Hello, well, for the last 5 months I had been having an intermittent sore throat and for the last two years, pain all over that is sometimes worse than other times. My upper back spasms are very severe at times, and at times, I have the "achy" flu-like feeling. I just felt/feel "blah". Well, I finally talked my doctor into having an EBV blood draw, and wow, I am glad I did, here are the numbers:
EBV Ab to Viral Capsid Ag, IgG- 118 Normal range is less than 18.0
EBV Ab to Viral Capsid Ag, IgM- 17.9. Normal reading less than 36.0
EBV Ab to Nuclear Antigen, IgG- 4.2 Normal range is less than 18.0
EBV Ab to Early Ag-Diffuse IgG- 51.8 Normal is less than 9.0
EBV Panel Interpretation-Indeterminate. The panel results are atypical for a past Epstein Barr Virus infection, but the positive IgG antibodies may be indicative of a past infection.
I am so befuddled as to how I got this. I NEVER kiss anyone, never go to parties, I just go to the store and do normal everyday activities, I take vitamins, try to eat well, in other words, I don't see how this happened. The doctor said that it can be caught via airborne body fluid such as one someone sneezes and I happen to be near, or, she said I could have touch a grocery cart where someone had last touched it that had the EBV. I don't know. I do know that I am tired of hurting, feeling depressed, and this sore throat all the time. I would have sworn it was fibro as I have all the points and other symptoms, but, she will not say I do. I am going to see another doctor in a month for another opinion.
I also have a sluggish, very low, thyroid, I have done a lot of research, and I understand that this can also lead to, or mimic EBV as can menopause, which I am beginning as well. She does not agree, so, that is another reason I am seeing another doc.
Anyway, I am scared, I have even read where EBV can lead to blindness and other serious problems, I am out of my mind with worry. I am trying not to over do on the exercise, avoid stress, which is hard as I am a high-strung person, and I have even cancelled starting college as I don't want to get worse or pass this one to anyone, I feel like a time bomb.
When you all were diagnosed, were you scared? What helps you? Is this a form of herpes, a lot of articles I have read says it is and that once you have it, even if it is dormant for awhile, it can flare up and cause the same problems as when you first were diagnosed with it.
I am 53 and until the last few years, in great health, never have smoked, never drank alcohol or coffee and have lived a pure clean life. I know when my mother died in 2005, it took a large toll on me, now, I am worried sick over my dad's health, so, I guess maybe nerves and stress are not helping either.
Well, nice to meet you all, I am glad this forum is here. Take care and God bless.
Susie