Jazzy and everyone else with chronic high EBV titers

[TiredPT]

I go in cycles in which I will run low grade fevers (i.e., 99.5-100.5) for days to weeks at a time.  Last March after the meltdown, I did this for a few months but the blood tests always come back normal for cell counts other than showing high EBV titers.  

Anyone else do this???????????

[TiredPT]

Actually a great time to be going into the field since the baby boomers are aging . . . and the young seem to still feel so old . . . . but, most programs are now doctorate degrees, meaning 4 years undergrade + 3 years postgraduate work -- almost as much as medical school.  If he is interested in the field but unsure if he wants to be in school that long right now, another viable option to consider is physical therapist assistant.  The program is generally 2-3 years total.  There are now several schools across the US that allow you to go from a PTA to a PT later, once he would have some experience, some rest from school, and some more money.  Overall the biggest thing between the 2 (besides the level of education) is that only a PT can evaluate, establish a plan of care, update long term goals the patient should achieve, and determine if a patient is ready for discharge -- ,meaning more control.  Other than that, there is A LOT more paperwork and headache, which I guess is why we (PTs) get paid more.  I have worked with a lot of awesome PTAs in the past 9 years that I would say were more knowledgable and better with the patients than 1/2 of the PTs.  It is really a lot about what he would make it, particularly once out of school.  Lots of continuing education out there that is open to both.

If he thinks that he might be interested, I recommend having him sign up to volunteer at your local hospital rehab department or therapy clinic.  Most all schools will require a certain amount of volunteer hours, so people have realistic expectations about what they are getting into.  We have had several high school students in the same situation at the hospital where I work.  The hospital is great about letting the kids volunteer in all the various departments in which they show interest.  I'd give it a try.  Much better to decide now than realize he's made a mistake thousands of dollars later!!!

Let me know if there is any other info you'd like.  

Thanks for the response . . . what is MCV and Ana's??

[Jazzyfizzle]

That is very interesting, I have never thought to check my temps when I was having a flair up period. Duh. I'm operating on half a brain now, so that is my excuse. LOL

I do usually have a few other things show up on the blood work, something with the MCV almost always. Off and on I will have low positive Ana's.

I wonder what Quix thinks about Ebv causing brain damage. Mine is listed as 'unspecified white matter disease'.  

Hey PT - my son has considered starting college for Physical therapy after he graduates. From what we are understanding, it is approx. 5 years in school. Would this be correct? I think he would do well at it, but dont' know if he can sustain that long in college. It would be nice. We have also looked into Rad. Tech. and ultrasound Tech.
Do you have any advice?  

Take care!

Jazzy

[Cowgirl37]

I have had the same problems with the low grade fevers over the last 4-5 years.  My doctor put me in the hospital the first time it happened and did a ton of blood work and came up with EBV.  Everyday I had a fever (99.00 - 101) and I was sooooo tired.  Basically in the hospital they changed the sheets every 3-4 hours because all I did was sleep and sweat.  I felt like I weighed a thousand pounds.  I could barely lift my head.  I have had the same thing (without the blood tests unfortunatley) about 3 times in the last couple of years.  I feel like there is a connection between EBV and MS.  I have not been diagnosed with ms yet, but I have 3 brain lesions, left foot drop, blurry vision in left eye, Fatigue, major cramps in leg at night, etc.etc.etc.  I don't know, maybe the EBV causes the brain lesions?  My most recent blood test was positive for EBV and I have felt like sleeping 23 hours a day, unfortunately I work and can't do that.  My red blood count was low in the new blood work also.