cman89
Senior Member
- Messages
- 429
- Location
- Hayden, Idaho
Howdy ya'll. i generally post here both for myself and on behalf of my mother, who has me/cfs/fibro, but is not active on the boards. This one however, is strictly for me. I want to start by listing my medical past and current situation, and then ask for advice on further steps. Here goes:
I was for all intents and purposes healthy until age 19 when I, through the course of 5 or so months, developed intestinal problems, altered my diet (unwittingly cutting out lots of calories) starting losing weight (not good. I was five ten 133 lbs at the beginning) and developed disturbed sleep patterns. The combination of weight loss, poor digestion, and lack of sleep led to some psych symptoms, and I became concerned that I had a laundry list of very serious illnesses. I ended up in the hospital, started getting proper nutrition again, and finally began sleeping through the night.
A year later I was about 80 percent recovered, with lingering gut issues and a reduction in muscular endurance. (I got stronger though, which was probably a result of more body weight due to an altered metabolism). I shunned doctors for four years until this last May, when I began having strange neuro symptoms, including tingling in my hands and light sensitivity. This continued, and I started having problems with brain fog and an overall tiredness. I was sleeping quite a bit, but it was restorative and uninterrupted.
MS was ruled out and after being treated with Augmentin antibiotic for supposed chronic sinusitis I actually started feeling much better. I was more clear headed and energetic, until I crashed. The emotional stress of a breakup took my vulnerable system and pushed me off a cliff. Now I was dealing with both the physical stress of the (possible) infection, and emotional stress of the trauma. I spent two weeks at least in a state of major insomnia plus feeling exhausted and at the same time wired during the day. It was like a 14 day speed trip. Thankfully, a combination of valerian and melatonin gave me some sleep back, and most nights I sleep ok and for good duration.
I began suspecting a possible CFS like condition, but when many of my symptoms normalized, I realized that I really don't have sever symptoms as some of you describe. However, I have been keenly interested in treatment approaches for CFS, as I feel I could greatly benefit. I struggle mostly with tiredness , fatigue, and muscle weakness. Brain fog is mostly gone, no headaches, no pain, mild PEM, but not bad.
I also have varying blood pressure, and my heartrate seems to jump upon initial exertion, stabilize, then I tire. I can engage in a fair amount of physical activity, but the top end for endurance and strength is very reduced by my standards. I have taken a break from seeing doctors, but I am ready to tackle this issue again. I have tried a basic methylation trial, after much study, and saw mild improvement, but nothing like a setback, and not amazing results either. Do I even have anything remotely close to ME/CFS? And how owuld you proceed with the medical end of things?
I was for all intents and purposes healthy until age 19 when I, through the course of 5 or so months, developed intestinal problems, altered my diet (unwittingly cutting out lots of calories) starting losing weight (not good. I was five ten 133 lbs at the beginning) and developed disturbed sleep patterns. The combination of weight loss, poor digestion, and lack of sleep led to some psych symptoms, and I became concerned that I had a laundry list of very serious illnesses. I ended up in the hospital, started getting proper nutrition again, and finally began sleeping through the night.
A year later I was about 80 percent recovered, with lingering gut issues and a reduction in muscular endurance. (I got stronger though, which was probably a result of more body weight due to an altered metabolism). I shunned doctors for four years until this last May, when I began having strange neuro symptoms, including tingling in my hands and light sensitivity. This continued, and I started having problems with brain fog and an overall tiredness. I was sleeping quite a bit, but it was restorative and uninterrupted.
MS was ruled out and after being treated with Augmentin antibiotic for supposed chronic sinusitis I actually started feeling much better. I was more clear headed and energetic, until I crashed. The emotional stress of a breakup took my vulnerable system and pushed me off a cliff. Now I was dealing with both the physical stress of the (possible) infection, and emotional stress of the trauma. I spent two weeks at least in a state of major insomnia plus feeling exhausted and at the same time wired during the day. It was like a 14 day speed trip. Thankfully, a combination of valerian and melatonin gave me some sleep back, and most nights I sleep ok and for good duration.
I began suspecting a possible CFS like condition, but when many of my symptoms normalized, I realized that I really don't have sever symptoms as some of you describe. However, I have been keenly interested in treatment approaches for CFS, as I feel I could greatly benefit. I struggle mostly with tiredness , fatigue, and muscle weakness. Brain fog is mostly gone, no headaches, no pain, mild PEM, but not bad.
I also have varying blood pressure, and my heartrate seems to jump upon initial exertion, stabilize, then I tire. I can engage in a fair amount of physical activity, but the top end for endurance and strength is very reduced by my standards. I have taken a break from seeing doctors, but I am ready to tackle this issue again. I have tried a basic methylation trial, after much study, and saw mild improvement, but nothing like a setback, and not amazing results either. Do I even have anything remotely close to ME/CFS? And how owuld you proceed with the medical end of things?