CFS symptoms

[Lextgrim]

Hi, I have been diagnosed with CFS.  I have had it for a number of months now and I would like to know what the prognosis is like for those with CFS.

I took ill after giving birth about 7 months ago, I began with strange rashes, sensations etc... I then started getting tachycardia and spiking blood pressure.  Had all the tests done known to man.  My blood pressure still is not what it was.  I was initially told it was anxiety, however, a lot of my symptoms were so physical including rashes, fungal infections, neuro symptoms, sinus tachycardia and palps etc...

I had extensive blood work done over a period of months, all were normal, everything from thyroids, pth, ana, lupus titer, esr, serum levels, kidney and liver function, blood counts, blood cultures, 24hr urine test for adrenalin levels, you name it the test was done.  

I experienced aching all over on minimal exertion, still do, I get palpitations a lot, I still have sinus tachy which has to be controlled with beta blockers, my sinuses are blocked all the time, my voice has changed and has started getting hoarse, I get trouble swallowing, I had a swollen tonsil for a while but now it is fine, I also have the classic "crimson crescents" that you get with CFS, sometimes the tachy seems to fight the beta blockers, i,e. somedays they work and somedays I still get tachy.  

I've had spots in front of my eyes, unequal pupils which could be my medication because I started getting the pupil probs as soon as I started beta blockers.  

I have started to feel better, however, the tachy still persists.  I would like to know, if anyone has gone into remission, how long it took to go into remission, I have had ECG's, chest X rays, echocardiogram and 48hr holter and all showed that my heart was strucurally normal.  I just seem to have an elevated heart rate, worse after eating meals and on minimal exertion.  

Can anyone help?

[PlateletGal]

I am not convinced that you have CFS.  Normally, but not always, patients' who have CFS, developed CFS after an illness. A lot of these patients' have fevers, swollen lymph nodes, unfreshing sleep, muscle aches, severe headaches, gastrointestional problems, etc. etc.

Many patients' with CFS often have tachycardia ---  the type of tachycardia is called POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) and they also have low blood pressure.

You could have CFS and perhaps that would explain some of your symptoms, but if I were you, I would check out the CFIDS Association of America website and take their test, "Do I have CFIDS" ? Since you mentioned that your heart rate increases after eating meals, you  may have food allergies or even Celiac Disease. If you haven't been tested yet for those two conditions, I would consider doing so.

Good luck !

[Lextgrim]

I did get these symptoms after a string of problems, 2 infections followed by 2 viruses, all one after the other.  I also had just given birth before it started.

[PlateletGal]

I've talked to women who have said that their immune system crashed after they gave birth. I hope that you will continue to get well and that you don't have CFS. You may look into those food allergies though --- food allergies or intolerances are common with CFS. I know that gluten is a problem for many of us.

[kaznev]

It's not CFS.  Check out your cortisol.  Also check into a sleep clinic.  Sleep apnea causes tachi problems too and the exhaustion.