hi kurtis 11 and welcome to healthypages,

In regard of my edit to your post, may I refer you to this 'sticky' notice at the top of the New Members forum:

<a class="go2wpf-bbcode" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href=" https://www.healthypages.co.uk/forum/...ad.php?t=56234 "> https://www.healthypages.co.uk/forum/...ad.php?t=56234

As members are not permitted to post email addresses on the forums because of the risk of sp*mmers, it will be a case of waiting for a few days until the restrictions are automatically lifted before you can request others to PM/email you i'm afraid. 🙂

On behalf of the Moderating Team,

calla lily

Can anyone help?

Hi, i'm new on here. I seem to have been diagnosed with post viral syndrome (i'm not sure how many names there are for it, and if it means the same as ME??) and tbh at the moment i'm just feeling rather overwhelmed by it all.

I'm a very active person, i have always suffered with very mild fatigue, but it has always been mental, rather than physical, and have been on mild anti-depressants for around two years to help ease anxiety attacks.

I spent most of the summer with a throat infection, immediately followed by bronchitis, and then a cold. Throughout all of these illnesses, i was experiencing what seemed like regular hot flushes (i'm only 24!!) where i found myself ridiculously hot and literally dripping with sweat, sometimes for up to half an hour. After these illnesses passed, i had two days where i felt totally physically exhausted and unwell, and spent most of them in bed. Since then i have not had a normal day. I have been off work for a month now, and after just walking my two dogs, find myself completely physically and mentally exhausted and have to sleep. I have gone from swimming 120 lengths twice a week, to managing 6 lengths before being unable to do any more. I haven't had one of my 'hot flush' turns for a couple of weeks now but often feel chilled. If i over exert myself i sweat, shake and feel faint afterwards. I sleep without waking for around 10 hours a night and have an early afternoon kip to enable myself to do something in the afternoon. I don't think some people believe me because apart from looking a little pale sometimes i look normal.

I really don't feel like I can carry on like it. Nobody seems to be able to suggest anything that may help apart from rest. I sure i'm not the first to feel like this but i am so frustrated. Does anyone have any tips, ie, is there anything dietry i can take?

Many thanks 🙁

There are a few herbs that can help with ME. Panax Ginseng, Astragalus and Ashwagandha can help revitalise and boost energy levels. As already mentioned Echinacea can help boost the immune system and ginkgo biloba can improve blood flow. EFA therapy (essential fatty acids) with evening primrose oil and fish oils is also often recommended. Given that diet and and lifestyle can be factors I would suggest its best to track down a qualified herbalist (try the AMH at ) and go for the full holistic diagnosis.

Hi Lal84 - sorry to hear you are feeling so rubbish hun. I have to say I agree with Fallenstar - PVF/CF/ME seems to be a wholistic mind/body thing and you just have to listen to your body very carefully - when your body says rest do it, regardless of what you think you should do or what others might think.

Like you I'm young - well ok few years older than you 🙂 and very much on-the-go type person who loves exercise - running, gym, pilates, cycling to work and lots of walking on top of a busy marketing job and training to become a pilates teacher. I become ill with some unknown virus similar to glandular fever just over two months ago but I'm on the mend and now just gone back to work this week working shorter days, but back all the same.

My best advice is just rest - watch TV, sleep, read, take long baths listen to music, catch up things. Treat this illness as a time for you to take a holiday and really give your body a break - I know you feel rubbish but soon you'll feel better. Take the time off work and don't go back until you feel like you can handle it - people and work can wait, your health is more important. Relax and try not fret about anything, remind yourself each day you are getting stronger and better and make a pact with yourself that you will listen to your body more in the future. With regards to exercise try and keep off pushing yourself for now, if you need to something pace yourself with walk around the block and some gentle stretches.

I found that acupuncture helped me and had 5 sessions in total, this really balanced me out and gave me energy. I ate well, lots of water, green tea, fruit juices. I ate only wholefoods and plenty of veg. Also think it's important to eat what you fancy, it's your body telling you you need something! Whilst in the thick of my virus I only wanted beans on toast and marmite - guess I needed folic acid and Vit B12. I also took and continue to take a green sea algae called spirulina - I think this really helps, good quality multi vits, echinacea, vit c and recently co-enzyme q10. Something seems to be helping me!

