Aa
Announcement From MedHelp ~ Welcome Dr. Garth Nicholson !
MedHelp is very pleased to announce that Dr. Garth Nicholson, founder of The Institute for Molecular Medicine will be joining us in the Fibro / CFS forum to answer our questions on Monday, October 6th at 10:00 AM (Pacific Time). Dr. Nicholson was formerly the David Bruton Jr. Chair in Cancer Research, Professor and Chairman, Dept. of Tumor Biology at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. He is a Colonel (Honorary) of the U. S. Army Special Forces and a U. S. Navy SEAL (Honorary) for his work on Armed Forces and veterans' illnesses. He is currently engaged in research on the role of infections seen in chronic illnesses, including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gulf War Illness and various autoimmune diseases.
Since we will probably have many questions for Dr. Nicholson, I am asking members to send me their questions via PM. Please do this before Sunday, October 5th 5 PM (Pacific Time). With your permission, I will then e-mail him your questions so that he will have time to answer them and post his reply to your individual questions in our forum. He may then be online with us answering other questions at 10:00 AM Pacific Time, as time permits.
We would like to thank Dr. Nicholson for taking time out of his busy schedule to join us.
~ PlateletGal
Question: Where to go from here?
September 2008
Present Time: Still having minor AB and Chest Pains, Bowel Movements just not the same as prior to Dec07, Back of the head numbing and brain freeze/tingling, seems to have also moved to my face and jaw area, seem to be having some balance issues not always but does happen. Minor back pains, Brain Fog (Just seem to be out of it). Vision appears to be worse/blurry up close, (have been to eye doc no change) Still tired but not as severe as early in the year, Un- refreshing sleep, Sore Back(seems to always need popped, Periodical a stopped up head feeling and very minor pain in and around ears. Will sometimes have tenderness in Lymph nodes in Neck, Armpit and Groin. There are no factors that seem to change the above it can be morning or evening seems to progress as the day goes on. Do not have all symptoms at the same time but have some of them everyday. Results of testing are enclosed for your review.
History
I am 47 years of age 6 FT-190 pounds, weekend beer drinker and a reformed smoker (quit in Jan 07) Up to Dec 07 NO health problems, had probable been to a Doctors Office 10 times total in my life. In Dec 07 I was on a business trip in San Antonio, Tx when I began experiencing symptoms (all of a sudden like someone flipped a switch) that included the following. Chest Pains and Burning (felt hot to the touch) Back of the head numbing and what felt like an Ice Cream brain freeze. I also had this out of it feeling like a BRAIN FOG. Not wanting to have a problem in another town, I left and returned home 7 hours away. My wife drove me to a clinic where I was put on a EKG machine and the clinic Doc advised all ok gave me some Meclizine put me back on Prevacid (which I had been on years earlier) for Acid reflux and sent me on my way. At this time I did not have a Primary Doc and made an appointment with one. This doc did Complete Labs, and found nothing but elevated EBV numbers. Doc advised would look at numbers again in 30 days due to this being a Virus there was nothing else to do but Time also gave me some sinus sprays. This was a REALLY BAD time from the months of Jan-May I felt terrible, Chest Pains which really had me concerned, TIRED all the time could not wait to get to the bed or couch, loss of appetite, cold all the time, Dizzy/Lightheaded, back of the head pain(really bad that a aspirin would not help) , AB Pains, Irregular Bowel movements (still everyday but not as much product), Facial numbness/tingling, Brain Fog, Did not want to do anything. These was of great concern and due to not EVER having medical issues I returned several times to my family doctor and the following are the test and medications I have been on during this experience.
Test:
Blood Test-X 5 CBC, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Lipid, PSA, TSH, Lyme, HEP Panel, HIV Panel, Rheumatoid Arth. Factor, Sedimentation Rate-Westergren, EBV Panel, B-12, Alpha Fetoprotein Serum, H. Pylori. From the months of Jan08 to the last one Sept08
Results: With exception of EBV numbers (which all Docs say is no longer a concern) and up and down Cholesterol LDL sometimes a little high--- ALL NORMAL
XRAYS and CT SCANS-- MRI-(April08) Brain(Normal) and C-Spine-(May08) (see results under other)
CT scan Heart (Feb08) and Abdominal (June08 Prior to Colonoscopy) ---All Normal
Chest X-ray X 2 (June 08) this one remarked a few calcified granulomas are present. The Second (April08) listed Brocades otherwise No acute Cardio disease identified.
