Thursday 27 March 2014

UPDATE 2014

ME/CFS - chronic fatigue syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis.

After having Glandular Fever, I was constantly told that I was suffering the 'after effects of glandular fever' for two years. The symptoms I have are similar of that of Glandular Fever; achey, EXTREMELY tired, generally unwell, sore throat. Plus some new additions; shakey hands, feeling sick after eating etc.

Finally in March 2014, I couldn't stand it any longer, I had gone completely downhill - feeling as bad as I had done while having the Glandular Fever just minus the sore throat/swollen glands. 
I knew it wasn't the after effects of glandular fever anymore... it couldn't be.

I would strongly urge anyone after Glandular Fever who is feeling this way to seek help. My GP didn't really understand - the 'after effects of Glandular Fever' do not last for 2 years plus and your not going insane/imagining them. Its all well and good, people telling you to do exercise, stop sleeping, stop moaning etc - but it seems physically impossible. 
That's because it is!

In March 2014, I paid to go private and saw a specialist in Endocrinology; Dr Annice Mukherjee. 
Who diagnosed me with M.E/CFS.
Although to most people this would be bad news; to me this seemed like a light at the end of a very long and very very dark tunnel - someone understood and didn't think I was making it up/going insane etc.
She put me on vitamins as my body was completely depleted in all vital vitamins and minerals - a normal symptom of M.E, I had incredibly low blood pressure and all the sleep and lack of movement was putting a strain on my organs.
This was three weeks ago and after strictly taking my vitamins, cutting out Coca Cola completely, eating healthy - no processed foods - I feel healthier - not BETTER, healthier.
Vitamins; 
Spatone Water, A to Zinc Centrum Tablets, DLux Vitamin D Spray.


Yesterday I went back for my second consultation and was told I was doing really well; she told me to continue doing what I am doing. 

ME/CFS is a disability. 
It is a debilitating, life effecting illness - I'm never going to get better but I can learn manage it. To most something like this would be life changing, but after having Glandular Fever for 2 years, I don't feel much different. And if I can make myself feel the slightest bit better by taking vitamins and not napping then that's what I will do! 
Along with not drinking alcohol (or not having a lot), not exerting myself to the point where I am bed bound for a week and not overdoing it. All these things seem simple and easy in comparison to being so tired you cant even wash your hair.

Just because I have ME/CFS after Glandular Fever doesn't mean that everyone will, but it may be possible and its best to know when to know your GP may not be helping. I keep thinking I could have been feeling this much better a year ago, but we'll never know!

There is a lot of help out there and now, after many phone calls to my chosen university, I can start university in September knowing that I will have help at the ready if I need it.

Although I will never be rid of ME/CFS, I will be able to manage it, the bad bouts will become less and less frequent and not last as long, and the good bouts may last longer! It's going to take a while, but I feel like a weight has been lifted now I have been diagnosed! I feel so much better now I know why I feel like this. 

Helpful Links
www.fatiguewise.co.uk  < Dr Mukherjee's webiste, very helpful!
www.meassociation.org.uk < The ME association
www.actionforme.org.uk < Action for ME


Again, I urge you to see the doctor if any of this sounds like you.

Thank you for reading and I hope this helps someone out there!
Any questions, more info email me: 
livyx@live.co.uk 

Olivia xxx


1 comment:

  1. Hi Olivia, great to stumble across your blog. I am struggling with Glandular Fever and have started talking about my journey via my own blog. Good to have someone out there understand fatigue and confirm that it's not all in my head. Hope you're doing well!

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