I hope this helps you, I too am still on the mend and can't wait to get back into everything again but I know this will take time. I think it was my body's way of telling me to hold up a bit and now I promise to listen.

Keep at it and just rest up, you'll be better in time
x

Seren

Hi Seren

Thank you so much for replying. Its good to hear from someone else who has an idea how i'm feeling (a bit like somone has chopped off my right arm with not being able to exercise!).

I have had a slightly clearer head today, and have decided i won't go back to work until i'm sure i'm ready (i'm sure it was working flat out before the summer that made me so poorly to start with). I've started a herbal, non fasting detox - i figured that way i can carry on eating well - and i hope that might help my body a little. Also i plan to make an appointment with an alternative remediest (all hollistic stuff) who treated me several years ago.

I need to make sure now that my depression, which, whilst mild, is one of the causes of my anxiety attacks doesn't get on top of me and want to thank you again for your positivity and reassurance, it really helps.

Hope you are fighting fit again soon x

Hi everyone

I have been reading all your posts with interest.

I was diagnosed with M.E. at the age of 10, (am now 28) following a bout of Glandular Fever. I was, unfortunately, mis-diagnosed so was attempting school for 9 weeks having been told there was nothing wrong with me, when the doctor called my mum up one Saturday to tell her that they had mis-read my lab results and I did have Glandular Fever. I don't think this helped me at all!!

I agree with the advice in a lot of the other postings - pacing, rest, taking time out for you and not feeling guilty etc.

I have experienced an average level of energy/ability/symptoms over the past 18 years, which has gone down during certain periods and I see this as like relapse, whereas, there have been better times which are like remission. I am never 100%. Sometimes, I like to think I am, but then I do the activities of a 'normal/healthy' person and I get shot back down! I always have a certain level of pain in my muscles and joints and fatigue, plus cognitive difficulties.

Like most M.E. sufferers, I am a go-er, a try-er, a striver... and have managed to complete GCSEs, A-Levels, a 4 year degree course, and some periods of work. At the moment, I am currently not working as I need to look after myself and I was getting in a mess and setting myself back by trying to run with the herd... and not even enjoying it!

Personally, I have also found out how important having a routine is for me when I am not working. I have to set my alarm Monday to Friday to rouse me (not too early!) and I have a set time I need to get up by, unless am feeling absolutely dreadful. Otherwise, I just lose all sense of time and perspective and find it easy to just let myself do nothing or feel like I am going to seed! There are times, like at the beginning of being ill when I think just allowing yourself to rest and sleep is a good idea, but after being unwell for so long, I just noticed in myself that I find it helpful to stick to a certain routine for my days - I try and do some chores in the morning/perhaps a little walk with the dog and then in the afternoon I try and do fulfilling stuff like research/proof reading (I do this for a business in America who write training manuals)/art/jewellery making/reading etc.

I live with my parents and I am lucky that my mum gives me reflexology and healing. I have found this particularly helpful - it increases my energy and overall feeling of wellbeing. I also have noticed a definite improvement when taking good quality vitamin and mineral supplements (I get mine from Dr Matthias Rath online). I am a pescatarian and I try to eat healthily, but do not deny myself the odd treat. I sometimes attend a local therapy support group run by a hypnotherapist and I have found that can be useful when feeling a bit mentally low. Otherwise, I find meditation excellent.

Vicky-Louise

Hi I have read through this thread with great interest as my 15 year old son has CFS. we live in Melbourne, Australia and were lucky to consult a GP who didn't just tell us to take him home and let him rest. He referred us to a paediatrician, who in turn referred us to a paediatric rehab. program for sufferes of this debilitating disease.
For the previous year my son had really just lived in his room on his compter with occasional trips to the couch! Usual symptoms; lethargy, brain fog, joint pain, sore throats, headaches, low blood pressure etc. I tried allsorts of supplements and sacro-skeletal massage, for him these were of no use.
The program he is now on has helped a lot, he is back at school part time and is even coxing rowing and riding his bike from time to time. The program encourages a gradual return to activity, an hour of hydrotherapy per week and a timetable of activity which has at least one activity per day, even on bad days. After all if you break a bone or similar, you will have lost muscle tone and need to gradually get back to normal movement. So it seems energy is similar, it is necessary to increase it by very small increments. I believe from my research that taking to your bed and doing nothing is as bad as ignoring it and running yourself into the ground.
It is interesting that a lot of people who develop this illness could previously be described as over-achievers and even a little hyperactive.
Good luck to all you CFS/ME sufferers out there. It appears to be on the rise and is quite amazing to me that so little research is done to try and find a cause and eventually a cure.

