This site is about a nasty virus which causes a chronic ongoing low-level infection in the body, inducing persistent mental symptoms such as anxiety, depression, memory problems, and physical symptoms like a chronic sore throat, constant nasal congestion, chronic flatulence, crêpe paper-like skin wrinkles. Sometimes this virus triggers sudden heart attacks and myocarditis. Blood tests indicate this virus is most likely Coxsackie B4 virus. Symptoms suggest it may be the same as the
yinzibing virus from China
.
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Chronic Sore Throat / Mood Virus 
CFS and magnesium deficiency
http://tinyurl.com/ndh3m9
The topically applied version said to be best used by the body is sold on line in several places.
I am celiac (self-diagnosed at age 50), so my immune system is messed up. I have had mono, herpes zoster (Ramsay Hunt syndrome), and now perhaps this sore throat virus. I have tried many supplements over the years and what I am doing now seems to be working pretty well.
Like the coxsackie virus, the polio virus is also an enterovirus. There are two treatments that seem to have worked against the polio virus. Perhaps they would be effective against the coxsackie virus as well. One treatment is iodine supplementation, the other treatment is megadoses of vitamin C:
Iodine – Its Use in the Treatment and Prevention of Poliomyelitis and Allied Diseases
A couple of more thoughts about fighting the chronic sore throat virus:
Maintain healthy collagen by taking adequate amounts of Vitamin C, l-lysine and l-proline:
The Collagen Connection
Vitamins Reduce the Duration and Severity of Influenza
Supplement with camu camu
I was just reading about Hip’s comments on the noncytopathic form of enteroviruses “This noncytopathic form of the virus lives within human cells, rarely breaking out of these cells into the blood and tissues.” Reading this made me think of how insulin resistance negatively affects the transport of vitamin C into cells where it is needed. Too much starch and especially sugar in the diet is not a good thing when you are fighting viruses:
Reversing Diabetes Type II, Glucose-Ascorbate Antagonism
Many thanks for taking the time to write, Wasabi.
You have provided interesting links. I did not know for example that vitamin B1 and vitamin B3 have antiviral properties. Having read that, I think it is well worth experimenting high doses of B1 and B3.
In terms of the collagen, my guess is that it is elastin that is being attacked by this infection, rather than collagen. This is partly because from the dermatology pictures I have seen, collagen loss produces thick long wrinkles, whereas elastin loss produces fine tiny wrinkles, and it is these fine wrinkles that I have developed. Also high elastase (the elastin-eating enzyme) is common in CFS, so this fact supports the idea that the wrinkles are probably due to loss of elastin.
Problem solved: I’m allergic to my dog. Now hands are getting red and itching like crazy after playing with my dog. Makes only sense that my throat and sinus problems are related. Guess I’m going to have to get allergy shots…
Hi Hip,
Here is some info about elastin:
Long-term evaluation of collagen and elastin following infrared irradiation
The first article mentioned that elastin works best in the presence of water. Could your fine skin wrinkles result from dehydration as well as elastin destruction?
Hi Hip,
I think that you might want to investigate the use of curcumin (from turmeric) made more bioavailable with piperine (from black pepper) as an elastase inhibitor. Sorry I don’t have time to provide anything more than just enough info to tease your interest to pursue this further.
Hi Hip,
You said, “just by my clinical picture, the virus which best fits my symptoms is one of the enteroviruses, probably a coxsackie B virus.”
Check out this link about curcumin:
Curcumin suppresses coxsackievirus B3 replication
Adequate amounts of selenium and vitamin E may be factors as well, as “Coxsackievirus B3-resistant mice become susceptible in selenium/vitamin E deficiency”.
have all the symptoms plus. Please email me at cp_histpreserve@hotmail.com. Mark email as sore throat etc.
Coxsackie Virus Infections
damo,
Thanks for the link about coxsackie. It is an informative article.
Here is an interesting take on why vitamin c can help but not cure CFS:
http://www.mall-net.com/cathcart/cfids.html
Filmaker Andy Abrahams Wilson has made a documentary about Lyme Disease called “Under Our Skin”.
Like chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease involves a lifetime of suffering, but just like CFS, the CDC officially deny Lyme is a physical disease caused by a chronic infection.
Andy Abrahams Wilson goes to Capitol Hill to show his Movie
Under Our Skin – Lyme Disease Documentary Trailer
Hi Hip,
Have you investigated the area of glyconutrients for helping you deal with CFS?
Here is a reference to a page in a book about the effectiveness of sugars in brewer’s yeast.
Writing about brewer’s yeast reminds me that there is a product called EpiCor that is based on food yeast that you might want to investigate.
Hi Hip,
I will avoid MLM sources of glyconutrients.
Here is an interesting article on selenium. I have read other references to selenium helping the body against viruses. This article mentions Keshon disease: “The disease occurred
under the selenium deficiency combined
with infection by Coxsackie B virus and has
been prevented by selenium supplementation.”
Click to access jbc.R800045200.full.pdf
People just be careful some supplements can overload the liver and make our condition worse.
Hi Unbelievable,
Is a liver flush or cleanse a good idea, I have been trowing down every supplement under the sun trying to get better, I had two weeks of detox foot pads, they looked yuk after being on my feet overnight. Plus in the past my acupuncturist had to work on my liver a great deal.
So are these liver flushes safe, I have been putting it off for quite a while. What do you think.
Jac
Thanks Hip,
I did wonder about those pads, that maybe any moisture will turn the crystals/powder black…so back to milk thistle.
Jac
Inosine (hypoxanthine riboside) is the precusor to Isoprinosine, which boosts natural killer cells and the immune system. Isoprinosine is prescribed by European Dr’s for CFS, but is not FDA approved in the U.S.
Inosine has anti-viral properties, but is also a antioxidant peroxynitrite scavanger, increases cellular respiration, and stimulates regrowth of nerve endings.
Uric acid is produced by xanthine oxidase from xanthine and hypoxanthine, which in turn are produced from purine. I became interested in Inosine when I heard of a study that there was no overlap between MS patients and Gout patients. I tested positive for EBV, which is suspected as a cause of MS, and started taking Inosine:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uric_acid#cite_note-17
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9435251
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17121380.
A specialty vitamin store might carry Inosine, although I can’t find it on the shelf anymore. I’ve been buying on the internet from this supplier: http://shop.ultimatenutrition.com/shop/product_info.php/products_id/47?osCsid=da8f87f3dc
I started at 1,000 mg/day, and have taken 2,000 mg/day for short periods. I think it has helped me, and appears to have boosted my natural killer cell levels.
When I had the worst sore throat, at the beginning, the only thing I found that was soothing was the Throat Coat herbal pastille (lozenge) made by Traditional Medicinals. I only had a few samples in my tea box but you can check the website or health food store. Recently I noticed that green tea seemed to decrease the sore throat symptom. We use the Yamamotoyama brand tea bag (Japanese) from the Asian food store, NOT one of the western brands. Steep for 10 minutes. If you prefer it sweet, agave syrup is a nice alternative sweetener. Turns out that green tea is a known antiviral.
I’m not sure if we all have the same thing. My first sore throat, five years ago, lasted at least three months and was bad. After that it has pretty much been on a monthly cycle, a little less painful each time but with some surprise exceptions. Some months it has stayed away. For this reason I believe it is some form of herpes virus. In the beginning I also had scary neurological symptoms and was afraid it was M.S. Luckily those have gotten better with time.
I have a lot of g.i. problems but most of them could be related to lactose intolerance. This is something to check out. Try eating dairy one day with and another day without lactase pills. Now that I am carrying and using the pills each day, my g.i. symptoms are much better. I think I made my condition much worse by not addressing the diarrhea caused by lactose intolerance.
For anxiety, avoid regular coffee. I drink decaf and limit the green tea to 1 or 2 cups a day and not too close to bedtime. Has anyone else noticed premature grey hair? Currently I am concerned with the possibility of an enlarged spleen. Was anyone else been diagnosed with this? I have had feelings of fullness near my ribs, loss of appetite, and feeling full right at the beginning of a meal. Enlarged spleen makes sense with the sore throat for perhaps 50 of the last 60 months.
After close to 5 years I’m now at the point where I’m exhausted and not interested in socializing. My lymphocytes, creatinine, and blood pressure are low but my platelets and pulse rate are high.
Hi Kona,
Yep I can relate to the spleen probs I have awful pain under my ribs on the left side, it doesnt seem to have a pattern. It does come and go. As to the doctor, I fired him so I am going it alone at the moment, so no CT scan.
Regards Jac
Hi Hip,
Please contact me.
I have had similar problems for 12 years now. When my children were smaller I seemed to get really ill feeling and really tired all the time. I ached and could not motivate myself or have interest in anything. The docotor diagnosed me with Chromic fatigue and some fibromyaglia. They put me on Effexor which is a anti depressant and it literally about killed me. It took me two years to get off of it and it was only because I did catch the flu and went off of it cold turkey since I felt like death anyway. After I returned from the flu 2 weeks later I felt a little better and was able to function somewhat but still have never been the same. Always tired and sluggish with no desire for any excitment or social life. Recurrent infections (bacterial and yeast and urinary). I started developing fibroids and cysts and decided to have a complete hysterectomy about a little over a year ago. Since I still have been sluggish and now dealing with a hormone nightmare. About 6 months ago I had a attack of some sort where I couldnt go to sleep and my eyes rolled back in my head and I was jerking some and been to the emergency room 7 times. No finding of anything in my blood work. MRI was fine of my head. My mental state I feel like I am struggling to keep and the lack of sleep and tiredness is wearing me very thin. I was admitted once to the psycho ward because I insisted there is something wrong with me medically and they kept telling me anxiety which I never had before until now. Now my throat hurts all the time with no white spots. I use to get strepp throat every year and never had white patches but I just ran a fever and my throat was a little sore. They did tell me i had Mono sometime in my life and that I had the Parvo B19 virus sometime in my life but it wasnt a recent infection. How do you get tested to find out what type of viruses you have in your body?
Hi,
Have you considered that this might be a candida-albicans problem. I have very similar problems and no one has them but me..I have read & re-read and I believe I amm overlaoded with candida? I need to find some study of this
before I waste away , burn away, or lose it.
thanks. a fellow sufferer.
My experience with this virus is that it suppresses the probiotics in the gut and encourages candida overgrowth. I had a severe candida infection many years ago after taking antibiotics and I recognized the symptoms developing after I caught this virus. Other viruses do this too, and it is one of the symptoms of HIV infection.
My response to the candida is to take an enteric coated probiotic formula and stay away from sugars. My symptoms of candida have not gone away but have improved greatly. I no longer get the bad dizzy spells which are a candida symptom.
A new study shows that there is a previously little-known retrovirus that is very common in people diagnosed with chronic fatigue:
Here is a also good write-up about the XMRV retrovirus in the the journal Nature:
http://www.nature.com/news/2009/091008/full/news.2009.983.html
It says that XMRV DNA is found in 67% of CFS patients, but only found in 3.7% of healthy people.
