A million symptoms but is it CFS?

[Wirefox]

Hi everyone, I have a feeling that I've got CFS, and was hoping for some advice on if fellow sufferers agree, or if I'm just a lazy mare with similar symptoms!
Since having my son 20 months ago, I've suffered from post-natal depression, but my doctor now feels it isn't post-natal and I have to agree, I'm constantly in tears and mood swings are awful.  For the past 6 months I've also had recurrent infections in my tonsils, which has now lead to the same in my sinuses and chest.  I'm utterly exhausted to the point of not being able to walk any further, particularly on stairs, and there is no chance that I can walk and talk at all.  I've got constant joint pain in my arms which prevents me pushing my son's buggy, and I have numbness and tingling in my right hand and  fingers.
Does this sound like CFS, or maybe something else?
I'm going back to my doc on Thurs and want to go as prepared as possible, as I can't let them fob me off with "its just a virus" anymore.

[grungema3]

Hi, so sorry to hear your problems. You must be feeling so rubbish. I think you have made the right decision to go back to your doctor who knows your post-natal problems. You say that you don't think it's pn depression any more but you mention mood swings and crying.
I had that nightmare after my second child was born-  long time ago now! However, I had a brilliant GP -very rare!- and he worked with me for over 2 years. You may be much better than you were emotionally but sounds like you still need continuing support in this area.
I'm not a doctor, but you know how worn out physically depression can make you feel, plus, if your baby is waking at night that doesn't help. Also, if he's heavy and you're carrying him around with your right arm,  probably also anxious, that would explain the muscle pain there.

The constant infections are bound to make you feel exhausted, and you're trying to go to work with a fever, plus looking after a baby. It's a wonder you can stand up!  In any other circumstances you'd be able to rest in bed. Also, after having a baby, the immune system is low.

If I were you I would ask for hormone, thyroid and glandular fever tests + full blood count re. anemia.
I would also ask to be referred to an ENT specialist and sort out that throat + sinus .

You're at the end of a psychological illness and have physicical problems draining you. After all the checks and if all comes out ok, then ask for a referal to your  nearest M.E. specialist, not any old neurologist because some of them don't accept M.E. If you live anywhere in or near London ask to be referred to the M.E. unit at Queens  Hospital, run by Prof. Findlay, brilliant neurologist.
However, Do all the ordinary things first.
I wish you well and hope it just turns out to be something simple. By the way, YOU ARE NOT LAZY.  You're an ordinary person who has been, and is continuing to be, going through a very bad time. Good Luck xxx      

[acker]

you're not lazy, and it's not in your head. being barely able to walk is very bad. that description is very much like cfs.
if you can get help espcially with child(ren), you need as much rest as possible. if you can cut back on work, do this. sorry that's not good news, but i wish i'd done this. i had to stop it eventually. i was at the stage i couldn't hold a pen, or type. too damn tired.
hopefully your other dr is fatigue/ fibro-friendly - if not, just keep looking till you do, or you may as well be talking to a block of cheese.

[Wirefox]

Thanks for your comments Dusty, made me feel like I'm not insane!  Unfortunately all the doctor did was say that I have a chest infection, but can't give me anything as still on anti-biotics for a sinus infecttion (think that means there not working to me!!), and say that I'm just unlucky to be ill.  When I said I'm worried because going to work is so hard, and that I'll lose my job if I have anymore time off ill, he just said that "wouldn't be the best!".
I think I'm going to go and see a female doctor who I've been with for my post-natal, and take my husband with me as he knows that I'm not right, after 14 years together he knows how I normally am.  If all else fails take back up is my next strategy!!

Thanks again,
Wend x

[dustybrown]

Hello and welcome,
Unfortunately, there really isn't any one specialist who treats CFS specifically, but many Rheumatologist believe that FM and CFS are the same disease. Some infectious disease physicians treat CFS and some PCP doctors treat CFS. It's really hard to find the best specialists, so I always direct people to the Rheumatologist if they believe they might have CFS.  

I see that you are in the UK. In my opinion, knowing this, many doctors in the UK seem to feel that CFS or ME is how it is termed in your country, is more of a psychological or somatic disorder. I wholeheartedly do not believe this, but I would hate for you to be mistreated. I would be more comfortable with you pursuing a visit with a Rheumatologist under the pretense that you think you have Fibromyalgia and having you lead the discussion with your joint pain, numbness and tingling as your primary symptoms and then mention all of your other symptoms too. I think you will be medically treated better and taken more seriously.

Again this is just my opinion from what I have seen and heard. I am not a doctor, but I have observed a lot. I definitely want to see you get the help you deserve. Keep me updated on whatever you choose to do. Good luck
-Dusty

[jangirl24]

im so sorry that you feel this way, i would see a rhumatoligist a compassionate one.  there has got to be someone out there that can help you so you can have more good times with your baby,  take care and good luck to you!