Post viral chronic fatigue syndrome

[Parvosufferer]

I am a 28 year old female who used to be fit, active and healthy until I got Parvovirus B19 in spring 2010. Ever since I came down with the virus I have suffered from extreme muscle pain, aches, fatigue, brain fog, sinus tachycardia, dyspnea on mild exertion, and weakness. I am now unable to work full time and am working reduced hours in my office job. I cannot partake in the sports and activities that I used to prior to falling sick, and am breathless and worn out after a short walk.

I have had numerous blood tests over and over and the only thing that has ever shown up (apart from the positive IgM parvovirus) was an overactive thyroid, which is now back to normal. Holter monitor showed frequent sinus tachycardia and one fluttering incident. Treadmill stress test showed sinus tachycardia, stopped at stage 3, and flat BP response. No signs of damage to the heart showing up in blood tests, EKGs or chest X Rays.

I have spoken to a psychologist who saw no signs of panic attack disorder, anxiety disorder or depression.

I am taking 20/30 mg of Elavil to help with the muscle pain and joint pain each day. I appreciate that my drs are doing a lot of tests to try and figure out what is wrong, but we don't seem to be getting anywhere. Is there something that we are missing? Does this sound like it could be CFS? Is there a marker/test for this? Is there anything else we could be looking into?

Thanks

Parvosufferer

[parvodave]

your case sounds like mine, I contracted parvo in 2005 (8.5 years ago) and I am only slightly better. I have blurred vision, headaches, pain all over, and severe pain in liver area. I paid $24000 out of my pocket for ivig after about 6 years of searching and that only helped slightly. I believe several treatments of ivig would cure this but I don't have that kind of money to try it and don't know if I could talk a doctor into prescribing it again. I tested positive for the virus by pcr for 9 months but have been negative for almost 8 years. I have been to doctors all over Georgia and I have basically giving up on getting help from them. im 43 now and was 35 when I contracted parvo. I wish you luck and I hope your case is not as severe as mine

[BretBorth]

Your situation is very similar to mine.....I was doing triathlons/10k's until 11 months ago a virus (suspected EBV) hit me, and I haven't been the same since.  Have been to many dr appointments, even Mayo here in MN. My next stop is to see if the ANS is not functioning normally.  My symptoms area unrelenting fatigue (not relieved by sleep), spaced out most of the time, unsteady feeling, and very hear intolerant, where I get really neuseaus.  Like I have been short circuited.  Am taking Nuvigil to treat the fatigue, but the brain fog is so hard to deal with.  Bet of luck, but it is hard.

[brethor]

Hey Parvo!!

No its a real pain not having a diagnosis.....its been 3 long years for me and I am just starting to make headway......keep up the fight though noone knows your body better than you!

Bren

[Parvosufferer]

Hi Bren

No I haven't looked into ANS disorders. I have a consultation with an immunologist at the end of the month and I will mention it. I hope you feel better soon. It's not nice to not have a diagnosis is it?

Thanks for your post.

[brethor]

Hi Parvo!

Boy! How I can relate to your symptoms! they are almost a mirror image to mine and like you up until 3 yrs ago I was a perfectly healthy very athletic 35 yr old female......and then one day out of the blue it all changed....My rheumy has just recently suggested CFS but I have to see an autonomic specialist first to rule out an ANS disorder....have you looked into this possibility??

Bren