Whether this XMRV actually contributes the the symptoms and pathogenesis of CFS remains to be seen. XMRV may just be an “innocent bystander”. In other words, if you have CFS virus like coxsackievirus B or HHV-6A, which themselves can weaken you immunity, it means that other infections, such as XMRV, can arise more easily.
Alternatively, XMRV may work in tandem with a virus like coxsackievirus B or HHV-6A, and it is the combination of the two that triggers CFS.
In the case of HIV/AIDS, a similar thing is believed to happen: if you have HIV and HHV-6A, it is thought that the progression to AIDS is much faster, because the two viruses together help each other.
The very good news about this XMRV discovery is that there will now be a frenzy research into XMRV and CFS. Even the CDC (who to date officially deny that CFS is a physical disease), are already trying to replicate these findings. If they do find the same thing, this may begin to make them officially change their minds about CFS, and humbly admit that CFS is a real disease. It takes an act of courage to admit that your are wrong, so let us hope that the CDC has this in them.
And of course, if XMRV is contributing to CFS, then it should be possible to find antiviral drugs that target XMRV. Perhaps even existing anti-retroviral drugs may help.
Yes, as a matter of fact, one of the authors of the research, Dr Judy Mikovits, is already planning a study to see if existing HIV anti-retroviral drugs will help CFS patients. She believes that CFS is caused by XMRV (although she has no definite proof this stage), and says she has data to show that XMRV attacks the immune system.
http://www.breakthroughdigest.com/viral-infection-news/breakthrough-virus-linked-to-chronic-fatigue-syndrome
Again, it is likely that XMRV on its own may not trigger CFS, unless there is another virus working in tandem with, such as an enterovirus.
XMRV is thought to be transmitted via body fluids such as blood, semen, and mother’s breast milk but is not transmitted through the air.
Thank you so much for creating this site. I have experienced very similar (but not exact) symptoms as you have. I have within recent months become constantly infected with Shingles and have developed severe swelling of my spleen and liver. In my case they now suspect lymphatic cancer of some sort. We’ll see. Good luck with your cause.
2009.10.11> Hi from a sunny South Africa! 2 months ago I suddenly experience pain frod my glands and felt there pain in my throat>unbearable painConsulted doctors every week and ended up with an ENT Specialist. He did a thorough examination and said there is virus in my throut and a few white spots on my tonsils. Explained he cannot predict the period of healing!I went to outpatients at a hospital after work. At this stage I experience extreme pain, and the doctor did a “swop” I reported the next day for duty! Due to operations, I cannot take sick leave. Experience tiredness and sleep Saturday and Sundays to ensure that I attend to burn out. When I stress, the pain is severe in the jaw area and glands. To report back after consultation to obtain results. God’s Healing Power & Protection on your health Louisa date of birth 1950.03.07
Update on XMRV:
Since the Whittemore Peterson Institute work on XMRV retrovirus was published, the researchers there have increased the sensitivity of their XMRV tests, and say that in fact XMRV antibodies are found in 95% of CFS patients.
“This finding clearly points to the retrovirus as a significant contributing factor in this illness,” said Dr Judy Mikovits, the leading researcher.
There is a test for XMRV coming out very soon, available from VIP labs.
If the virus is identified, then adapt immune could potentially fix it; They are moving forward with HIV trials!!!!
http://www.adaptimmune.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Adaptimmune-Penn-SL9-Trial-release-FINAL-Oct-2009.pdf.
Click to access Adaptimmune-Penn-SL9-Trial-release-FINAL-Oct-2009.pdf
hi,
i cant belive this, this is my exact condition. ive tested myself for std its been negative for 3 years. i ve started to have theese simptoms in 2006. gradualy ALL of what you describe (chronic infection of throat, nose, fatigue, anxiety, depression, skin problems, stomack problems, ) affect me now.
how can i approach my doctor with this information?
Here is a nice little article; perhaps this person has the same virus:
Viruses will be the downfall of civilization as we know it
You have Lyme Disease! I’ve been there myself actully had many of the same symptoms. It took over a year to be officially diagnosed. The inital tests were all negative. Then after about 1 year of Doxycycline and 3 months off meds and an Igenex Lab test I tested positive for Lyme, Babesia and Ehrlichiosis. I was one of the lucky ones because I remembered being bit by a tick but many have no memory of that event which makes for an even more complicated path to a diagnosis.
Karen W
It began with a sore throat on November 10, 2009. I have just had blood work done and don’t know the results but have a feeling it’s going to be normal. The doctor first diagnosed mild viral pneumonia. I went to another doctor, same facility, she asked if I was depressed and I agreed I am but already had depression. This is different and not depression caused, I’m sure. Doctor suggested we check for Thyroid, as the symptoms are very similar. I have a feeling these tests will be normal. I have such fatigue as I have never known. I can sleep two days straight through then wake up, confused, eat, drink, be up and feeling lousy for about 1 hour and I have an instantaneous urge to fall asleep and must get into bed and sometimes can’t make it to bed…just fall asleep. My tongue is always burning, back muscles burning, leg pains, chest pains, top of stomach tingles and burns, loss of appitite, double vision and blurred vision, ears pinging like water or pressure pings, joints ache and feel loose, knees shake and legs wabble upon sitting or standing, body trembles severely at times, head bobbing and trembling, flatulence, constipation then loose bowel, teeth ache. I had fever blisters inside and outside of my nose all the way to my upper lip which felt septic at one point. The skin from the affected areas of the sores peeled thin wrinkled skin layers for three weeks. Arm pains, chest pain on left side of chest, lower intestinal pains are on and off, headache, sinus pressure, slight runny nose, irritated eyes which are dry, pale complexion, swollen feet and ankles. After the sore throat at the onset, severe congestion and cough, fevers and sweats, then cold limbs to touch. Extremely withdrawn and then super grumpy. I’ve never had this illness before. I’ve had a severe pneumonia and this is not quite like that. This is some illness I’ve never experienced. I will press for further tests if the blood work comes back normal.
Hi
This is all very helpful.
I have prickling skin all over – standard Drs in UK are not helpful.
Does anyone have a view about Lyme without the classical red circular rash ?
Thanks
Hello. I have read through your blog very carefully and would like to ask if at any time during treatment for your sore throat, cough, and other infections, you were ever given a course (or more than one) of quinolone antibiotics. These would include Cipro, Levaquin, and Avelox. Many of the symptoms that you are describing, including the nerve, joint, and hearing problems, and skin and sleep disorders are associated with adverse reactions to these drugs and may not, in many cases, manifest themselves for weeks or even months after they have been taken. Thanking you in advance for your reply.
Connie,
How long have you had this virus…I think you have made a mistake with the dates…has it been months or years, because I have the same going on here with the addition of girlie problems
Jac
what can you do to get rid of this. I really thought I was losing it. I have quite a few of the symptoms. Extreme fatigue, withdrawal of friends, sore throat, depression somewhat, don’t like drinking alcohol next few days after I feel terrrible. I have tried vitamins nothing works I feel good a few days then no energy again… Any advise would be great…
Hey,
First of all, congratulations for this website, I wish I had found it earlier on, it would have saved me a lot of blood work, but most specially I wouldn’t have had to go through the multiple diseases I went through in my head.
If it helps, out of all the blood work, the only values that were consistently iffy were the iron levels (not ferritin) which were mildly low, and a cholesterol coefficient which was low too. It seems like my heartbeats per sec. are always between 90-100.
On top of all the symptoms I have a sort of trembling and general clumsiness which varies with my state of health. Also some GERD and dysphagia which varies with my health too.
I’d really like to know what kind of possible viruses I should ask my GP to have me tested for, along with potential diseases which might mimic this one.
As I’ve said, I’ve had many blood tests done ever since I got this in July 2007, so if you are curious about anything, just let me know.
I have never followed any treatment other than taking good care of my health, and reading this website : )
Again, than you infinitely,
Roy
ps. I have been to MANY doctors, both general and specialists, and they were all clueless.
Just wanted to share my experience with you all. I started being”ill” 2 years ago. after an stressful year, my immune system was completely shattered. I had infection after infection. The sore throat started after an episode of flu and never went away.Since then, and after being ignored by my GP, i had two miscarriages, I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, haemophilia and last week I was in hospital with gram -ve bacterial meningitis. I feel scared and alone.
I ve tried everything echinacea, propolis, manuka honey, gargles, lozegens, antibiotics, eating well, you name it. i ve also started some counselling to help me cope with my ever deteriorating health.Cayenne powder gargles gives me symptomatic, short term relief for my sore throat but never goes bloody away. I don’t recognise myself i was a 30 years old healthy, active woman and please people stop saying “stop thinking about it, it will get better”. I did nearly died of meningitis last week!
A cousin of mine (just two years older) was just recently “diagnosed” with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The infection that we have causes a lot of degenerative ailments that are currently being misdiagnosed: ALS, Lyme, FM, etc, etc.
A lot of people out there are simply suffering from this infection and all of the breakdowns that occur with it.
Anyway, my symptoms are quite similar to my cousin’s. For him, they give two to five years of life left.
Asklepius LGD is this heriditary or some type of infection? what are your symtoms? Did u get fordyce spots on your lips?
Here is a good article on the importance of gut microbes to a healthy immune system.
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-inner-tube-of-life-your-digestive-system.html
The noisy bowels, gas, dizziness, depression, foggy brain symptoms are all indicators of a disruption in the balance of healthy flora in the gut.
I am a 38 year-old female who has been suffering from almost all of the symptoms you’ve listed. I amazed at what I have read on your website. I have been going through doctors and taking one antibiotic after the other to no avail.
I have been tested three times for HIV, which is negative. I’ve had my blood count come back fine. I do have HSV 1 & 2. My doctor prescribed me several z-packs, keflex and amoxicillin for tonsil cysts.
My symptoms are a few cyst-like lumps on each tonsil. They caused no pain for about one year then they started feeling like a knife was going through my throat.
I have noticed changed in my skin. For example my neck skin looks very loose and has an odd texture. I have noticed this on my chest and other parts of my body as well.
My hair has been falling out as well. From reading about what methods seem to help from your website, I have started taking acyclovir. After only a week on the antivirals I feel a bit better.
Thanks for the information. If my doctor was more open-minded I would show him your website.
Thanks- I will try it! Thanks for your website, it gave me great relief to read your information.
I have some questions- I began taking samples of Valtrex 1 mg for 5 days. I was not able to afford the Valtrex from the pharmacy after my samples ran out, so I asked my dr. for acyclovir. I went from feeling like I was improving, to feeling like I am backsliding. My throat still hurts.
My question is- how much acyclovir would be equivalent to 1mg Valtrex. Is 1 mg even enough?
Could it be that the acyclovir is not working as well as the Valtrex?
To recap my history briefly:
38 year old female, no strep. Have had sore throat on and off for over a year.
I have been tested three times for HIV, which is negative. I’ve had my blood count come back fine. I do have HSV 1 & 2. My doctor prescribed me several z-packs, keflex and amoxicillin for tonsil cysts.
