Chronic Fatigue is not all in your head

Over the past 4 months, there have been more and more research studies coming out about a particular virus that is linked to Chronic Fatigue. I have seen people with chronic fatigue many, many times in my office. It is not only debilitating, most doctors up until recently call it a psychological disorder, nothing more.



But recent research is linking Chronic Fatigue to a virus called XMRV. This virus is related to the AIDS virus so most of the studies in years past were focused on determining how XMRV related to the AIDS virus. The researchers were not looking at CFS up until the past few years. This year, a few research studies are showing that not only do people with CFS frequently hold the XMRV virus, people afflicted with CFS also have been found to carry other infections causing a lowered immune response. For example, intestinal viruses, Chlamydia Pneumonia, EBV, HHV 6 and even rare lung parasites have been found in people who have been diagnosed with CFS.

HOW DO PEOPLE GET CHRONIC FATIGUE?

Many docs will say it's heriditary and aging is what sets off the illness. Once we reach our late 20's our immune response is commonly degraded as our cellular damage out weighs our cellular repair. Though most people don't immediately suspect CFS when subtle symptoms arise like IBS, sleep disorders, anexiety, depression, and even a slow return from a simple cold but these symptoms are frequently present long before severe symptoms arise.



Two recent posts, one from NPR http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113650222&... and one article from the NY Times http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/09/health/research/09virus.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=chronic%20fatigue%20research&st=cse have shown compelling evidence of multiple viruses being linked to CFS!

So for those of you who have had someone tell you your fatigue is in your head and stop being so dramatic and depressed, finally, the maddness comes to a stop. Nearly 98% of about 300 patients with CFS hold the XMRV virus, said Dr. Judy A. Mikovitis, the lead author of a paper in the Journal Science. (See NY Times article for more info).

As for what I know about CFS, this virus can be combatted with special drugs and the researchers and clinicians have had some remarkable results. This syndrome leaves not only the body's muscles in a fatigued state, the connective tissue system also becomes spongy, unresponsive, and unable to support the muscular contractions needed for general movement. This, in my opinion is the start of the aching joints and muscle fatigue that soon follows those daily with CFS.

If you have CFS, now is the time to take action both by finding out more about the XMRV virus and treatment available as well as taking some self-care steps to stimulating the connective tissue to combat the chronic symptoms associated with CFS. This syndrome is not in your mind. It's in your body and it's time to get out of the chronic cycle of fatigue.

All the best in health and wellness. I am sure you have not heard the last of this from me~
Best,

Sue