Hi all

I can't believe it has been almost 2 years since I was first diagnosed with PVFS. I am happy to say that my health continues to improve. I returned to work in September - 3 days a week and it's plenty!

While my energy levels are about 75% of what they were before I was ill, they can often slip back to 30-40%. I am keen to recover completely - who isn't?!, and was wondering if anyone had heard about Michael Flately? You can read about him here.

I have found reflexology very beneficial but am wondering if anyone has heard of or tried bio energy healing?

Continued good wishes to all who are suffering from PVFS - don't give up hope;)!
Pxx

Hiya Patricia,

Please forgive me, your post made me laugh - A LOT! When I was recovering from CFS I spent hours and hours every day watching Friends on DVD, over and over again, the escape, company, relaxation, the fact that I didn't have to interact with it was at the time so comforting to me. I also went through a similar phase with Lord of the Rings when that came out on DVD. Great therapy for coming out of things..

PVFS is frustrating, only those who have had it really get it.. and even then they don't get your own experience of it, as the experience can vary greatly.

I agree that EFT is brilliant. At the time I relied heavily on a SAD lamp which helped with my energy in the winter. I realise now that sensitivities were really impacting on me so had to be careful what I ate and what substances I interacted with. Used to have problems following DIY for days and days until just last year when I worked out formaldehydes were bad for me (and for us all hehe).

What helped most was starting on the path with complementary therapies - doing something I actually enjoyed in the day, as I discovered there were gains to the illness for me, people looked after me and I didn'd have to do things I didn't enjoy. My lifestyle was inappropriate - so I changed it - which ultimately changed how I was healthwise.. still have a lower immune system than some, but hey it's enough and improving.

I now use a combination of therapies, either EFT or FREEWAY CER, Natural Healing, Kinesiology and just looking generally at lifestyle with my clients, as this combination can really be helpful for recovery.

Thanks Justine 😉

I have tried EFT and found it really good. I also discovered this link to the Bio-energy healing.....

<a class="go2wpf-bbcode" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="

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It looks very interesting! I definitely think I'm going to check it out.

PVFS is gift in a way - if that doesn't sound too odd! It is horrendous, isolating, frustrating and depressing but it has also opened my mind and heart to a whole new way of being.

Take care

This may help

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Hi,

It looks as though this particular forum's dried up a bit but I've only just found it so I thought I'd see if anyone's still looking. I've read the entire thread and it helps so much seeing everyone elses stories. I was diagnosed with PVFS about a month ago although now I know what's wrong with me I think I've had it for at least a year - The numerous blood tests I've been for over that time have never shown anything up. I'm having a bit of a bad spell at the moment, fortunately not as chronic as some of you, but I've been stuggling with my energy levels etc for almost 2 weeks now. It's so frustrating feeling entirely wiped out, especially following the relative 'high' that I was on before.

A couple of hints and tips I've learnt from various places. 1: Get yourself into a bedtime routine. Bath, book... whatever will teach your mind and body that you're going to bed so you shut down properly when you go off to sleep. I'm not sure how true this is but my dr has suggested that the strain that yur body is under when you're going through an attack makes you shattered - so you rest but you don't go into a deep sleep - much like if you're hungry or have had too much caffine.
2: Don't eat to close to bed time - this also stops your body resting properly and can cause you to feel sluggish when you wake up.
3: Kind of ajoined to number two, taking something to aid digestion, ensure your bodies getting what it can from food helps. When I'm on a low I manage to eat but it makes me feel awful - like it's just sitting in my stomach. I've tried peppermint oil, but only for the last couple of days so I'll have to come back to you.
4: Gym bunnies my Dr said to walk - if you can. Slowly and not to far but just to get some air and get you blood moving, equally stretches etc at home if you can't make it out.

You probably know all this already but I thought it may help.

Now I need some help.