Colonoscopy and Endoscopy (June08) —Acid Reflux No other problems identified
ENT exam (Sept 08) - All Normal
Full Cardio Work-up (Feb08) Echo and CT scan, Carotid Artery Ultrasound- All Normal
Medications: That I am currently using—Prevacid, (Acid Reflux) Dicyclomine spastic colon-(only three times did not like side effects) some natural meds by Dr. Jernigan’s Borrelogen, Nutrametrix-OPC, Fish Oil Tablets. Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
Other: C-spine Impression: Neural Foraminal caliber is low normal or mildly narrowed throughout the cervical spine. This appears to be the result on congenital factors as I see no evidence of facet or uncovertebral hypertrophy. Disc morphology is well maintained, as is spinal canal diameter. Have also seen an Infectious Disease Dr. and a Second M.D
September 2008
Present Time: Still having minor AB and Chest Pains, Bowel Movements just not the same as prior to Dec07, Back of the head numbing and brain freeze/tingling, seems to have also moved to my face and jaw area, seem to be having some balance issues not always but does happen. Minor back pains, Brain Fog (Just seem to be out of it). Vision appears to be worse/blurry up close, (have been to eye doc no change) Still tired but not as severe as early in the year, Un- refreshing sleep, Sore Back(seems to always need popped, Periodical a stopped up head feeling and very minor pain in and around ears. Will sometimes have tenderness in Lymph nodes in Neck, Armpit and Groin. There are no factors that seem to change the above it can be morning or evening seems to progress as the day goes on. Do not have all symptoms at the same time but have some of them everyday. Results of testing are enclosed for your review.
History
I am 47 years of age 6 FT-190 pounds, weekend beer drinker and a reformed smoker (quit in Jan 07) Up to Dec 07 NO health problems, had probable been to a Doctors Office 10 times total in my life. In Dec 07 I was on a business trip in San Antonio, Tx when I began experiencing symptoms (all of a sudden like someone flipped a switch) that included the following. Chest Pains and Burning (felt hot to the touch) Back of the head numbing and what felt like an Ice Cream brain freeze. I also had this out of it feeling like a BRAIN FOG. Not wanting to have a problem in another town, I left and returned home 7 hours away. My wife drove me to a clinic where I was put on a EKG machine and the clinic Doc advised all ok gave me some Meclizine put me back on Prevacid (which I had been on years earlier) for Acid reflux and sent me on my way. At this time I did not have a Primary Doc and made an appointment with one. This doc did Complete Labs, and found nothing but elevated EBV numbers. Doc advised would look at numbers again in 30 days due to this being a Virus there was nothing else to do but Time also gave me some sinus sprays. This was a REALLY BAD time from the months of Jan-May I felt terrible, Chest Pains which really had me concerned, TIRED all the time could not wait to get to the bed or couch, loss of appetite, cold all the time, Dizzy/Lightheaded, back of the head pain(really bad that a aspirin would not help) , AB Pains, Irregular Bowel movements (still everyday but not as much product), Facial numbness/tingling, Brain Fog, Did not want to do anything. These was of great concern and due to not EVER having medical issues I returned several times to my family doctor and the following are the test and medications I have been on during this experience.
Test:
Blood Test-X 5 CBC, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Lipid, PSA, TSH, Lyme, HEP Panel, HIV Panel, Rheumatoid Arth. Factor, Sedimentation Rate-Westergren, EBV Panel, B-12, Alpha Fetoprotein Serum, H. Pylori. From the months of Jan08 to the last one Sept08
Results: With exception of EBV numbers (which all Docs say is no longer a concern) and up and down Cholesterol LDL sometimes a little high--- ALL NORMAL
XRAYS and CT SCANS-- MRI-(April08) Brain(Normal) and C-Spine-(May08) (see results under other)
CT scan Heart (Feb08) and Abdominal (June08 Prior to Colonoscopy) ---All Normal
Chest X-ray X 2 (June 08) this one remarked a few calcified granulomas are present. The Second (April08) listed Brocades otherwise No acute Cardio disease identified.