My symptoms are a few cyst-like lumps on each tonsil. They caused no pain for about one year then they started feeling like a knife was going through my throat.
Thanks Hip>
Jessica
Thanks Hip, that is the information I have been looking for. I was tested for Mono about three years ago for these same symptoms- if that is the same as Epstein Barr ?-and the mono spot told that I was exposed to it.
My blood count came back normal, so I am confused at what is going on with me.
The ENT said I should have my tonsils removed – but I am skeptical because I feel ill all over.
My dr. game me a penicillin prescription, but I feel it is viral. So I took the Valtrex in hopes of it helping.
And I did not fill the penicillin prescription.
Should I just try the Valtrex?
Thanks again for the information. You are a great source of help.
A year ago I woke up with pulsatile tinnitus and palpitations, a few days later I got an inflammed throat, all sides and the center. It then became really bad sinus which lasted probably 6 months. My sore throat does not bother much anymore. It never had inflammed tonsils or white spots. A few months ago a spot showed up on one tonsil but never changes, I have had the body tingling, foot numbness, brain fog and tiredness but nothing extreme. I can function daily but I am getting frustrated that this continues. I have been told it is anxiety and depression, it could be because life has been very stressful for me for a few years. The ear ringing never ends, I have seen 3 ENT’s. The last one has taken me seriously and ordered and MRI, I have had throid problems for years but it is kept in good order. The body tingles have reduced a lot as well. A CT scan and X-ray of my sinus never did show anything significant. I am about ready to give up and go for the Paxil, I have been taking sublingual B12 for about a week and it makes the foot numbness and mental fog a lot better. I do have some GERD but had surgery for it a long time ago and it seems to be coming back so not sure if that is anything related or not. I do not have the stomach problems or severe fatigue as I sleep well at night and wake up ready to go. Any ideas if this is a continuance of the virus I had last winter or just something that is taking its time to work through. I today have an inflammed throat for the first time since last summer. Never had swollen or infected tonsils, swollen glands or fever. Any info is much appreciated.
maybe a trip to Tbilisi, Georgia will be a more fruitful investment in treatment-
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8887931967515748990&ei=4W3QSvatE4en-AbGqrDpDw&q=antibiotica+horizon#
1000mg=1gram….dr prob gave you 1 gram valtrex not 1mg
Dear sir i am very thankful for this enlightening information, i have been suffering from some sort of virus for the last 4 years, countless visits to my gp and i finally got an appointment to see some one at eastman dental hospital in london, i thought i was going to see a oral specialist, how wrong i was turned out to be a shrink, ok i was mildly depressed but the cause of he depression was because i knew that id caught a virus, anyway to cut a very long story short i am none the wiser because of the buffoons in the nhs are entirely clueless, i am extremely angry my life is on hold and i have no one to turn to now how the hell are you supposed to cope with something like this? yours sincerely someone who feels there life is over.
Hello again, I have a question. I had been taking about 2,000 mgs of acyclovir for two weeks daily. I was starting to have my throat calm down and the pain was gone, energy was coming back too. I tapered off of the acyclovir and now I feel back to square one.
The reason I tapered is because I was cautious taking so many pills at one time. I tried to get assistance from Glaxo- Smith Kline- the manufacturer of Valtrex- to assist me with help attaining Valtrex (which works better for me) and was turned down. I make barely 600.00 a month. Does anyone know of any assistance program that would help. The Valtrex is so expensive.
Thanks,
Jessica
hi, i would suggest that i have the same symptoms as the article above and i was glad to find this as i have been trawling the web for 11 months now trying to put a name against my symptoms. similar circumstances but mine was brought on by severe stress and getting soaked at a rugby match in january. Pretty much all the symptoms described are what i have and if anyone can give me advice on what i can do it would be appreciated. i also want to point out that i had a similar illess 3 years ago that lasted for 11 months but it went away – and in the period in between i ran a marathon without any detriment to my system. 3 months after the marathon the second illness seemed to kick in. i dont drink or dont smoke and WAS a keen runner.
heres some extra info to give more info on my symptoms:
sore throat
sore stomach for first 6 months
blurred vision
pins and needles
cold hands
dizziness
extreme fatigue every evening after 7 o’clock
depression
removing myself from social circles
gum issues has been sore gums at different times but not receeding
i hadnt really noticed anything regarding my mental state but i have noticed my ability to speak quickly and be fast thinking to be diminished quite a bit.
would like to know any treatments for this particular virus infection in case of long term. Is there any at all?? Regards
Hi to everyone,
Have you heard about XMRV? http://www.virology.ws/2009/10/15/xmrv-and-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/
I have been struggling with some shit since almoust 4 years now. Because of the symptoms and the way I contracted it I was sure it was HIV, but the tests, includeing PCR didn’t prove it.
Any coments on XMRV?
Good luck to all struggling with some mistery shit ruining our lives, completely ignored by the XXI’s century science and docs.
Edward
Yes I am certain. My symptoms started as following:
Fever and Cold with soar throat:
Chronic Soar throat:
6 Months
Chronic Soar throat.
Slight Mood Shift and Slight blurred vision.
18 Month:
Anxiety, Muscle Fatigue, Blurred Vision, Short/Long Memory Loss, Loss of initiative, Sleep does not satisfy fatigue, bone fatigue, needle and pins.
4 Years: every symptom permanent.and after suffering it for 4 year I am now 20 year old. and studying(try to anyways before this I was one of brightest and confident student)
emp only prescribe antibiotics which does not help.
Chronic Sore Throat
Acyclovir (Zovirax) I have heard that this medication have proven to be effective for CFS in some cases what is your take on this?? I know it actually not for purpose to treat CFS but still really like to know what do you know about it?
thank hip. i would definitely try your advises.. just another question Is it possible to reduce mental fog and to reduce memory loss with medication or diet? and do these medications available on market for better brain performance would better my condition. I am a student, as I mentioned earlier, and I am frustrated about keep forgetting my lectures and things that i study.
Mian
I am crying so hard right now because Ive had the same exact thing for a year and a half now…I am 25 years old always been so healthy, Ive gone from looking like an 18 year old to around 35 since Ive had this. Lossed tooth matter, collagen, and have white tissue always comming out of my nose…My throat always hurts. My body aches. Nodes are always swollen. Cant stop sleeping, and Ive losed muscle mass. Worst part is no doctor takes me seriously, they just tell me its sinnusitis. But this is much worse. I had a seisure last month because of it. I have great health insurance, just wish it could get some care. Please help me, and tell me where to go, and what to do…This is no way to live.
Bromelain and piracetam, are they safe to be used together?
is geratam good replacement for piracetam?
About a year and a half ago I got a very bad sore throat with white patches in the back of my throat. I didnt think anything of it because it went away and I had always been healthy. A few months later I began having pains in my knees and legs. I went to get it checked out, but the pain went away. I am now having pain in my throat, tingling in my arms and legs, abdomin pain, pain in my frontal head area, tingling in my head, difficulty concentrating, and extreme rumbling in my stomach.
My girlfriend has recently been experiencing rumbling in her digestive tract and recently got a sore throat with white patches in the back of her throat. My legs are constantly jittery and I am always fatigued and don’t feel like talking to anyone. Is this what you are referring to and do any doctors believe in this? Who publishes this site?
Can these viruses cause viral meningitis? Because I have severe pain /stiffness in my neck and lumbar portion of my back. If so, would an MRI detect this and would there be anything they could do?
I recently had several treatments of massage therapy to deal with severe pain in my neck, back, and shoulders. It seems that my body has been experiencing a lot of inflammation. I’m not sure if this is the same problem as yours, but I have found the massage treatments, lots of fluids, and occasional ice pack do help.
My GP has been a pain in the neck as well. He just surmises that since my white blood cell count is normal that I’m healthy. His diagnosis this week was “somatization” and tried to prescribe me anti-depressants. I won’t be going back to see him anymore.
My college son has had chronic sore throats and thick yellow mucous that wont go away. He was diagnosed with mono a few years ago and was down for 6-8 weeks. We keep thinking his immune system is compromised and that is why he is getting sick so much?
He has been treated by several physicians and specialists, but they cant seem to get rid of the symptoms permanently. Their next step is to take his tonsils out.
This has affected his quality of life so much (college, work, social life and relationships) that he is not the same fun loving kid he used to be. Help!
One possible cause for ALL of these symptoms is Lyme disease; probably one of the lesser known borrelia species. Only 50% get the initial rash.
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Symptoms for nearly 8 years. I have contracted staff infection, sore throat, tonsillitus, and now have all range systems of chronic widespread immume system supressing long term infection.
Mental symptoms, sore scale, hair loss, fragmented bands of head pain, fogg, malaise, hearing loss, sight loss, extreme memory loss, depression, rage, confusion. Sore joints, no energy, back pain, joint pain, constant fatigue. Restlessness. Chronic thick chunky mucous with brown hard spots, microplasma, nasal drip, congestion, and severe hallitosis. Also I broke out with shingles twice.
Antibiotic treatments not helpful, cephlexin, amoxicillin, penicillin, all inefective.
Other possible causes may be, toxoplasmosis. Currently awaiting tonsilectomy with worsening symptoms.
I have had a terrible sore throat for months with thick mucus that drips down the back of my throat. My doctor first prescribed me Augmenton, which helped my symptoms, but toward the end of this antibiotics, I got a rash (I assume which means I must be allergic). He thought it was strep, but the test came back negative. Then as soon as I stopped the antibiotics, the same symptoms came back, along with a swollen uvula, so my doctor prescribed me a steroid and another round of a different antibiotics. My symptoms got better, once again, but once I finished those antibiotics, my symptoms came back worse. I have now been prescribed yet different antibiotic. I feel better, but my throat is still red and splotchy. I’m only 20 and usually healthy, but I can’t seem to get rid of this. Any suggestions as to what this might be and what may treat it? My doctor doesn’t seem to have any idea what it is.
My 17 year old son is a cyclist and gets continous sore throats despite having had his tonsils out. PLEASE can anyone give me some advice.
Thank you
Any ideas how to get this virus attention in the medical research community so they know exactly what is causing the sore throat virus?
I just came across the story of the Irish-American dancer, Michael Flatley, who (a few years ago) was rushed to hospital after being struck with a mystery virus that caused a whole body infection that would not clear up. Sound familiar?
Michael Flatley had symptoms ranging from lethargy to joint and muscular pain. Doctors were unable to identify the virus, despite batteries of tests. Often he found it hard to get out of his chair.
Full story here.
Michael Flatley’s health was retuned to him by a healer, he says. Flatley also follows a special high protein diet to help keep him healthy.
The sore throut Virus. What can they do to help.. with all that info.. I cant go to the doctor with that they will think I have lost it ( again). There are many like problems i have been having .
Wow, your situation is nearly identical to my own, definitely I need to get tested for more of these chronic viruses.
As for this blog, well done! This is an impressive analysis of the current viral theories for ME/CFS. And I found the treatment suggestions helpful. Thanks!
