EBV When does it Stop?

[nick1482]

On 8-23-10 blood test showed EBV IgM 1.4 (high) WBC 5.1 range 4.0 to 10.5
On 11-17-10 = EBV Igm 1.2 (high) WBC 4.9
AST = 47
ALT = 98

Infectious Doctor prescribed a 10 day tapering course of Prednisone 60 mg decreasing by 10 mg per day for recurrent aphthous stomitits and more importantly HORRIBLE swollen cervical lymph nodes in my neck. I'm also on Valtrex 500 mg per day which I don't feel is enough according to what I read.  

My question is: Is it safe to take the prednisone for the swollen glands, I understand it's immunosuppresent but should I be worried with my immune system becoming worse with the labs shown above??

I'm really fed up with this virus its really taking its toll. I've been experiencing all of the classic "hallmark symptoms" since 2003 on and off. it comes for a few months then goes away all of a sudden then will lay dormant for months or years then come back.  swollen lymph gland in the neck, lesions on the tip of my tongue with white rings around them (aphthous stomitits) i guess? Thrush, panic attacks, and a pressure headache that feels like im being fogged in a smoke screen and of course severe fatigue.  

And here's the door banger! I've tested HIV 0-1-2 negative 5 times. I thought this was what it was because of the symptoms before the doctor decided to do a EBV test. I even asked about Lymphoma and the doctor said nah “I don’t think so” etc. I’m from Jersey so the doctors here barely have a few minutes to talk to you no less look over your labs. even the RN’s that take your blood pressure forget to take the cuff off before they leave the room. Unfortunately, you have to do a lot of the leg work & research yourself. get your script for your labs and then bring them to a new doctor. Pretty frustrating to deal with especially when your not feeling good.

Another question:  Is this just EBV or could it be something else? Could it be lymphoma, MS, Cancer, Meningitis?? Why Does it always last so long? Please help, Nick.

[9DodgeFan]

Most of what you're saying is good advice.  I would add that WBC and lymphocytes also commonly go up during EBV infection.  To nick1482, I think it's interesting your doctor prescribed an immunosuppressant, but it makes sense to me if the goal is to get the swollen glands down.  I suppose it could make the sickness last a little longer, but it's hard to say.  You said he's an infectious disease specialist though, so I would trust that he's doing what's best!

[kaurini]

Hi..i have EBV.  It was after 8 weeks that i had the blood test and the mono test came back negative..which is common ...i was told...i t was borderline so i have had another this week....i have read the blood test for some does come back negative but doesn't mean you haven't got it.........odd isn't it?

My confirmation I have GF came in the form of giving it to my sons girlfriend who is a Doctor herself............else, my Doctor was barking up different trees if this hadn't happened.

My symptoms started with tonsillitis, white spots on them..,they lasted for 8 weeks..then sweating for about 4 weeks after tonsillitis symptoms..then swollen neck glands.

Now, 12 weeks later my Liver is swollen, and because Liver swollen a gall stone was felt as well....(liver is half under ribs and avbout half down from ribs on right side to middle ..

....... I'm resting as much as possible.....i have noticed that high doses of vitamin C and taking Vitamin E work and Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 tablespoon a day, with or without honey..........................I have put this to the test..its very noticeable if you dont take them.....Especially the Vit C. I also take a multivit with minerals.

Eat green veg that leaks green when you cook it..like spinach and cabbage....

Also noticed cold weather makes it worse..so keep warm.

My Doctor said it isn't Lymphoma because white blood cells and lymphocytes go sky high when you have lymphoma.....and mine are not but they are still showing on red in the blood result list.

It does sound odd that they are suggesting a drug that suppresses the immune system..Glandular fever tasks the immune system greatly.......If it was me i wouldn't chance taking it. and would speak to them about it in full discussing the GF.........I was given antibiotics for the tonsillitis but nothing else., a 10 day course.........................take aspirin for glands, headaches and sore throat..Aspirin is Anti inflammatory so its good to take.......

Get well soon xxxx

[9DodgeFan]

Hi, your symptoms fit the bill for EBV, but unfortunately, they also fit the bill for a lot of other viruses too!  I'm no expert in HIV, but I would say if you've had 5 negative results, you're pretty safe there.  I don't think you actually mentioned - what were your EBV titer results?