Chronic fatigue syndrome linked with virus similar to HIV

[CHIMO]

Often derided as lazy or crazy, for decades people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome have faced a stigma of doubt, ridicule and legal hassles over their condition.

But a new study, to be published Friday in the journal Science, shows the ailment is almost certainly caused by a virus, a close relative of HIV, and might be treatable with current AIDS medications.

Judy Mikovits, the senior study author, says that virtually all of the 101 chronic fatigue sufferers she tested for the study were infected with a retrovirus known as XMRV.

And the chance that the virus was there by accident in chronic fatigue sufferers was "infinitesimally small," especially since it was not found in the vast majority of healthy people also tested by researchers.

http://www.healthzone.ca/health/newsfeatures/research/article/707537--chronic-fatigue-syndrome-linked-with-virus-similar-to-hiv

[CoffeeCat]

1. I thought I had chronic fatigue syndrome...

For two years, I was exhausted beyond repair. I was so tired that I would get in the car and
forget where I was driving--and I would have to reorient myself because my surroundings didn't
even look familiar. And I live in a small town!

I had every test under the sun. Finally, I did some Internet research and *I* diagnosed myself...sleep apnea.

I've been on a CPAP for a little while--but I haven't felt this good in years.

I feel for CFS sufferers. You suffer and no one takes you seriously. When your chief complaint is
exhaustion, lack of energy--the doctors don't know what to do. I can't tell you how many doctors told
me I was depressed. I insisted I was not depressed--that I was tired and exhausted. They all dismissed
me and were irritated with me for not going on an anti-depressant.

It's so important that we advocate for ourselves. CFS sufferers really were maligned and positioned as
lazy whiners. The doctors really didn't know. Now, new information comes in and we do know.

Happy for anyone suffering from CFS--they can now get better treatment, and see improvement! :)

[shireen]

6. +1

i'm glad you're feeling better.
:)

[Ian David]

2. I'd been tired and sleepy my whole life, for as long as I could remember.

I used to come home from kindergarten, and when my friends wanted to play, I'd sometimes suggest taking a nap on the lawn.

And then a few years ago my doctor prescribed Provigil.

Now, I can function past 3 PM without needing to take a nap.

But when I became disabled and lost my job, Harvard Pilgrim decided I wasn't "performing useful work" and staying awake served no purpose.

My doctor had to fight them on the basis that if they ever expected me to perform "useful work" ever again, I'd need to be awake to try.

[CoffeeCat]

3. You're kidding, right???

Wow, your post is very interesting--because I have also considered Provigil. I was exhausted
to the point of delirium. I'm on my way back now, but if I am still tired after a few months
on my CPAP for sleep apnea--I will consider Provigil.

So, I'm interested in your comments. Are you saying that your healthcare provider decided that you
didn't need the drug since you didn't have a job?

SERIOUSLY????

I'm a stay-at-home mom--I don't work outside the home. Would these yahoos deny me Provigil?

That is literally...one of the most mind-blowing things I've heard this week!

[Ian David]

4. Seriously.

Compared to the complaints other people have had with insurance companies, mine seems trivial.

I won't DIE without it.

Unless I fall asleep behind the wheel of my car again.

And I have GOOD insurance through my wife's company.

I think I would still have been denied to this day if both my doctor and my wife's company's Human Resource person didn't complain.

As a stay-at-home mom, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care would say that since you do not perform "useful work" you may as well stay in bed and sleep all day.

[CoffeeCat]

5. I'm so sorry...

...that just really sucks.

This is about your quality of life! What if you were a retired person who just wanted to enjoy
camping, spending time with the grandkids and traveling? Is a person like that supposed to
through life tired all of the time--just because they're not working in an office?

No one deserves to live their life tired. And since when is it a healthcare providers business
to judge lives like that?

I know Provigil is a very expensive drug, but still.

I hope you find some solution to your tiredness. You don't have sleep apnea do you? ;)

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

11. What is the diagnosis?

[tabatha]

7. Coffee gives me chronic fatigue. Really badly.

[CoffeeCat]

8. Wow, that's interesting....

...that coffee would do that to you.

Coffee really makes me aware and gives me a bit of a kick in the morning.

Does coffee give you an initial jolt, and then later the CF?

[tabatha]

9. Yes.

But coffee depletes one's system of Vitamin B complex - which is responsible for energy. I can take coffee now and again, but if I drink any quantity two or more days in sequence, I feel drained beyond description.

Someone once suggested to ward off bugs, place a Vitamin B tablet as sold by Trader Joe's under one's tongue.
I did that - and the energy buzz afterwards was amazing.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

10. I had Lyme disease for about 5 months.

Up until that point I had been skeptical of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. My mind was quickly changed.

[Chemisse]

12. That is great news for those poor folks

I can't imagine feeling really crappy and being dismissed as a hypochondriac.