I have had ALL the same exact symptoms going on 3 years now! It’s completely debilitating! I hope someone looks into this further, as I am a single mother that cannot work or even do simple household tasks every day, like I once did. Please let me know if something comes out of this! Thank you!
feel i could have this virus and is there anything i could do to eradicate it or cope with it better
I’ve been trying to determine the etiology of my infectious disease for about 1.25 years now. I agree that the CDC, etc., are worthless, and require something as blatant as a swine flu outbreak to even acknowledge the existence of a “new” infectious disease. All the chronically sick folks out there can rot in hell as far as the CDC and IDSA are concerned, based on their pompous attitudes about CFS, Lyme, etc.
Anyway, I have a couple questions and comments:
Has anyone found temporary relief while on antibiotics, and then experienced relapses? I’ve been on numerous antibiotics including Bactrim, Cephalexin, Azythromycin, Doxycycline, and Ceftin, and with the exception of Doxycycline and possibly Azythromycin (which made me very ill during each course) I’ve felt almost normal while on them. Now, obviously this suggests a bacterial illness, but I’m puzzled as to how anything is living through these extended treatments. One theory revolves around this: Could one of the viruses on this site lower the immunity to bacterial infections to this degree, and yet remain largely symptom-free itself?
Also, is there any general testing protocol to at least determine whether an infection is viral or bacterial? I want to do all the viral tests too, but those of you who are in this position know how testing all these things (in some case repeatedly) adds up to a small fortune.
Here is a brief list of my ongoing symptoms:
*Lowered immunity, with constant recurring upper respiratory infections, usually (but not always) without lung involvement.
*Recurring mild fevers and facial flushing, especially ears turn bright red, usually when I’m feeling most ill
*Feeling extremely ill and toxic, like coming down with a flu – sometime comes and goes within a single 24 hour period
*Never feeling quite right, even on good days
*Disturbed sleep – sometimes too much, sometimes too little (insomnia)
*Anxiety at my plight, and possibly enhanced by the infection(s)
*Dry mouth and throat, particularly while sleeping
*Dry eyes, particularly while sleeping
*Alcohol intolerance – it gives me an insta-hangover and can also make me acutely sick
*Headaches
*Food sensitivity suspected – sometimes I feel very “sick all over” immediately after eating, especially eating out
*Early on in the disease had a rash (not bulls-eye) and gum redness/inflammation with mouth irritations and raw spots evidence of chemical sensitivity
I’m 32 years old and caught this when I was 30. Had never experienced anything like it before. The infection that never ends. I’ve been told it’s in my head as well, even though I’m an engineer with no previous history of anxiety, etc. What BS.
My experience is that this is a virus that suppresses the immune system. Friendly flora in the gut are a critical part of the immune system and this virus seems to attack them. To fight back you need to eat a very healthy diet, avoiding sugar in particular and refined carbohydrates generally. Lots of vegetables and some fruits and protein foods.
Supplementing with probiotics is essential and I recommend capsules that contain several strains. I have also found help taking olive leaf extract and oregano oil capsules.
I think that it is the opportunistic infections and pathological gut flora that are the cause of much of the misery.
Sounds like a good strategy, Phooph.
I am thinking of adding a Recommended Supplements page to this site soon, that lists a variety of supplements that myself and all others here believe help with the symptoms.
I recently added this new page to this blog, which lists “Mystery Virus” outbreaks around the world that have similar symptoms, or are enterovirus-connected.
Thanks for the reply, Hip. This site certainly is a great resource and far more useful than certain other mainstream resources.
I was reading the testing options on the Enterovirus Foundation website, and was wondering if you have any thoughts on which method is the most accurate and sensitive for chronic infections:
*Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
*Micro-neutralization test (this method implies repeated testing to establish prolonged elevated titers)
*PCR (this testing is stated as highly insensitive to chronic infection)
I see a lot of overlap between my symptoms and those attributed to enteroviruses, but who knows. I’m still focused on bacterial infections given my general wellness on antibiotics, but I know many of these complex and chronic illness are caused by more than a single infection.
Hello Hip and Everyone,
There is a short article, in the beginning section, of the January 2010 National Geographic Magazine touching on viruses, called “Hit Them Where They Live.” Quote: “Instead of attacking viruses directly, target the human cells they infect.” New drugs mentioned: Maraviroc and Fludase.
Hi,
I have had similar problems/symptoms for years now… my diet change (more raw fruits/vegetables), along with meditation and specific yoga practices have helped a LOT. Where I used to lay around the house all day and drag, now I am at about 75-85% depending on the day. If I push myself hard I get relapses. Good luck to everyone out there.
Josh
merry xmas hip and everybody, I love your work here!
I hope that a cure is found in the near future.
great site. I have a similar chronic illness. I should have seen Dr Chia years ago. I called a couple times but appointments were always 8 months out. And I’m still sick.
I have selective IgM deficiency, and we are not sure if I was born with this anomaly or if my illness is suppressing this immunolobulin. Anyone else have this? I also have circulating immune complexes, C3D. My sore throat went away after two years but my head and eye pain persist.
Hello there,
I have been suffering from the same symptoms for over a year now, and I’m pretty sure it was all brought on by stress because at the time I was having alot of work related issues and my life in general was pretty thrown for a loop. I have the sore throat pain, which the doctors think it’s heartburn or mild GERD and gastritus so they simply gave me some prilosec to take, which to me only seems to make it worse. I was taking a DGL supplement which seemed to help a little bit..and i’ve been taking Enzymes off and on which don’t really seem to help much at all. I also have the chronic fatique, consipation, brain fog, seems like no matter how much I sleep i’m tired all the time. It’s honestly ruining my life. I’ve had so many blood tests, all come back good. Apparently last time I had a urine test they told me I had alot of white blood cells in it, but they never told me why or what it ment or if i needed to do anything about it. I’ve had CAT scans, MRI’S, Ultrasounds, Colonoscopy and Endoscopy. I even went as far as having my gallbladder removed because I had a test done on it and the doctors say it wasn’t functioning properly. Ever since then I feel like it’s only made the problem worse. I’ve had what feels like heart palpatations. Numbness in my left arm, numbness in my left shoulder blade. Sometimes parts of my face will feel like they have pins and needles. My teeth have started to get really bad. I feel like i’ve gone through so many tests, only to have nothing but a ton of doctor bills, which only stresses me out more since they are on me to pay them off, and no resolution for my problem which is ruining my life. I don’t like to go anywhere anymore because i’m always so tired and the burning throat makes it hard to want to do anything but sleep because thats the only time I don’t feel the pain. Oh…and one more thing. My stomach looks and feels permanetly bloated. It’s hard to the touch, and it’s hard to breath sometimes because of it. It feels like my ribs are going to explode. I need some help. I need some advice on what to do because I feel like i’ve tried everything. Thanks!
Ed,
Have you tried oral nystatin swish and swallow? Maybe you have a candida overgrowth. I’ve had problems with it. I’m wondering if thats what is burning behind my eyes too.
I haven’t tried that Todd. Do you know where abouts I would by that, or do I have to have a perscription for it?
prescription. Your doc shouldn’t have a problem writing it. There are no side affects. If it alleviates your sore throat you might have an idea if you have an invasive fungal infection. I actually gave my girlfriend a yeast infection from oral sex. Sorry for the graphics. Then doctors don’t believe me. She sure did. Last I saw of her.
I’m willing to try anything at this point. Thing is, I’m not sure if my sore throat is caused by the GERD, or if it’s actually a sore throat. I could just be the acid from my esophogus. I have a hard time telling which is which.
Oh, and I don’t mean to get graphic either, but if you gave your girlfriend a yeast infection from oral sex, and then had sex with her afterwards, you may also have a yeast infection and need to take antibiotics to clear it up. Just a tip.
Thanks Hip. I found colostrum on a website that also helps with candida and has probiotics in it. I might try that and see if i feel any improvement and will let you know. :)
I came down with a cough and soar throat/chest in September of 2008. After 10 days I went to the doctor and was given one round of antibiotics. The problem subsided but did not go away so I went back to the doctor and got another round of antibiotics. It went away for a week but then came back again.
I then started taking 10 grams of vitamin C a day and that relieved all the symptoms. I planned to find another doctor when I was eligible for Medicare in March of 2009. Sometime after 9 months of this I skipped the vitamin C for a while and it came back in full force. Since then I have had to take more vitamin C to eliminate the symptoms.
I saw another doctor last month and explained to him that in more than once case I have been antibiotic resistant and the history of this problem. I thought he and I had agreed that he would give me a strong antibiotic and follow it up with another if the problem didn’t go away. I would continue taking the vitamin C while taking the antibiotic. He prescribed an expensive mild antibiotic and after I finished it I went back. He x rayed my chest and said he didn’t detect the problem but if it persisted he would refer me to a specialist. I insisted it was still there but he was unwilling to treat me.
Right now I have a cold and I am taking vitamin C at two hour intervals and in higher doses but I’m not sure if this will help or if I will suffer side affects.
Indeed this virus grow really fast. Also animals could be affected. When I catch chronic sore throat I visited my parent’s farm, it killed 25% of animals within 2 days, and 100% were infected. Scary.
Anyone tried this stuff? It’s supposed to be a universal “potent anti-microbial” that is FDA approved (for whatever that’s worth):
http://www.lauricidin.com/micro.asp
Hello Hip,
I am starting to put two and two together with this viral thing-I think.
I have HSV 1 & 2. Ever since contracting it I developed a feverish/flushing feeling in my face, a sore throat, chills, upset stomach, fatigue and achiness. Then I get a tiny spot on my chin or upper lip after several days.
That ismall spot is the only visible sign of an outbreak that I have after 7 years.
This occurs right before my period, and the symptoms of flu last for weeks, even when the sore is totally gone.
I just started up again with acyclovir.
Does this sound like a result of HSV 1 & 2 as I think it is?
The symptoms I get prior to an OB are worse than the actual OB. I was just starting to feel better then BAM- at PMS I get the “flu” symptoms again.
Please let me know what you think. If anyone else has these symptoms and HSV please let me know.
Fusobacterium nucleatum bacteria documented at Case Western Reserve University.
I asked my doctor (doctor is alternative, naturopath and MD) if she could order tests to check my neutrophil elastase and MMP-9 (also called gelatinase B) levels. She said it is only done outside the U.S. Does anyone know if the tests are done in the U.S.
I have almost same symptoms for ~three years. Primary symptoms (or physical symptoms) occured in June 2007 when I was serving in the army ( I live in Third World ). After a heavy flu period, my tonsils turned into dark red, and they never healed again ( they’re still dark red). Doctor said: “it’s a viral infection, so antibiotics wouldn’t help.”