I'm 22 and have just graduated - I need to pay off lots of debt and start my career, is there anyway I can do things to cope with working - I can't take the time off!?

Hi JaneB :wave:welcome to HP

So sorry to hear you have the dreaded PVFS. 🙁 I had it or similar for 12 years and struggled to find a way out. I found it was a waste of precious energy to get angry or even depressed - you have to leave some things, asking yourself 'what's the worst thing that can happen if I don't do this ...?' and if the answer is nothing, then save your energy for more important things.

Please read all the forums on HP about fatigue, CFS, ME and fibromyalgia as they all have similarities. Also one of the best websites is You can email her to get her free e-book on CFS/ME which is incredibly helpful. She is a UK medical doctor and she will do tests which your GP may be unable/reluctant to do.

With postviral fatigue you will need to boost your immune system. You will need to concentrate on a wholefood diet, preferably organic, to get as many benefits from your foods as you can - avoid white flour and rice, sugar, all processed and fried foods - avoid pollution and chemicals (put more stress on an already overstressed body), rest as much as is necessary, limit exercise to what you can comfortably cope with (with me a flight of stairs to bed twice a day was all I could manage some days), and learn to deal with and limit stress which seems to play a major role in underpinning many of these problems - meditation, EFT, etc.

I needed to take supplementary omega-3 and -6 oils (fish oil and starflower oil), a quality multivitamin/multimineral such as BioCare or Solgar VM2000, plus magnesium malate which seems to help with muscle fatigue. As 80% of the immune system is located in your gut you may find a probiotic capsule could help your digestive system work better - you'll need a minimum of 2 billion viable bacteria daily (6 is better). In fact if your digestive system isn't in perfect 'running order' you will struggle to recover - when did you last have antibiotics? They kill off beneficial bacteria too. Also were you tested for thyroid function? - worth asking that too.

The posts below are all helpful, and as someone commented, no-one's experiences are exactly the same as anyone else's. You have to find what is right for you.

Hope that's of help - I could write plenty more, but would need to know your particular problems.

All the best

Caroline

Hi

Would just like to add a couple of things to all the helpful suggestions. I was diagnosed with ME almost 20 years ago when little was known about it or PVFS my GP dismissed it as hypochondria and so I was pretty much left to cope on my own. I kept trying to struggle in to work even though I was almost in tears with tiredness by the time I arrived and pretty much useless once I got there.

Firstly there is light at the end of the tunnel, I am now in my 50's and have more energy now than I did in my 30's. I would say that any form of CFS is a symptom rather than a disease and the reason that its so hard to treat is that the cause can vary greatly.

I had my first breakthrough when I discovered Candida, there is a simple self test (just google it) to see if you have candida which just involves a glass of water. I followed the candida diet for a while and improved greatly. Problem was if I ever came off the diet i would start to detiorrate again and the diet was very restrictive.

The second thing I discovered was bicarbonate of soda, if you do the spit test and you have candida, just try stirring a spoonful of bicarb into the glass and watch it disolve the candida. There is also an Italian oncologist Dr Simonici that has been getting remarkable results with bicarb on Cancer.

Further research led me to find that acid / alkaline balance also paid a vital part in energy levels which was partly why the bicarb worked, our diet has become very acidic and yet our blood needs to be slightly alkaline.

The final part of the jigsaw for me was then finding out that toxicity levels can be a major contributor to fatigue. I would recommend that anyone suffering from CFS, PVFS or ME gets their toxicity levels checked. I had high mercury levels (from amalgam filings and childhood vaccination) and high arsenic and cadmium levels which were keeping my immune system pretty much occupied so when i got a virus on top of that it just couldn't cope.

As I said at the begining, there are many different causes and we are all individuals with different bio-chemistry so what worked for me might not work for everyone. It took me many years to find out what worked for me but it doesn't necessarily have to be the same for everyone. A healthy body will repair itself, so do your own research, I hope some of the things above will help at least some of you that are still suffering.

The journey back to health for me led me to become a nutritional therapist which I love compared to the previous job I had working in the city in finance, even though the financial rewards are a lot less, the job satisfaction more than makes up for it.

