The latest research and facts presented at the IACFS/ME conference was that roughly 10% of patients who get acute EBV mononucleosis or Ross River fever end up with CFS.
Symptoms of CFS:
A CFS diagnosis should be considered in patients who present with six months or more of unexplained fatigue accompanied by other characteristic symptoms. These symptoms include:
cognitive dysfunction, including impaired memory or concentration
postexertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours (exhaustion and increased symptoms) following physical or mental exercise
unrefreshing sleep
joint pain (without redness or swelling)
persistent muscle pain
headaches of a new type or severity
tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes
sore throat
Other Common Symptoms
In addition to the eight primary defining symptoms of CFS, a number of other symptoms have been reported by some CFS patients. The frequency of occurrence of these symptoms varies among patients. These symptoms include:
irritable bowel, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea or bloating
chills and night sweats
brain fog
chest pain
shortness of breath
chronic cough
visual disturbances (blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain or dry eyes)
allergies or sensitivities to foods, alcohol, odors, chemicals, medications or noise
difficulty maintaining upright position (orthostatic instability, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, balance problems or fainting)
psychological problems (depression, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks)
jaw pain
weight loss or gain
source: http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfssymptomsHCP.htm
Are you being treated and has your physician ruled out other possible health conditions, including heart problems, autoimmune diseases and lyme disease ?
Have you had your thyroid tests done?
Mono is horrible. I had it in my teens. The Epstein Barr Virus is the virus that causes mono. Most of the population has this virus, but not everyone with the virus gets infectious mono.according to my doctor. The Epstein Barr Virus can reactivate and you can also have mono more than once. There is a blood test for Epstein Barr. One theory with fibromyalgia is that it linked to Epstein Barr Virus or is triggered by the virus, but this is just a theory.
I am not necessarily saying you have fibromyalgia, but I often hear people with fibromyalgia say (this includes myself), "After I had a virus, I never felt the same." Fibro. doesn't show up in any tests, but a Rheumatolgist can diagnose it and treat it. Naturopathic medicine can be very helpful in treating it as well. A combination approach works best, but some people do very well just with natural alternatives.
I understand when you say you are tired of feeling ill, but people do get better. As difficult as it is, don't give up.
Warmest Regards,
Ree4tu