There’s still permanent inflammation (low level) on my tonsils , but I’m used to it. After the flu period, intense lower back pain/lumbago occured (in June 2007) and never healed…
In the few months, physchological issues occured (just like in this article); I simply turned into a pessimistic and fragile person in this period (I was not an optimistic person before it, but I was not pessimistic too). I have totally isolated myself from the community. I’m conscious, but there’s some kind of impulse that forces me to isolate myself. However, I want to start a new life in another place. I mean, I don’t want to see my old friends anymore…
I also get demoralized easily (I was not that fragile before it) and whenever I try to motivate myself ( self motivation ) I fail (I never use anti-deppressants). I’m simply unhappy all the time.
I have tried various multivitamin mineral supplements, and herbal cures but they didn’t help.
Actually, there’s a lot of details but my English is not enough for a detailed story than this.
Thanks Hip for this website. There’s great/unique information in here…
hi,
i am not sure if this is the same, but definetely had similar simptoms. main ones are horrific headaches that would last for weeks with lighthening like pains in the head, neck and pain in spine, muscle twitching, parasthesias, altered feeling of cold/warm, horible migrating joint pain as well as shutting pain through muscles in leggs. I know it is contagious. I know when I got it, I see all the people around me getting it. 4 years after the infection, headaches have decreased, however joint pain is still severe, especially on the right side (TMJ and all area around ear is very painfull as well neck in front and back). My troat is painfull only on that side and feels like I could pinpoint the spot were it hurts. Ear feels stuffy, under pressure, and earcanal is painfull especially towards back up side. I have observed enlargement of the TMJ bones on the side of my head, my pupil on that side doesnot enlarge as much as the other one, and it is slightly turned in (more then I had before). Forhead is more prominenet as well as jaw (probably due to deformity of the joint) they did conclude that there is the joint degeneration and osteofit there however not acutly significant to do anything.
Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to share this FDA warning about Reglan.
Since there is presently no known permanent cure for serious gastrointestinal distress, it
is not surprising that many patients seek out treatments to provide long-term relief.
According to package insert dosage instructions, Reglan was only intended to be taken
for up to three months. People who have taken this drug for longer than the three–month
prescribed period have sometimes developed a seriously debilitating condition known as
tardive dyskinesia.
Recently, the FDA has issued a public health warning to both patients
and physicians with the intention of avoiding additional instances of this devastating disorder.
No treatment is currently available to treat tardive dyskinesia symptoms. Many of these side
effects are irreversible and permanent.
For more information on Reglan and a list of tardive dyskinesia symptoms check out the Reglan Safety Site.
As I read your notes, first on a respiratory site and then here, I had deja vu. Many of your sypmtoms, especially those that were unexpected with a virus, were familiar. I cannot find anywhere that you stated what medicine you tried. I however have tied my issues to a string of antibiotics I received over several years. I had the joint and muscle aches and spasms, the tingling, the mental confusion, sleep issues, CNS issues, eye twitching, weird thoughts, memory problems, tinitis, etc. I could go on. It was severe for years and I had many tests and saw many doctors with no diagnosis. My last dose of Cipro clued me in. Please, check out Fluoroquinolones and the side effects they have caused. Some have been pulled from the market now, and some have Black box warnings. They can cause issues starting with the first dose or after several, and usually symptoms start to appear within 6 months of taking them. Then they can progress. They stay in your system, and especially can do damage to tendons and CNS. Recovery in mild cases appears to be in the 5-6 year range according to support sites. My symptoms have subsided and are managable now, years later, after I had to quit my job because of the pain. This may not be the answer, but for some of your readers it may help them identify a source of some of their problems – one that we find so easy to keep taking without realizing what we are doing to ourselves. I hope this helps someone.
I read your disparaging comments about an article I published in the journal Psychological Medicine a while back. Your uncivil tone does little justice to the sophistication of your scientific argument.
Stop screaming and you will be heard.
Hip,
I just stumbled upon this site and haven’t had time to read your entire Post, nor all of the Comments. However, from what I have read it appears that you have had, or by this time, had (as in the past, hoping that the problems have been eliminated) a couple or more things going on. The pinpricks and needle like bites just beneath the skin, as well as the crawling sensation and the cycling or disappearance and reappearance one week later, are classic symptoms of scabies. Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the scabies mite, which is the human version of the mite that causes mange in animals. It is not unusual these days for children to pick up the condition at Day-Care Centers, and for adults to pick it up at Laundromats and sometimes from clothes that have been sent to the Dry Cleaners, and bring it home where it spreads to others. The mites burrow beneath the skin to the second layer where the male mates with the female and the female lays its eggs. The burrows are called Tracks which a Dermatologist can often identify by scanning your skin with a special fluorescent lamp. Skin scrapings using an oil or biopsy can positively identify the mite, so if you haven’t already done so, you should see a Dermatologist to get checked out. It requires a prescription cream, usually one or two applications 5 to 7 days apart, as well as special attention to disinfecting your environment and clothes to eliminate. There is also an oral medication (also prescription) that some Dermatologists now recommend. However the pins and needles sensation can also be due to a circulatory problem and is also a classic symptom of Diabetes which is out of control. That would also result in high blood sugar levels which would contribute to fungal infection and/or Candidiasis which would account for a number of your other symptoms. As Diabetes is fairly easy to test for and identify, your General Practitioner should be able to determine if that is in fact your problem, or at least a significant part of it.
There is also the possibility that you in fact, as suspected, acquired a persistent viral infection. Assuming that is the case for a good part of the problem, there are some things you can do to kill the virus and completely eliminate that portion of the problem. Yes, contrary to what most physicians will tell their patients, viruses can be killed and the viral infections eliminated.
Olive Leaf Extract is an over the counter supplement which does exactly that. It will kill nearly any virus, as well as most pathogenic bacteria responsible for bacterial infections. However you have to use a potent extract and take enough of it to do the job. You want an Olive Leaf Extract that is at least 18%, which means that it provides not less than 18% of its content as the active ingredient (the virus/bacteria killer), Oleuropein. The whole herb, which is less expensive but is not “Standardized” for any percentage of Oleuropein, is worthless for that purpose.
Following are Links for two excellent ones:
Olive Leaf Extract 18%
Olive Leaf Extract Super Strength 20%
As you can see, there is a difference in the capsule size; the one from Swanson is 20% and 750 mg per capsule, while the one from LifeWise is 18% and 500 mg per capsule. However I have used them both and find it difficult to tell the difference; they both are very effective. As for how much to take, that is also critical in that this is essentially a natural antibiotic/viracide and for it to be effective you have to take enough of it to do the job.
I suggest beginning with the dosage recommended on the label for the first four days. Take first thing in the morning or sometime during the day on an empty stomach (at least two hours after eating). Then wait for at least half an hour before eating. After the first four days, gradually increase the dose, e.g., two capsules per day for the next four days, four capsules per day for four days, etc. Take them with juice or water, or warm water or tea. As you gradually increase the dose, pay attention to how you feel. You will be looking for what will be a temporary exacerbation of (increase in) your symptoms, e.g., runny/stuffy nose, headache, etc. That will be due to what is called the Herxheimer (Google it) effect or reaction, which is produced by the rapid killing off of any viruses and or pathogenic bacteria, and/or some fungal organisms and the body’s difficulty in purging the large number of dead pathogens and their resulting waste products from your body and bloodstream. It may not occur until you increase the dosage, and if you do so very slowly you may not experience much of a reaction at all. Anyway, continue increasing the number of capsules until you are taking ten to twelve a day of the LifeWise or eight to ten (in my experience, anyway) of the Swanson. As everyone is different in respect to strength of their immune systems, and as the severity of the infectious condition(s) also differ, listen to your body and make appropriate adjustments to the dosage. Maintain the dosage for a week after the symptoms have been eliminated and then gradually reduce to a lower maintenance dose which you might want to continue for a month or two.
Before continung, let me state that when using any of these products which disable and/or kill viruses and/or infectioujs pathogens, to be on the safe side, as well as to bolster your immune system it’s imperative to take one or more good quality Probiotics to replenish any friendly bacteria in your digestive tract that might have been diminished by the pathogens and/or treatment. I like the following for quality and for price:
http://www.swansonvitamins.com/NW056/ItemDetail?n=346
http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=VS-2164
A 300 capsule bottle is also available at the Vitamin Shoppe for roughly $50. I suggest purchasing both the Primadophilus and the Ultimate ’10’ Probiotic and taking one a day of the Primadophilus and two a day of the Ultimate ’10’. However, be aware that each product contains a minute amount of Soy and Milk, so if you have a major problem with either, these particular Probiotics are not for you. In that case shop the websites for an alternative. Another site to consider is vitacost.com. Their prices are also excellent.
Another useful product is Colloidal Silver to be taken orally, and to gargle with as well, for the problem with the tonsils and throat. I have found this brand to be excellent – explore the website and read all about it:
http://www.utopiasilver.com/product/silver
While there, you can read about Vitacost’s Probiotic 10-20 by clicking on the Probiotic 10-20 Link just above the list of products.
One more product which should be helpful in combatting any bacterial infection of the mouth or throat is Nutribiotic’s GSE which contains the CITRICIDAL (Google it) brand of Grapefruit Seed Extract:
http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=NQ-2014
You might also shop the Vitacost site for that product. For any of these sites, you can use their SEARCH box near the top of the page.
Finally, another excellent product with a great deal of clinical research behind it is the product derived from mushrooms called AHCC, which bolsters the immune system in part by increasing its Natural Killer Cells. Read about it at the following Links:
Study to Investigate AHCC and the Swine Flu Virus
http://ahccresearch.com
http://ahccresearch.com/how-ahcc-works.html
Swanson carries two very good selections at excellent prices, although you might want to shop around as it’s a pricy product:
http://www.swansonvitamins.com/SWU352/ItemDetail
http://www.swansonvitamins.com/NWF280/ItemDetail?n=123
A healthy diet with appropriate nutritional supplements, and the avoidance of sugar and simple carbohydrates (which are converted to sugar by the body), I believe have already been addressed by others. Patience and persistence will result in success.
I would be interested in hearing if you have found anything further identifying this virus. I have or have had most of the symptoms you describe, to one degree or another, for upward of 20 years. The last 15 years have brought the skin thinning and wrinkling, the psychological and anxiety-related issues have become acute, and concentrating has become very difficult. If a severe stress-producing event occurs, within a day the sore throat is raging and I get a respiratory illness leading to bronchitis. I was diagnosed with CFS at one time about 15 years ago when my doctor could find nothing else to attribute to the problems I was having. These were objective health issues the doctor could not explain. I now have an HMO and any special testing is out of the question, with the symptoms being ignored and downplayed. I have simply learned to live with it, sometimes miserably, but feel I have to go on. Taking immune-boost supplements such as Lysine+ does help lessen the sore throat and so does daily, mild exercise. I cannot do strenuous exercise or I am severely fatigued to the point of feeling like the “bottom has dropped out.” The only thing that helps is avoiding stress if possible and rest. Fresh fruit and vegetables, and eggs, fish and non-red meat proteins also help, if your stomach can take it in small portions. Good luck to you and to all of us! Please let me know if anything encouraging is happening here.