Good luck

Chris

Hi JaneB

I just wanted to second what eszences said - there is light at the end of the tunnel! It's been just over 2 years since I got PVFS and I can definitely say I am almost back to 100% health! I went from being unable to eat, to manage any kind of visual, mental or auditory stimulation or even to sit up in bed for more than 10 mins at a time. 12 months later and I could just about walk (on a good day) for 15 - 20mins at a snail's pace.
However 2 years later and I'm back at work and each month I see gradual improvements in my fitness levels. Even since my post on HP in January I can now walk at a very good pace for 45 mins - hour and feel fantastic.

As CarolineN says - check out all the forums and go with the advice that resonates with you. In the very early days I spoke to a friend of a friend who had it for over 25 years. The advice she gave me was to find what worked for me and stick with it. I also believe that regularly bringing your body into a deep state of relaxation, whether through guided meditation, reiki, reflexology or something else that appeals to you, will assist the healing process greatly. And when you do recover these things help to reduce the risk of relapse.

As for work and debts? If you are not mentally or physically fit for work don't do it, other wise for every one step forward you take in trying to restore your body's balance you will take 10 steps backwards as a result of stress and reduce your chances of making a full recovery!

Good luck - and don't give up hope even on the darkest days!!

Hi All

Just reading all your positive posts, which is just great. I would like to share my experience with you guys as I felt that since posting notes on here nearly a year ago about my PVF I should hop back on and let you know how I managed to get better. Janeb – please don’t worry about work and debts, concentrate on yourself getting better and everything else will fall into place.

Like many on here I'm a young, fit, 30 year old female. I had Glandular Fever last July and had a very challenging 10 months, which has taught me a lot about myself mentally, physically and spiritually. Finding that 6 months after having GF I was still very ill and struggling with day to day life and on the advice of my Pilates teacher went to see a local Naturopath who uses Iridology as a diagnosis tool - I was initially very sceptical but thought I had nothing to loose. The Naturopath, I can honestly say helped me where I am today - 95% back to normal. By providing a daily herbal tonic, advising on vitamins, which included high dosage of vit c (3,000mg a day), zinc, vit b, on top of spurilina and fish oils (dosage all were quite high now, I take RDA with exception of vit c). Taking this alongside a diet, which consists only of whole foods, no dairy, no sugars, low fat, lean animal proteins and food combining (not mixing carbs with animal protein within same meal). The diet is strict and at times not easy to stick with particularly when working etc, but once I felt the benefit’s I have stuck with it.

I have always eaten very healthily but this diet is about understanding what foods your body actually needs to get better. My Naturopath explained that many small alignments I have had over the years all come back to one organ in my body which was out of balance/under stress, this alongside a poor digestive system and therefore immune system add in a good dose of stress (work and course related) caused me to be ‘sitting duck’ - when the GF virus came along it just jumped on board!

I have found that the herb tonic, suggested diet as well as huge support from my family/friends and a brilliant boyfriend, plenty of sleep - getting into a pattern, not trying to do everything at once, relaxing my strict exercise regime, not trying over achieve - at work and on personal projects and just relaxing and exercising through Pialtes and walking (as opposed to the treadmill!) has really helped.

I hope you all get stronger and recover well. Keep at and get all the support you can.:)

Best
Seren

Post Viral Fatigue

Hi all,

My boyfriend sent me link to this thread so I've registered today. I had a flu type virus about 5 weeks ago which I caught off my daughter, since then I still have the viral symptons, aching, shivering, tiredness etc. I had antibiotics for suspected UTI, then blood and urine tests for diabetes,thyroid and so on. My doctor now thinks is post viral fatigue and just keeps giving out sicknotes, I have been off work and getting very down, I've been on sertraline for depression for past year, doctor told me doubling dose might help. I just feel so useless and worried about my sick pay running out and debts. Any advice welcomed.
Buffyxx

Hi Buffy

First of all may I wish you a warm welcome to the forums.

I am sorry to hear that you have been unwell and that it is taking its time to shift. All I can suggest is look at your diet, make sure you are eating healthily, do whatever exercise you can manage to do without getting too tired (maybe a gentle yoga class). Stop when you do feel tired. Listen to your body and be gentle with yourself. Make some space in your life for doing something that you find spiritually uplifting.

Sometimes we get these hiccoughs, be it an illness or whatever because we are not living in harmony with ourselves. See this time as a time for you to make changes so that you can live a more harmonious life.

