Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Woe is me! Add me to the CFS/CFIDS list too!

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Is there any way to manage the CFS?

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Not really. She said getting "enough" sleep, especially quality sleep is very important. Taking muscle relaxers help, whichI already take. There is no cure or anything. Excercising even though you are to tired to is very important and she says it helps people with CFS to feel better.

I asked about diet and she said many patients feel better on a LSD/NSD or just a high protien low glycemic carb diet (like South Beach Diet) although there is no medical proof to back it up. The theory is that the carbs and high glycemic foods cause spikes in blood sgar levels and for people with CFS the aftermath of the high spikes is extreem lows, more so than a normal person.

She also told me to eat sugar free yogurt every day, at least once a day, but I wasn't sure if that was for the CFS or the Candida yeast.

I'm hoping someone here has some words of wisdom for me on the subject.
As it has been getting progressivly worse.

CJ

Into every life, a little rain must fall.

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And another thing: what is the test called to check for candida, and how did you do it? And for the EBV?

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Well first off, she should see an infectious disease doctor. Sounds nasty and scarey doesn't it?

The candida tests involve a special blood culture test. They originally did the wrong, a standard, blood culture test on me. I had to go back and have the correct one one done. They draw blood, you wait approximately half an hour then they draw it again. They then culture the blood for a full 4 weeks. In addition they did a speutum test (spit in a cup kind of thing) which had to be done at three seperate times. That is also cultured for 4 weeks.

From what I understood:
The EBV test is something I *assume* any doctor can order. It involved 4 seperate tests. Different tests show negative or posative and depending on which is which and the levels depends if you have chronic EBV or regular/normal EBV.
EBV is in 90% of the population, but lies dormant. Most people are not affected or only mildly affected by it.
When it does act up the most common thing is mononucleosus (pardon my spelling). With mono the virus is activate for several weeks and then goes back to being dormant...usually for good.
With chronic EBV the virus remains active and goes through highs and lows. During the highs you feel the worst.

I was also tested for thyroid, Hoshimotos disease (a form of thyroid problem), liver function, kidney functioin, full blood counts (white cells, platlettes, iron, etc). I guess EBV can affect those things as well, but luckily for me they are, as of yet, unaffected.

If you do a search on the board for candidia yeast you should find a thread I started about an at home self test for candida. In that post someone posted a link to a site with a great deal of info on the subject. At the end of the article it had a "test" to take with various symptoms on it.

Hope that helps some.

CJ

Into every life, a little rain must fall.

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But I don't know what PMDD is...

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Jade,

Somehow I missed this line from your post the first time.
Here is some info on PMDD:

PMDD stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. It is the acronym for the more severe form of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome). Like PMS, PMDD occurs the week before the onset of menstruation and disappears a few days after. PMDD is characterized by severe monthly mood swings and physical symptoms that interfere with everyday life, especially a woman’s relationships with her family and friends. PMDD symptoms go far beyond what are considered manageable or normal premenstrual symptoms.

PMDD is a combination of symptoms that may include irritability, depressed mood, anxiety, sleep disturbance, difficulty concentrating, angry outbursts, breast tenderness and bloating. The diagnostic criteria emphasize symptoms of depressed mood, anxiety, mood swings or irritability. The condition affects up to one in 20 American women who have regular menstrual periods.


Even though I had a hysterectomy I still have my ovaries which trick my body into thinking I still get my monthly cycle, so I still suffer from it.


CJ

Into every life, a little rain must fall.