Colonoscopy and Endoscopy (June08) —Acid Reflux No other problems identified
ENT exam (Sept 08) - All Normal
Full Cardio Work-up (Feb08) Echo and CT scan, Carotid Artery Ultrasound- All Normal
Medications: That I am currently using—Prevacid, (Acid Reflux) Dicyclomine spastic colon-(only three times did not like side effects) some natural meds by Dr. Jernigan’s Borrelogen, Nutrametrix-OPC, Fish Oil Tablets. Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
Other: C-spine Impression: Neural Foraminal caliber is low normal or mildly narrowed throughout the cervical spine. This appears to be the result on congenital factors as I see no evidence of facet or uncovertebral hypertrophy. Disc morphology is well maintained, as is spinal canal diameter. Have also seen an Infectious Disease Dr. and a Second M.D
Thanks, Padro ! With your permission, I'm going to copy your post and e-mail it to Dr. Nicholson on Sunday night. Dr. Nicholson said that he wanted time to review and answer questions and wanted them e-mailed. He may be online then afterwards and may or may not answer more questions... depending on his time schedule.
If anyone else has any questions, please PM them to me. A member had asked me what PM stands for. It stands for "private message". Just click on my nic and click on "send message".
Thank you to those who have sent questions so far... keep them coming.
I also want to thank our MedHelp members from other boards (lyme, autoimmune diseases, etc.) who are sending me their questions as well !
This is a question for Dr. Garth Nicholson. I send it to you by private message. I am resending it again just to make sure.
Hi,
My question is related to the connection between EBV/CFS and Hashimoto/Hypothyroid.
My feeling is that being infected with EBV will somehow develop, for some people, into hypothyroidisms.
This is my story:
November 2007 I was diagnosed with Hypothyroid and Hasimoto. The doctor started me on Levothyroxine 75mcg. I was OK for a while but I was not having the energy I used to have. During the summer, I start feeling very tired. I went back to the doctor and after the blood test results my THS was back up and I was positive for chronic EBV, (EBV was 4.59 and the EBV Nuclear AG >5). The doctor changed my medication a few more times. I start having my usual flu like symptoms specific for the EBV, sore throat, low fever, joint pains, and hart palpitations. After taking high doses of vitamin C, Bs, multi, eventually my sore throat vent away.
Even I was just diagnosed with EBV I know I had this from my childhood, always getting sick with sore throat, tired, hard to do physical activity. Back then I had pneumonia two times; I was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse. When I was getting sick, sometimes for weeks or even months, I was always given big quantities of antibiotics; my physical resistance was always low, always tired. Occasionally I have herpes simplex on my lips. But the most that bothers me is getting the sore throats and joint pains, sometimes with fever. Usually I treat myself with aspirin and vitamin C, or I go to the doctor and get the usual antibiotics.
Now as I finally understood the cause of me getting always sick I would like to know what the solution to get rid of the EBV is.
Is the EBV responsible for me getting Hypothyroid? I do not have anybody in the family with thyroid problems.
Thank you for your time.
Hi,
My question is related to the connection between EBV/CFS and Hashimoto/Hypothyroid.
My feeling is that being infected with EBV will somehow develop, for some people, into hypothyroidisms.
This is my story:
November 2007 I was diagnosed with Hypothyroid and Hasimoto. The doctor started me on Levothyroxine 75mcg. I was OK for a while but I was not having the energy I used to have. During the summer, I start feeling very tired. I went back to the doctor and after the blood test results my THS was back up and I was positive for chronic EBV, (EBV was 4.59 and the EBV Nuclear AG >5). The doctor changed my medication a few more times. I start having my usual flu like symptoms specific for the EBV, sore throat, low fever, joint pains, and hart palpitations. After taking high doses of vitamin C, Bs, multi, eventually my sore throat vent away.