I have been dealing with similar symptoms for 4 years now. I am now 48, but contracted EBV when I was 18, had a terrible time with it, and then it went dormant. But when I was 26, I was again sick with the strange symptoms. Dormant again, until I was 44, then I got sick with a cold-like illness and have not been well since. I have thought that maybe EBV is to blame, but I just don’t know. My husband is just now getting the same symptoms, and this is a man who NEVER gets sick!
My blood work shows low WBC and RBC for years now, but no doctor will do anything. I have often severe peripheral neuropathy that started at the same time. Went to a neurologist at UC Davis, but he just told me I was depressed (which, luckily, I am not… that is not a symptom I have to deal with, other than being depressed occasionally from being sick). That was last year, and I have not tried to get a doctor’s opionion since then.
Three months ago I thought I caught h1n1. I am still dealing with cough, red throat, terrible aches in my teeth and jaw, earaches, swollen lymph nodes. My lungs and brohchial tubes have been very painful. Sometimes it is hard to breathe. I also noticed just the other day (this freaks me out), the weird small wrinkling of my skin, like it is really dry and has small wrinkle lines all over. When I put lotion on, it doesn’t go away (like dry skin would). Sleeping is almost impossible, as I awaken constantly from coughing or my body getting too cold or too hot.
My right leg and calf have periodic shooting pain, which started about 6 months ago, along with pain in my right hip socket. If I try and drink a glass of wine, my lymph nodes in my neck get severely painful.
I find that if I get out and work really physically hard (such as moving wood and downed trees into a wood pile) I feel a lot better… for a while. Then it all comes back. I take liquid vitamins/minerals/herbs, echinacia, etc. to see if I can at least build my immune system up somewhat. But I think my immune system is shot and nothing will help it. I just have live like this, day in and day out, and make the best of things. I will continue to search the internet for things I can try… it’s all I feel I can do these days, due to doctors turning their backs (probably because they don’t know what it is, either, and they don’t want to deal with it).
Has anyone tried a homeopathic doctor? I am curious.
Thank you for your reply, Hip. When I was diagnosed with CFS, there were viral tests taken and my EBV titer count was in the range of 680 which I know is very high. That was 20 years ago. I also had a positive for CMV. Haven’t had any testing since because, like I said, I’ve had an HMO for my insurance through work. I wish there was some cure, but it seems living with it is all I can do. I stay away from processed sugar, avoid stress if possible, get a lot of rest, drink lots of water, fresh fruit/veggies, Lysine+, Vitamin C (but only the powdered kind – stomach can’t take tablets), B-complex vitamins and also try to stay away from anyone who is sick. Keeping a sense of humor and not sweating the small stuff is very important, too. I’m blessed in that I’ve been able to keep working, but I’m a magnet for stressful life situations I don’t ask for, so it is a struggle. Children and family mostly. Can’t choose them, you know? But I love them! I have looked over many of the suggested home therapies and will definitely give them a try. I’ll report back if I see further improvements. The worst part is trying not to get so tired that I give up. Some days, I just really want to give up! Thank you to all who have commented. Sometimes just knowing you aren’t alone is help enough. God bless all of you … keep enjoying and remembering the good, positive things in your life and get fighting mad at the bad!
Thank you, Hip. It is really helpful knowing that there are so many others who can identify with what I have been dealing with for so long. I will definitely try the colostrum, and read more of the entries here to see what else I can try. Unfortunately, our medical community has turned its back on the more natural ways of helping people because they have been bought out by the drug companies.
As I sit here at my computer, I am very concerned, listening to my husband coughing away after so many weeks, so unusual for a man who never gets sick. I just hope that my two teen daughters are not next. I surely do not want them to begin adulthood in the same fashion as I did and have to deal with this for most of their years. I wish there was a way to prevent them from getting it.
Thank you Hip, and everyone for this regime:
Healthy diet, sufficient rest, and exercise.
Colostrum, Equilibrant, Licorice Root, Coconut Oil, Monolurin, Piracetam, MSM, Bupleurum, B-12, Garlic Oil, Oil of Oregano, Resveratrol, Pcynogenol, Probiotics, Bromelain, Propolis, Olive Leaf Extract, Sam-e, CoQ10, Magnesium Ascorbate, Inositol, N-Acetyl Cysteine, DHEA, Zinc, Vitamin C, Lecithin, Milk Thistle, Evening Primrose Oil, Fish Oil, Flax Seed Oil, and Tart Cherry Extract.
I’ve had a sore throat for about 6 months now, alternating sides of my throat, red bumps in my throat, blisters on my tongue, frequent heartburn, bloating w/gas, headache, earache, memory loss, left nostril is always dry and bleeds when I blow my nose. I, too, have been to my doctor and the ER several times. I have actually left there crying because I’m so sick and also so frustrated. I always have the feeling that I’m coming down with the flu. Lately my 16 year old son has been complaining of the same symptoms.
This symptom is strikenly similar to Lyme disease. Don’t assume this is not a lyme because lyme is also easily contacted not only by tick.
You can test for lyme and come back to normal but that does not necessarily means you are free from lyme diease either, you immune system might not be responsive and therefore no antibody is produced because you have been accustomized to such environment. Probably chronic lyme and at one point it is getting worse.
This is just my guess, because I have test negative for Lyme disease, but I have the wrinkle skin, crawling and biting on scalp and skin, etc. I have test for all the hhv6, EPV, etc, only come back with small indication of EPV (the doctor said it was trace and maybe caught during teenage).
Have anyone tried rife therapy for lyme? or target different microorganism? The most powerful machine is doug coil machine, but there are lots of other rife machine on the market and it is not easy to chose one.
Also Far infra red is good for detox, but it is far expensive to get a good quality FIR sauna.
I briefly scanned through your info after having Googled “chronic sore throat”. A lot of the symptoms you mention can be related or not related. Anybody with chronic something or other might get depressed. Memory seriously start to disintegrate after your peak at age 25. It’s hard to say at what rate, though, because how does one gauge? Sorry for being cynical, but help me understand what you base your poss diagnosis on. I have similar symptoms and have been diagnosed first with Rheumatoid Arthritis, then Palindromic Rheumatism (a syndrome), then Fybromyalgia (a syndrome). None of above based on any positive test outcomes, plus I don’t believe in the validity of syndromes which are ‘collections of symptoms’, which , to me, means: They ( the doctors) are bamboozled. I live in Taiwan, which is a cesspool of disease, incl regular enterovirus outbreaks. I’ve been assured I don’t have this, without testing. I get colds often and struggle to recover (weeks – months). Medicines are prescribed by the handful, and if antibiotics are included, they are almost without exception Amoxicillin. Cold symptoms ease upon leaving Taiwan, and immediately resumes upon returning. My sore throat sometimes is visible, sometimes not, sometimes dissipates.
I will take your article to my next drs app and give feedback.
Thanks.
btw, how old are you? I’m 37.
are you a doctor? I am at my wits end with this illness; I am extremely fit and healthy and the symptoms/progressions are identical. 2 rounds of antibiotics and today I feel like a truck ran me over. I have done all the homepathic+chinese (starting back w/ lin quao today/immune system) herbal et al.
thanks for the posts; can’t believe I am on the web for understanding my body; always an intuitive/know what is up (rare) this one has me and my research baffled.
Could it be Lupus? (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?) Most of what you’re describing sounds like Autoimmune disorders.
Please help!!!
It has been now for around four months that I have sore throat, mild fever, general fatigue, nauseas, digestive problems. I tested negative for many STDs: gonorea, chlamidia, HBV, HCV, HIV, syphilis. I had negative HIV DUO test 22 days after last (low) risk exposure, and negative ELISA after 95 days. All my blood and urine works are fine, even some immune analyses…
Before the onset I had many sexual contacts with risk groups, but I could have got something only through kissing and oral sex. The doctors convinced me that STDs are not my problem, and then a week ago my girlfriend started to feel similar symptoms…
Do you have any idea what that could be. I also travelled to Asia…
Yes, I tested negative (IgM) to both EBV and CMV (both IgG-s came out positive).
Niether my girlfriend nor me have ever had swollen glands. Mild fevers appear around 12 a.m. and last until 9 p.m. They are usually in the range of 37-37.3 grades centigrades (98.6-99.2 farenheits). Any further suggestion?
P. S. I am afraid of XMRV…
Hello,
Starting several months ago I started to feel under the weather… I had a headache and just wanted to sleep all the time… I began to run a mild, low grade fever and experienced strange symptoms. I have seen a rheumatologist… seen an ENT… been to the GP multiple times and no answer…I continue to experience symptoms of someone ‘with a chronic, viral illness…’ yet, no virus has been found. Some symptoms are as follows…
History: I am a 23yo white female living in Arkansas. Normal weight.
After many months of feeling poor… Randomly, my BP has gone through the roof. The cardiologist can find nothing… A month or two ago I went to the dentist… randomly my gums have receeded. However, within the last two months or so I have begun to decline. I run a pretty regular low grade fever (99.9F). I get random, splotches all over my entire body and intense feelings of anxiety. Also, tiny little bruises appear… the size of pencil erasers on my body. I break out in sweats for no reason.. My tongue is also white… the white does not scrape off and it feels like it is burnt. My stomach will often hurt and make noises… sometimes I vomit. I have pain in my right ear and according to the dr, there is blood on my TM. No ear infection. Starting about a week ago I began to display VERY flu-like symptoms… I have a VERY sore throat. My legs are weak and ache. I have taken medicine for symptoms but continue to have a scratchy throat, no voice, swollen lymph nodes and no help. I have already had EBV in the past… I had Tularemia in the past but do NOT have a current infection. I have been tested for HIV and it is negative as are all other communicable illnesses. I also have normal ANA rates and do not have lupus nor RA. They keep telling me I have a virus… but no one seems concerned about this common problem and I can not get anyone to pay attention to my illness.
My symptoms sound a lot like the ones you describe. What do you think?
Hello,
Since July of last year I have been suffering from strange symptoms and none of my doctors have been able to properly diagnose. It all started one week after I gave unprotected oral sex to a woman I met at a bar. My lips developed a biting itch and fordyce glands rapidly appeared in the corners of my mouth. I also developed faint ulcer like cuts on my top lip that have reoccurred every few weeks in the same spot. A couple of months later my body started to itch all over (symmetrically) especially in my genitals. The itch I experience, however, is not a normal itch; it is a biting itch that sometimes feels like a needle prick. Today, the itching is mostly located in my genital area. I also experienced a VERY brief bout of conjunctivitis.
In addition to these primary symptoms, I also have regular muscle twitching. My tongue has also appeared sore with a white coating.
I know these symptoms are not quite the same as the mystery sore throat but I am terrified and feeling hopeless and helpless. I’m worried that the strange virus I have i starting to affect my nervous system as I feel a slight pinching at the back of my head and very mild burning on the left side of my brain.
PLEASE!!!!! any help or insight would be a tremendous relief. My life is falling apart…
Hi,
I have a lot of these symptoms with he most disturbing being the horrid anxiety. Have the sore throat, depression/anxiety, loss of appetite with significant weight loss, social withdrawal. The doctors drew labs and found very high IGG antibodies to epstein barr. They say this is evidence of a past infection. I’m in Colorado Springs. Do you know anyone out here who is dealing with this. Have you had any progress all these years later? Thanks.
Hi, I am a patient of this virus from China. Our group be called as “Fear of AIDS” by doctor.
According to the syndrome, we are infected by the same virus.
Now, there is some scientific study for this in China and Germany. Do you know there is someone study this in USA?
This disease have in China for ten years, now there is millions of people infect this. But most of them don’t know they have ever infect a new virus.
I want to keep contact with you, could you reply me by the email?
I am looking for your reply, thanks a lot!
hi, what’s up with the smiley on the left?
is this site a joke?
Kevin,
You need to see a competent Dermatologist as soon as possible. The symptoms you describe strongly indicate that the sweetheart you pleasured with oral sex was unfortunately, for both of you, infested with scabies, which is a condition caused by a nearly microscopic mite. Scabies is the human version of mange which is often found an animals, e.g., dogs, cats, etc. The pin prick bites are a classic symptom, although most physicians will not recognize it as such and will only make a diagnosis of scabies after they see what is also a classic symptom, itchy bumps between the fingers. Unfortunately, that is often the last symptom to appear, so that by the time the physician makes the proper diagnosis, the patient usually has a full infestation of the body which is several months along.
Normally scabies are found in the genital areas and on the wrists, hands, elbows, feet, etc. However, occasionally they do get to the face and the scalp, as in your case. The razor like cuts on your lip are also a classic symptom, although they usually appear on those other areas, but even then most physicians do not recogniz the symptom. As you will read in the articles at the below Links, the scabies mite burrows to the second layer of the skin and produces what are called “tracks” which are extremely fine lines that occasionally can be seen, usually in the wrist area, but also in those other areas. The line is the result of the tunnel created by the tiny mite as it burrows to its resting place. The razor like cuts or slits are created by the mite when it burrows too close to the surface of the skin. Your temporary conjunctivitis in your eye was irritation produced when a scabies mite mistakenly traveled into your eye. As that environment is inhospitable for the mite (it can’t survive there for any real length of time; however other mites may subsequently find their way into the eye and the irritation would be repeated by them), it does its best to get out.
Today there are two primary ways to treat and eliminate scabies. One is the use of a topical agent, usually a cream or ointment which is applied from the top of the head to the bottoms of the feet. The application for adults used to be from the jawline down to the bottoms of the feet. However most pharmaceuticals now say from the top of the head in the instructions on the tube of what is usually 5% Permethrin. That’s because more and more people are getting scabies on the face and head due in part to – you guessed it – the increase in oral sex. However most physicians weren’t taught that in medical school and don’t have the time to read the latest research to update their skills, so they aren’t usually aware of that. In fact many aren’t aware that the other primary method of treatment has been considered the treatment of choice to treat scabies since 2003, as you will read in one of the below Linked articles. Permethrin, which again is at the concentration of 5% to treat scabies (2% is used to treat head lice but is ineffective at that strength for scabies) is essentially a poison which penetrates the skin and kills the mites and their eggs.
The other method of treatment, which is the one which would be most effective in your case due especially to the infestation of the head and facial area including the lips and eyes, is the oral medication, Stromectol, manufactured by Merck. It is the oral version of Ivermectin, which is the liquid injectable used with animals to treat mange, and it is extremely effective. However, you need to find a competent Dermatologist who is current in his knowledge of the latest treatments.
Now here are some Links with reading material to familiarize yourself with scabies and the two primary methods of treatment. First, to show you that you are not alone in having this condition – it’s not uncommon for children at daycare centers, where it easily spreads, to acquire it and take it home to their unsuspecting parents and to have it spread to other members of the family before it is realized that they have acquired scabies – read this article dated March 10 and entitled, “Scabies Out Break in Licking County Ohio”:
http://www.topix.com/health/scabies/2010/03/scabies-out-break-in-licking-county-ohio
Click on the Link in the brief version to read the Full Article.
Then for a good introductory article about scabies, read this one by Dr. Heather Brannon, M.D., dated 12/7/09 and entitled, “Scabies Itchy Skin Rash”. Also click on the Links in the article to view the pictures of the rash. When the picture comes up, click on it to see the enlarged version:
http://dermatology.about.com/od/infectious/a/scabies.htm
Next, read this article published in the New England Journal of Medicine on July 6, 1995 entitled, “The Treatment of Scabies with Ivermectin”:
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/333/1/26
Then read this one, which you may want to print out and give to your physician or Dermatologist if he/she isn’t familiar with the use of Stromectol, the oral version of Ivermectin, as the treatment of choice to treat scabies. The article emanated from the 61st Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology which was held in San Francisco, California in June of 2003, and is entitled, “Ivermectin: treatment of choice for scabies and maybe lice, too” and subtitled: “As these parasites become resistant to topical treatment, more physicians are choosing ivermectin”. Note that in the first sentence in the parentheses after the first word, “Ivermectin”, the brand name of the oral (pill form) version of Ivermectin is identified as “Stromectol”, which again, is manufactured and marketed by the pharmaceutical company, Merck:
http://www.infectiousdiseasenews.com/200306/frameset.asp?article=scabies.asp
Then when you get some time you may want to read about the experience of others in this thread, entitled, “Scabies in and around eyes and on the face”, at topix.com. However, I do not recommend that you try any of those methods. In fact, the only one on that thread to pay any heed to is “Sam”. Go to a competent Dermatologist who hopefully will be familiar with the use of Stromectol as the treatment of choice, especially with infestation which includes the head and facial area:
http://www.topix.com/forum/health/scabies/TF04R01VFUA3AVQ04
You might want to explore the website as well. However, don’t waver from seeking out a good Dermatologist. Just one last thing. From your description of the condition inside your mouth, it sounds as though the sweetheart also gave you a yeast/Candida infection. A good Derm. can determine if you do have Candida or Candidiasis, and provide you with an effective treatment regimen, which would include diet modification (eliminate sugars and simple carbohydrates, etc.) as well as medication and/or dietary supplements. Google Kolorex and check it out at swansonvitamins.com – just put Kolorex into their Search box near the top of their home page.
Why haven’t you posted my reply to Kevin which I submitted over two hours ago?
I was a healthy female and started a chronic sore throat in October 2007. I suffered then several flu’s and the last one (January 2008) was extremely severe and lasted 14 days.
Januaray after the sore throat finished, I then broke out in blister type abscesses all over the body and the reoccurred over a period of 8 month.
January 2010 severe headaches and sore throat started to bother me (I do not suffer ever of headaches) and since then I had a very bad bronchitis and had to take antibiotics .
I am back to the headache and sore throat. I do not take any medication except levothyrox as I have ½ of thyroid since the 80th and treat myself with homeopathic and alternative products.
In my above reply to Kevin about the parasitic skin condition, scabies, two of the Links aren’t working properly.
The second Link down, which is for the article entitled, “Scabies Itchy Skin Rash”, authored by Dr. Heather Brannon, M.D. can be accessed this way. After hitting the Link and letting the “about.com” page come up, go to their SEARCH box in the upper right hand corner of the page, and type in the following – scabies Heather Brannon – Then when the page comes up, under the heading, “In Dermatology: scabies Heather Brannon”, click on the first Linked article.
The last Link in my above Post has an error. The number 1 which appears before the last letter/number group, VFUA3A should be the capital letter, I. You can try the below Link, or on the page that does come up with the Link in the above Post, just scroll down to the title, “Scabies in and around eyes and on the face” almost half-way down the page.
This should be the correct Link:
http://www.topix.com/forum/health/scabies/TF04R0IVFUA3A
Hi Beach Man and Hip,
Thank you for your help and insights into my condition. I have been suffering from my symptoms for over 8 months now and, as I mentioned, the quality of my life has diminished greatly. I am TRULY grateful to have people out there who are not dismissive and are willing to offer any advice and support. I feel so alone with my problems so it means the world to have any form of support. Again, Thanks a million.
As for your post, I thoroughly read the article links you posted have been to see two dermatologists. Neither of the dermatologists even mention the possibility of scabies as a cause for my symptoms. I saw one very competent dermatologist last week who ordered a full blood work up: Metabolic rate, CRC (I think), Lymes disease, hepatitis, and several other tests. Everything came back normal…
I will absolutely follow up with her and discuss the possibility of scabies.
The most disturbing problems I have, however, are more related to my nerve symptoms. Occasionally I will have a biting sensation immediately followed by a muscle twitch or sometimes a spasm that is completely unprovoked. I also mentioned the pinching at the back of my head and very mild brain inflammation on the left side only.
What is most most disturbing is that my current girlfriend has has serious muscle pain. Her initial diagnoses was Throacic outlet syndrome, but was later changed to Parsonage Tuner Syndrome b/c there were no typical causes associatied with Thoracic Outlet. Her Neurologist said that her pain was most likely caused by a “virus” and that she should stick to regimen of physical therapy and pain killers. I should mention that she has also shown strange cuts around her mouth and frequent acne around her lips. We have both have regular symptoms of urinary tract infections.
The muscle inflammation and nerve issues are the most serious of the symptoms that I and my girlfriend have experienced (she has really serious shoulder pain). Is it possible that scabies, if left untreated can cause such problems? Within the past few week I have also started to develop a dull sometimes burning pain in both my shoulders that feels like a muscle pull.
The dermatologist who I saw and who I consider very competent said that I should follow up with a neurologist b/c itching can also be related to nerves in the body.
If this were all due to an untreated scabies problem I would be doing cartwheels and celebrating like crazy. I am scared senseless that I have contracted some bizarre virus that causes nerve inflammation. I am on TONS of antidepressants and have been feeling mildly suicidal over this whole ordeal.
I hope and pray you are right that my problems are scabies related. Again thank you for your support. I really cannot express how much it means to me.
Thanks,
Kevin
Hello,
Before I get into the 70 chapter book that is my medical problems I want to mention that I am a juvenile diabetic and have been for 16 years with good blood sugar control, up until the last year.
I have had the following symptoms since March of ’09 when I got a bad strep throat infection with scarlet fever:
Sore Throat
Swollen Neck, Collar Bone and Mouth Glands
Constant Congestion and productive cough (meaning mucus comes up with the cough usually yellow or green)
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (was told this is from my contact lenses?)
Fever that comes and goes
Night Sweats
Frequent painful and painless canker sores in groups all over mouth and on/under tongue
Fatigue
Feeling like something is wrong or Malaise.
Severe Clinical Depression
Anxiety, panic attacks (some requiring hospitalization)
Bloody Nose (found a nasal and throat polyp that were removed and cleared of cancer)
Ear ache and drainage as well as vertigo
Foot Lesions that have gotten better after hospitalization and massive IV antibiotics. (they thought I had a heart valve infection at the time, endocarditis, disproved by the TEE)
Foot lesions are still there but smaller and no longer itch
Muscle aches
Painless swollen masses in the corners of my mouth, that look like sores but do not cause any problems other than there initial breakout, have been there since the strep throat infection.