Love Binah

I would recommend you go for some reiki or spiritual healing, or any therapy that is working directly on your energy body and energy levels.

Thanks for the advice both of you, I'm still off work but coping better with the PVF, My mood has improved and I'm trying to listen to my body and learn which foods and activity worsens or improves my symptoms. I'm also taking Q-10, Acidolphilus plus, omega 3,evening primrose and doing a small amount of exercise each day, now the schools are breaking up I'm considering going swimming twice a week with my daughter. My family have given up asking how I'm feeling because its gone on so long! But I'm starting to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Best of luck to everyone else suffering out there! 🙂

Post Viral Fatigue

I recently had a really bad bout of flu which has left me totally exhorsted. 5 weeks later, I am still off work and have been told by 2 doctors that I have post viral fatigue.

I am at a loss as to what this is and although both doctors told me that I need to take things easy and build up energy by doing things a step at a time, I am astonished at the impact that it has.

I am Type A personality, generally very active and have in the past had anxiety issues. I had been wondering whether some of my symtoms has been in part due to taking a long time to recover from the flu and in part anxiety kicking in.

I wake up unrefreshed, worse than when I went to sleep, which improves during the day, plus I just don't feel right - can't explain it. I also have a running noise, and as my doctor has explained to me, the muscus has settled in the back of my throat, so although sleeping all night - its not quality sleep, therefore leaving me tired.

I have walked my dogs, start yawning and 15 mins later, feel completely out of energy, with all sorts of crazy thoughts running around in my mind. I am not sure whether I have no energy or whether its just anxiety kicking in.

I had read throughpeople's descriptions wondering if there was anxiety related points coming in - I don't have muscle pains, which seems to be a feature and that isn't really an anxiety symptom.

From my doctor's reaction as there is no way to test for it, they don't take it seriously, just giving a label post viral fatigue which doesn't really mean anything to me.

Do people know whether there has been any full research into this?

My daughter was diagosed a few months ago after an illness last December.

We have been told she needs to build in lots of rest breaks into her day.

They have explained it as her energy being like a car battery and once it is empty it takes a lot longer to charge back up again.

It is taking its time to realise what she can and cannot do and how it will effect her.

~She has also been told to eat little and often, constantly topping up the energy levels.

Good luck all of you who are dealing with it xxx

Recovery from PVFS/CFS/ME

I had ME for 3 years following a severe infection (supraglottitis) and am now fully recovered - skiing, kayaking, working. I lost my job as a nurse as result of the illness and I now work as a Reverse Therapist teaching other people the skills they need to recover.

I feel sad and maybe a little frustrated reading the many stories below as I know now there is a way to be well and would dearly like you to have some of what I now have - energy and vitality.

Some of the things people mention like listening to your body, doing things you find uplifting and make you laugh are excellent advice some other things people mention less so. I tried over 50 different things including supplements, pacing, diet, detoxing...... before I found something that got me completely well.

Reverse Therapy works on the understanding that in these conditions an alarm response (the fear, fight, flight mechanism) is generated in the hypothalamus (part of the limbic system or emotional brain) and it drives the body to exhaustion using the hormonal and autonomic nervous systems. These conditions are therefore physical not psychological - they are based on neurological and hormonal changes in the body. As a result of the alarm response blood is shunted away from the brain to the muscles, the muscles overwork (using energy and nutrients), the digestive system is shut down, adrenaline and cortisol are pumped out from the adrenal glands affecting the immune system (so infections are infact a symptom not a cause) leaving people with a vast and varying number of distressing symptoms.

The alarm response was generated as we missed or ignored the emotional cues or messages our body sent us when we were facing some difficult situation/s. Our bodies talk to all the time - e.g. a tightness in the chest when someone says something mean or a churning sensation as we feel scared about something. Our body is looking for us to speak up, get help or take some action to protect ourselves and doesn't like it if we ignore these cues and sets off that alarm response.

Sorry if that sounds complicated but I hope it is making sense to some of you. The good news is you are not going mad and there is something you can do about it.

If some of this resonates with you and you would like to know more you can check out one of these websites and download a free book "Reverse Therapy for Health" by Dr John Eaton.

Very best wishes for your recovery, Lyn

Cfs

Dear fellow suffer; please see my recent post - Getting to grips with CFS: