EBV & Cytomegalovirus

[audrey1984]

I was recently diagnosed with an active Cytomegalovirus infection. My blood tests also confirmed I'd had a previous Epstein Barr Virus infection (I had a bout of Mono about 6 years ago). I know the majority of people who get CMV have no symptoms, but I really struggled with it. I suffered from severe body aches, exhaustion, migraines, an enlarged spleen, liver and abdominal lymph nodes, abnormal liver functions, diahrrea, and significant anemia.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has experience with CMV and its symptoms - particularly having both CMV & EBV. I'm beginning to feel better, but still suffer from fatigue at times and diahrrea. I'd love to hear from anyone who has had to deal with this. Will it recuur? Should my boyfriend be worried about getting it?

I appreciate any insight anyone can provide :)

[9DodgeFan]

Epstein-Barr Virus and Cyto-Megalo Virus are NOT the same thing (which I think you already know).  I would be very surprised if having EBV would prevent you from donating, because the vast majority (90% of adults by age 30) have contracted it.  But I think your best bet is to ask the doctors or whomever is in charge of the morrow donating process.  I hope you find the answer you're looking for, and I think it's great that you're doing what you're doing!!   :-)

[613Chris1964]

I was diagnosed with what the Dr. called chronic ebv years ago and just deal with the symptoms that have never subsided. Well my sister has been fighting Hodgkins lymphoma for about 18 months now and recently had a bone marrow biopsy and it sadly comfirmed that the cancer has spread to her bones. While waiting for the results she asked it I would be willing to donate if it came to that and of course I quickly said "of course". Yesterday she got the news of the biopsy and I was doing some research on donating marrow when I came to a list of people that could NOT donate and it listed CMV positive people...my question is;is ebv also cmv as it appears to be in the same family? Thank you for your time... I have no idea what I will do if I can't donate marrow for my sister.

[turbo880]

hi,can u have active cmv but not sores on ur body,can also ebv cause cmv?  

[runnergirlSD]

I too had CMV for over six months. My doctor said it is one of the most common virus in the world, with 90% infected by the age of 40. The most important thing you need to do is rest, eat well, and try to exercise a little. Look at your diet, and really eat healthy. There are also herbal formulas for Epstein Barr that can help. You need to cut sugar out of your diet until you start feeling better. I was really sick from August to January, and then had days I would feel better, and then days I felt bad. When I got serious and changed my diet, starting meditating, taking walks everyday, and going to bed early (by 9:30), I really started to see a vast improvement. My glands are still a little swollen in my neck, but I feel great. I was told the glands can stay swollen for up to a year afterwards.

Also, I'm married, and I was worried about my husband catching it. He never seemed to get any symptoms, and would have had some by now. I was really worried about my 12 year old son, so we never shared drinks, etc, and he is fine.

[9DodgeFan]

Hi, as sickandtired87 said, there's a significant chance he has already contracted the virus (In fact, he may be the source you got it from!).  However, I'm not entirely sure about how common CMV is; I know EBV is very common (about 90% of adults have it), and it usually stays dormant the rest of your life, but there are certain things that can re-activate it.  Hopefully your bout with CMV won't cause an EBV relapse.  I've never had CMV, but I know it can be like EBV, and EBV can be a nightmare!  It's good to hear that you're beginning to feel better; hopefully that will continue!

[sickandtired87]

I'm 23, and I've had CMV since about late January this year. I'm only just now getting over some of my symptoms - fever, headaches and severe intestinal distress, in particular. I still have fatigue, congestion, severe body aches (they are less frequent though) and swollen, painful lymph nodes in my head and neck. I have an autoimmune disorder, so that may contribute to the length of my CMV infection; I'm not sure. I have never had EBV.

CMV is a part of the herpes family (like chickenpox), so it stays dormant in your body. You'll never catch it again, but some of the symptoms might recur, especially fatigue.

Your boyfriend should worry about contracting it from you if he hasn't caught it before. Chances are, he's already had it in the past, or his symptoms won't be noticeable if he contracts it. Most people contract CMV sometime in their life. After I was diagnosed, I warned my boyfriend just out of courtesy. If you're not already taking precaution, you should also avoid sharing food and drinks, and wash your hands if they come into contact with your mouth or nose.