Conjunctivas every morning
Trouble sleeping
Testicular Pain with inflamed blood vessels on the urethra.
Lower back pain
Frequent Bowel movements with weekly diarrhea
dear god that is a lot huh? No wonder I have depression? I should also mention that they have tested me for the following all of which have come back negative: all known STDS(including HPV, HIV, AIDS), Lupus, Celiac Disease, Fungal Infections of the Blood, Mono, Strep, Anemia, Sickle Cell.
My white blood cell count is normal, as well as T-cell count…the only thing my blood tests showed were that there are large amounts of anti-bodies in my blood.
I seriously have spent a year seeing different doctors and specialists and spent vast amounts of money and still do not have an answer, it is reassuring however to know that someone else is experiencing this but also scary. I am sorry you also have to deal with this, because I know how draining it really is for you mentally as well as physically.
I am going through this virus presently – have been sick approx 6 weeks and seem to be going one step forward and two steps backwards. Have had allsorts of blood tests and it seems Coxsackie B5 and B6 are present. Doesnt help that I had EBV about 7 years ago. Having terrible anxiety and panic attacks that are making me feel like I am going insane. I am going to give the anti-hystamine approach a try as I dont fancy the prescription I was given for an anti-depressant.
Thanks Hip, I shall take a look at the updated treatment page shortly. I found some anti-hystamines in my med chest last night (Desloratadine) and taking one – found it did relax me. After finding your site yesterday I pretty much had/have the symptoms you mentioned. I seem to be over the really “ill” type feelings but have def noticed new symptoms now – such as the brain fog, mixing up of words, mood swings, depression, withdrawal from social events etc. My left leg is so numb at times I dont feel like it belongs to me. I can have a panic attack just walking into a supermarket!! I am clumsy, have bad balance and have to keep my eyes open whilst washing my hair in the shower or I want to fall over!! My doc diagnosed me pretty quickly (I am in South Africa) and she says theres pretty much nothing you can do with the coxsackie ‘cept look after yourself i.e. eat properly, sleep well and take supplements. She prescribed an anti-depressant but I havent taken one as yet. A chemist friend of ours is looking into the benefits of Fulvic Acid on the immune system, so I shall keep you updated on any progress on this. Regards, Vicki
Dear HIP.
I read your article and some of the comments. It is encouraging to see how successful you are in researching the illness and the comfort you gave to many readers. I’ve learnt a great deal from your findings.
I support your claim that the causes for the symptoms are viruses and the logic that made you conclude so. I think that you are doing the right thing investigating causes and remedies on the net. I also agree with your method of defining the illness by its symptoms until the day that scientists will isolate and name the virus.
There are many people that were infected by these viruses but lucky to have no symptoms. There are also many others who have mild symptoms and their conclusion is that they have “a lingering nasty cold that wont shift”. Like you, I suspect that some of us have worse symptoms because of our weak immune system.
25 years ago some friends of mine complained about similar symptoms, they had some relief when it became a recognized illness named ME. I spent many hours socializing with those friends but I was lucky not to be infected myself. After about 5 years I started to have frequent “nasty colds” that turned into chronic infections and fatigue. Telling by the symptoms I could trace some of the infections back to the persons who passed it on to me. I also shared some of the infections with my friend that I live with, he was lucky to have milder symptoms that decay within months. This leads me to agree that it’s a viral infection. During 10 years it turned from one bad day in a week to 2 bad days and another 5 days to recover. It became too difficult to take, so I decided to stop working and moved from London to warmer climate in south France. Now I get infected sometimes by the visiting friends from England.
When the multi-infections started 20 years ago I identified the assault on my immune system caused by the malaria preventative drugs I took on my trip to Brazil. I don’t have any proof for this claim, but I’m less inclined to think that my immune system was damaged by a virus. I’m sure that my weak immune system is overwhelmed by the infections, that go unnoticed by people with good immune system, hence the fatigue and the acute symptoms. In general I feel that on and off the infections consume half of my life by mentally recovering and healing from the pains.
I’ve tried some remedies and found that in most of them the effect is too small to tell. Significant effect is from selective diet but it takes years to find out what is good for you. The other remedy which is most effective is physical activities, I’ve noticed that other readers recommend that. My main activity is walking. During periods of intense activity the symptoms move to the background, and on periods of less physical activity the symptoms creep back. I’m afraid that my suggestion for remedy is suitable to only small proportion of people with chronic fatigue.
I hope that you will carry on finding good remedies for yourself, and maybe one day science will find a cure.
Carol
With all those viruses out there, it’s a wonder that reading this hasn’t made me feel even more paranoid!
I have some of the symptoms mentioned, particularly the stuff/congested nose, and a sore throat when I don’t rest. I had a really bad bout of depression last year, but that’s mostly gone now. I do feel anxious quite a bit, and feel my body tense and on-edge a lot of the time; even when I’m doing something innocuous like watching a comedy show on TV. I definitely don’t have anhedonia; I just don’t have the energy to have all the fun that I want! And my libido isn’t the problem: it’s the difficulty meeting potential partners when I’m stuck in bed. By myself! I have a loss of drive to do unpleasant things, but still really enjoy having fun. Insomnia is a problem for me. I haven’t had any real pain aside from headaches, and no dental issues or skin problems. People say CFS causes immune problems, but to be honest I haven’t had a discernible cold or flu in the 2 years I’ve had it, which is _very_ unusual for me. Mind you, I’ve felt like I had a cold that entire time so maybe I just don’t notice.
Is it viral? Possibly, but there are no effective cures for viruses other than rest. I think all the supplements people talk about are placebos. Effective anti-viral medications have bad side effects, are expensive, and are only marginally effective. So that doesn’t leave us with many options other than to rest. I do feel better after I rest consistently. I just don’t want to, because I want to have a life that I enjoy, and staying in bed all the time doesn’t qualify.
For the time being, I’m going with an alternative theory that it’s actually a stress response in the body causing a permanent fight-or-flight response that leads to exhaustion. I had considerable emotional stress and anxiety before becoming ill, which is consistent with this theory. There are ways to treat stress, and that gives me more hope than the virus theory… at least for the time being until someone discovers an effective anti-viral treatment. You’re welcome to follow my progress on my blog at http://cfs-survivors.org/blog .
Cheers,
Graham
red wine and grape seed extract ,diatomaceous earth,7 day total body detox,albendazole,ivermectin,mebendazole,flagyl,grapefruit seed extract,olive leaf extract,tumeric,black wallnut husk,artesimin,coq10,vitamin b,and many other things seem to help including a zapper
You just described me, in detail. I could not have said it better. But it’s too much for me to comprehend all at once. I’ll come back to it and finish it. Thanks
I had chronic sore throats before developing Morgellons, however, I discovered my body was extremely acidic, I mean so acidic I failed to register on a PH strip, or rather, made it so yellow I was acidic as you can get.
I started on Apple Cide Vinegar and many other things, eventually my sore throats stopped, rosacea, hair loss, all kinds of things were corrected, that wasn’t my entire fix, but the beginning. My health is good now.
Don’t over look the every day common things like Potassium (only get through Orange Juice never supplement), Magnesium, Amino Acids, in other words, fix your terrain, don’t target germs, fix your terrain and hopefully the rest will take care of itself
One more thing, I’m not suprised at all by the sudden heart attacks, this (or Morgellons, whatever you want to call it) sucks the minerals out of your body. The more acidic you are the more magnesium/potassium/calcium your body will use to flush out that acid, you body must buffer the acid and this is how it does it.
People are having heart attacks from nothing more than a sheer lack of magnesium every day, it’s quite common. But never take Magnesium if you have kidney problems, always check with your doctor.
I think much of what people are experiencing are terrain issues, the terrain is not the immune system, the terrain is enough to keep one perfectly healthy, the immune system is only there in case the terrain fails.
You can take all the oregano oil, GSE or whatever and you are never going to get better unless you fix your terrain.
I’m not a doctor but this post was the beginning if my journey to healing, today I am recovered from Morgellons which in many ways overlaps here.
Thank you for putting this up on the web. It is very enlightening.
I have been sick for over a year with a virus and I have been to several doctors and they can’t seem to find out what is wrong with me. I have had a sore throat, runny nose, severe sweating, chills, extreme pain in my chest, pain on my left side and in my left arm, numbness in both hands, pain in my legs and knees, extreme fatigue, weakness and lightheadness, a cough, depression, suicidal thoughts, trouble focusing, trouble using the right words and the list goes on. It finally came upon your website and I wonder if I have the same virus that you have been talking about. What do you think?
My husband was hospitilized for a week in an icu from the coxsackie B1-B4 viruses they came back high for all of them. He still has this overwhelming anxiety fatigue. He’ll fall asleep at nothing and has severe depression sore throat etc… he suffered a severe MI from this virus. Does it ever leave your system and how many years does it take to feel better?
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Autoimmune-Disorders-/PLS-provide-some-feedback/show/1225419 I have been studying western medical websites for over a year and this is world wide phenomenon, this link is just one example. I believe it is part of a world depopulation agenda. Strange how you can be close to death and doctors will tell you that nothing is wrong with you. Bret Micheals had an emergency appendectemy before his bleeding of the brain. Is it a strange new designer nematode? Is it the fourth horseman?
I’ve been having strange and often debilitating symptoms for years now..seem to be getting worse now, which is how I found this blog. I have been researching for weeks. Came upon something called Sjogren’s Syndrome and I seem to fit those symptoms to a T as well as the ones listed here, so I just wanted to throw this name out there in case others are wondering what’s wrong with them and can’t figure it out. I’m pretty positive I’ve finally figured out what’s going on with me, def making a rheumatologist appt TOMORROW.
Good luck everyone..nothing worse than being chronically sick. But with education and taking responsibility for ourselves we have the best chance of living a quality life.
hi,
has anyone ever tried to be tested to HTLV (not only antibodies), MMTV/HMTV, or reactivating HERVs?
has anyone ever tried to take antiretroviral drugs?
Umpah.
Hi Hip,
I believe I have a lot of the same systems you’re experience with your illness. I believe I have the same virus. I am worried. I was a healthy 30 yr old male before I got this. Now, I have chronic running noses, off and on sore throats, blotchy red and dry skin, and premature aging. I also have very visible veins everywhere. Veins that I’ve never seen before show up on the palms of my hands and feet. I’m concerned that I’ll die of old age in like 10 years. I noticed that it’s very contagious too. I notice people around me get constant coughs and sneezes. Is this some new super virus that doesn’t go away and cause chronic problems with our bodies. Should I contact the CDC? If they don’t respond, should I go to their office and spread to the people there? I notice it seems to be extremely contagious. You mentioned it might be a entrovirus and you recommend Oxymatrine. Have you tried it and does it work for you?
Hudson
It’s not HLTV virus since it is contagious. My parents who live with me are getting it.. chronic rhinitis and sneezes. Highly contagious! I thought at first it was mold or dust in the home but I notice people sneezing around me too everywhere I go.