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Do I Have CFS - What's WRONG With Me?
Hi,
I'm a single, full-time father to three teenaged sons, a successful, work-from-home freelance writer. My life is grand, full of love and happiness.
However, about eight months ago, it was like the light's were just turned off on me -- massive fatigue set in, a significant loss in my ability to focus and concentrate, body aches, an occasionally racing heart. I'd never had any problems like this before.
I went to a doctor, who ran a series of blood tests, which revealed an elevated hematocrit -- not severely elevated, but well above normal. That yielded the diagnosis of polycythemia which, if you know anything about, is a condition almost always caused by something else. A CT scan of my abdomen revealed a 3-cm gallstone, but everything else looked good. My EKG was good. Everything else was normal. I'm set to do a sleep study in a couple of weeks to rule out sleep apnea, a condition I am doubtful that I have.
But I feel terrible almost all the time -- severe fatigue, tremendous difficulty concentrating and focusing (and, of course, getting my work done), body aches (especially in the left shoulder), etc. My doctor last week prescribed Vyvanse to help boost energy levels and focus, and that seems to help a little bit, but only a little bit. I'm doing my very best to keep it all together for my sons, who have no idea I'm feeling this way.
I am absolutely determined to feel better. I have far too much I want and need to do in this, not least of all raise three good men. By the by, I'm a 43-year old male, in good shape, practice yoga regularly (or did, until the last couple months). I would DEEPLY appreciate any thoughts or comments on what the heck might be happening here. Thank you so much.
I'm a single, full-time father to three teenaged sons, a successful, work-from-home freelance writer. My life is grand, full of love and happiness.
However, about eight months ago, it was like the light's were just turned off on me -- massive fatigue set in, a significant loss in my ability to focus and concentrate, body aches, an occasionally racing heart. I'd never had any problems like this before.
I went to a doctor, who ran a series of blood tests, which revealed an elevated hematocrit -- not severely elevated, but well above normal. That yielded the diagnosis of polycythemia which, if you know anything about, is a condition almost always caused by something else. A CT scan of my abdomen revealed a 3-cm gallstone, but everything else looked good. My EKG was good. Everything else was normal. I'm set to do a sleep study in a couple of weeks to rule out sleep apnea, a condition I am doubtful that I have.
But I feel terrible almost all the time -- severe fatigue, tremendous difficulty concentrating and focusing (and, of course, getting my work done), body aches (especially in the left shoulder), etc. My doctor last week prescribed Vyvanse to help boost energy levels and focus, and that seems to help a little bit, but only a little bit. I'm doing my very best to keep it all together for my sons, who have no idea I'm feeling this way.
I am absolutely determined to feel better. I have far too much I want and need to do in this, not least of all raise three good men. By the by, I'm a 43-year old male, in good shape, practice yoga regularly (or did, until the last couple months). I would DEEPLY appreciate any thoughts or comments on what the heck might be happening here. Thank you so much.
HI SpaldingNahi.
I just "bumped" into this thread accidentally.
Please don't look too far. Polycythaemia, regardless of the cause(s)
could be the main suspect.
Damage occurs when the blood becomes too thick because of Polycythaemia, as it can literally starve your cells of oxygen thus causing permanent damage to your organs, including your heart and your and brain.
When your circulation slows down, it affects your entire body with potentially serious consequences, if not treated early and diligently.
The risk of heart attacks and strokes is increased,as blood clots can develop.
Regular monitoring of your blood and Venesection as needed, will be required, to ensure symptom prevention and complications.
Have your thyroid levels checked as well. Ask and insist for FreeT3, FreeT4 and Reverse T3. for accurate tissue thyroid function.
Finally look into abnormal breathing patterns. as this could be a factor in
polycytheamia.
I'm presently studying advanced Buteyko breathing techniques,
The Buteyko Breathing Method is a powerful approach for reversing health problems associated with improper breathing.
Just visit the NormalBreathing website for details.
I hope this helps, however, my comments are not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Best wishes.
Niko
I just "bumped" into this thread accidentally.
Please don't look too far. Polycythaemia, regardless of the cause(s)
could be the main suspect.
Damage occurs when the blood becomes too thick because of Polycythaemia, as it can literally starve your cells of oxygen thus causing permanent damage to your organs, including your heart and your and brain.
When your circulation slows down, it affects your entire body with potentially serious consequences, if not treated early and diligently.
The risk of heart attacks and strokes is increased,as blood clots can develop.
Regular monitoring of your blood and Venesection as needed, will be required, to ensure symptom prevention and complications.
Have your thyroid levels checked as well. Ask and insist for FreeT3, FreeT4 and Reverse T3. for accurate tissue thyroid function.
Finally look into abnormal breathing patterns. as this could be a factor in
polycytheamia.
I'm presently studying advanced Buteyko breathing techniques,
The Buteyko Breathing Method is a powerful approach for reversing health problems associated with improper breathing.
Just visit the NormalBreathing website for details.
I hope this helps, however, my comments are not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Best wishes.
Niko
Hi Spalding-
So, so sorry to hear about your situation. I feel for you. I am in a similar situation, but with a wife; cannot even begin to contemplate what the alternative would be.
I have pretty much all of the hallmark symptoms of CFIDS and am going to see a specialist shortly. However, after years of failed Lyme tests and no further follow-up, I finally went to a Lyme specialist, who had me tested by IGENEX and lo and behold, my test came back positive for lyme, babesia, mycoplasma and other co-infections. I recommend that you seek out a lyme literate medical doctor. It may not be lyme, but often times, complex conditions, like CFIDS are diagnosed through exclusion.
Please let me know if I can help in any way.
Hang in there.
So, so sorry to hear about your situation. I feel for you. I am in a similar situation, but with a wife; cannot even begin to contemplate what the alternative would be.
I have pretty much all of the hallmark symptoms of CFIDS and am going to see a specialist shortly. However, after years of failed Lyme tests and no further follow-up, I finally went to a Lyme specialist, who had me tested by IGENEX and lo and behold, my test came back positive for lyme, babesia, mycoplasma and other co-infections. I recommend that you seek out a lyme literate medical doctor. It may not be lyme, but often times, complex conditions, like CFIDS are diagnosed through exclusion.
Please let me know if I can help in any way.
Hang in there.
Hi, Ninja... Nope, never had any troubles with anxiety or depression. This is all out of the blue, and it's really messing me up. I'm so glad you're feeling better.
hope you feel better soon and the doctors solve this problem, have you ever suffered anxiety attacks? i was feeling symptoms like that few years ago where i was in the middle of working, and started getting dizzy and heart racing, room spinning, went to doctor had all test done everything came back all ok, then doctor thought of it being depression and anxiety even though my life was great, got put on meds and felt better,
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