EBV questions FIX

[roonan]

oops, I wrote my labs down wrong and didn't know how to go back and fix my former post -- so here it is again:

I'm very confused and hope someone can offer some insight.  I've been trying to find information that will help me understand some lab work I've just had done but am more confused than ever.  I was tested for EBV and everything is normal except for the "nuclear AG".  Anyway, below are my lab results.  Can anyone shed some light on this for me???  (It might as well be a foreign language!)  THANK YOU!  This is all new to me.


TEST                              RESULT                  NORMAL RANGE
EBV VCA-IGG, IFA       155.00 U/mL        (Normal titers after exposure)
                                                              VCA IGG-IFA 1:10-1:2560
                                                              VCA IGA-IFA 1:10-1:2560
                                                              EA (R+D) IGG-IFA  1:10-1:320

EBV VCA IGM, IFA       600 U/mL                      0-99

EBV VCA-IGA, IFA       <1:10 Titer                     <1:10  

[sktmom]

Hi. Your results could mean several things. The question is what symptoms were you experiencing that you were given this test? The results could mean that you have or have had at one time the epstein barr virus. It could also mean that you have mono. Those are the most common reasons for your results, but there are other possible reasons. This test does not give you a defintive answer as to what you have and has to be used in conjunction with your symptoms. If you are still experiencing symptoms then this test will be helpful, but if you are not having them anymore then I wouldn't worry too much because this test can still show positive long after you are well or even for life.

[roonan]

Thanks for your help again!!  For some reason the tests aren't showing up the way I typed them -- I know I fixed it but it's still showing up wrong.

Anyway, these tests were done along with a myriad of others just trying to figure out what is wrong with me.  Have had lots of symptoms including extreme fatigue, dizzyiness/foggy-headed, ear aches/pressure, insomnia, dyspnea, muscle aches, weakness, depression/moodiness ...

Most of the tests came back negative except for a couple Thyroid AB tests (which we already knew about.  I'm on Synthroid and all the other thyroid tests came back perfect).  Also positive for the Gliadin AB (IGG) but negative on the Gliadin AB (IGA).  And lastly,  EBV Nuclear AG was over 600 (normal being 0-99).  But all the other EBV tests were negative -- that's why I was confused.  From what I've been able to find doesn't that mean that I've had a PAST infection but don't currently have it in active form?  In which case that wouldn't be the reason for my symptoms.  
When my dr. saw the results he figured it was a "done deal" and said that I have EBV.  But I'm not so sure.  I'm trying to figure this all out before the end of the year before my deductible starts all over again (it's a high one).  Plus, of course, I'm tired of feeling crappy all the time.

[sktmom]

Here are several links that might help based on the symptoms  you gave. I would say that this is a pretty good bet. The thing with mono is that it takes a long time to completely get over. Sometimes a month or more. It is also really easy to have a relapse if you start pushing yourself before your body is ready. If you give yourself a chance to really rest without too much exertion then you will see that gradually you feel better.

http://www.lycos.com/info/mononucleosis--symptoms.html

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-mononucleosis-symptoms

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9339/10351.html

[roonan]

Thanks sktmom!!!  I really appreciate your response. :)