Even I was just diagnosed with EBV I know I had this from my childhood, always getting sick with sore throat, tired, hard to do physical activity. Back then I had pneumonia two times; I was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse. When I was getting sick, sometimes for weeks or even months, I was always given big quantities of antibiotics; my physical resistance was always low, always tired. Occasionally I have herpes simplex on my lips. But the most that bothers me is getting the sore throats and joint pains, sometimes with fever. Usually I treat myself with aspirin and vitamin C, or I go to the doctor and get the usual antibiotics.
Now as I finally understood the cause of me getting always sick I would like to know what the solution to get rid of the EBV is.
Is the EBV responsible for me getting Hypothyroid? I do not have anybody in the family with thyroid problems.
Thank you for your time.
Thanks. I received your PM and I added it to the list of questions that I am e-mailing to Dr. Nicholson this evening. He wanted time early tomorrow, before he posts to review your questions and respond.
He will be here tomorrow --- 10:00 AM Pacific Time and will post answers to all of your questions. In the meantime, please continue to send me your questions, via PM, and I will e-mail them to him (per his request).
Thanks everyone ! I'm soooo looking forward to this and I know that many others are as well !
Hi PlateletGal! Thanks for emailing me hears my question............................
I am 32 y.o. F that developed a severe EBV infection 5 years ago and have suffered from bouts of severe fatigue, low energy and altered sleep ever since. I have a family history of multiple sclerosis (first cousin died at age 50 from respitory complication from the disease). Since December of '07' I have had 3 relapse/remissions of major neurological symptoms, loss of balance, muscle weakness, altered gait, severe fatigue, heat intolerance, severe muscle spasms in my back and legs, and loss of sensation from the waist down. All the typical MS mimics have been ruled out....No primary myopathy diseases, Lyme disease, autoimmune collagen-vascular diseases, myasthenia gravis, hormonal/thyroid disease. I have not been diagnosed with MS yet because I haven't shown MS type lesions on conventional MRI w/o contrast and my clinical exam showed no abnormal reflexes. My neurologist just wants to wait and closely monitor me and repeat the imagining on a 3T MRI and possibly do magnetization transfer imaging if I have another relapse. He doesn't want to perscribe me any medication at this time to help manage my symptoms because he wants to be able to document everything and not mask my symptoms. In light of my medical/family history what other tests would you recommend that I do to rule in or rule out the diagnosis of MS? Are there any natural suppliments that would be helpful in supressing the EBV infection that may have triggered my autoimmune MS symptoms?
I am 32 y.o. F that developed a severe EBV infection 5 years ago and have suffered from bouts of severe fatigue, low energy and altered sleep ever since. I have a family history of multiple sclerosis (first cousin died at age 50 from respitory complication from the disease). Since December of '07' I have had 3 relapse/remissions of major neurological symptoms, loss of balance, muscle weakness, altered gait, severe fatigue, heat intolerance, severe muscle spasms in my back and legs, and loss of sensation from the waist down. All the typical MS mimics have been ruled out....No primary myopathy diseases, Lyme disease, autoimmune collagen-vascular diseases, myasthenia gravis, hormonal/thyroid disease. I have not been diagnosed with MS yet because I haven't shown MS type lesions on conventional MRI w/o contrast and my clinical exam showed no abnormal reflexes. My neurologist just wants to wait and closely monitor me and repeat the imagining on a 3T MRI and possibly do magnetization transfer imaging if I have another relapse. He doesn't want to perscribe me any medication at this time to help manage my symptoms because he wants to be able to document everything and not mask my symptoms. In light of my medical/family history what other tests would you recommend that I do to rule in or rule out the diagnosis of MS? Are there any natural suppliments that would be helpful in supressing the EBV infection that may have triggered my autoimmune MS symptoms?
I hope some of my thyroid friends will stop by, too .. I'm going to remind them it's today!
C~
Co-CL Thyroid Disorders
C~
Co-CL Thyroid Disorders
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Fibromyalgia Community
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
