Expert: Candy - 9/7/2011

Question
Hi, I am trying to figure out if I have cfs cause I have most the symptoms-
always tired
flu like symptoms after exercise- includes a low grade fever
those are the worst symptoms but I also have
post nasal drip
dry itchy eyes
clogged sinuses but I have tested negative for allergys

My question is can you have cfs without swollen glands? I have not had any swelling of the glands at any point...

Answer
Yes.  That is one of the wonderful games CFIDS plays with our bodies.  The only thing that is consistent...the only thing about CFIDS that we can count on is change (which is part of the reason that it is so hard to diagnose...and the reason that so many physicians still do not believe it to be a REAL disease).  The best way to know for sure is to have your doctor test you for the Epstein Barr Virus,  If the test comes back positive then there's a 98.9% chance that you have CFIDS.  

Below is a list of some of the natural remedies that have helped me.

Vitamins and Minerals Maximum Daily Dose

Malic acid/Magnesium hydroxide 1,800-6,000 mg (take in 6 small doses)
Beta carotene (pro vitamin A) 10,000 I.U.
Vitamin B complex
B1 (thiamine) 50 mg
B2 (riboflavin) 75 mg
B3 (niacin amide) 200 mg
B5 (pantothenic acid) 200 mg
B6 (pyridoxine) 75 mg
B12 (cyanocobalamin) 100 mcg
Folic acid 400 mcg
Biotin 400 mcg
Choline 700 mg
Inositol 500 mg
PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) 50 mg
Vitamin C 2000 mg
Vitamin D 200 I.U.
Vitamin E 400 I.U.
Calcium aspartate 1200 mg
Magnesium aspartate 600 mg
Potassium aspartate 200 mg
Iron 18 mg
Chromium 150 mcg
Manganese 20 mg
Selenium 50 mcg
Zinc 15 mg
Copper 2 mg
Iodine 150 mcg

Dosage: Take one-quarter to full amount of the above nutrients on a daily basis. Begin this formula with the lowest dose of each nutrient and increase the dose slowly and gradually to the recommended maximum depending on how you are feeling.

Tinctures Maximum Daily Dose
Ginkgo biloba 2 droppers full
Ginger root 2 droppers full
Burdock root 2 droppers full
Dandelion root 2 droppers full
Licorice root 1/2 dropper full

Dosage: Take one-quarter to full amount of the above nutrients on a daily basis. Begin this formula with the lowest dose of each nutrient and increase the dose slowly and gradually to the recommended maximum depending on how you are feeling.


Food Sources of Vitamin A

Vegetables
Carrots
Carrot juice
Collard greens
Dandelion greens
Green onion
Kale
Parsley
Spinach

Next is a list of a few websites that you may find informative and helpful.

www.mcsinfo.homestead.com/files/SSDIArticle01Web.htm

www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/About_Hepatitis_pdf/1.1.1_Living_With_HepatitisC/Fibro_CFIDS.pdf

www.masscfids.org/publications/disability_handbook/MassCFIDS-FM_Disability_Handbook_12-40.pdf

www.disabilityassistance.com/social_security_disability.html
members.tripod.com/bh.cfs-fms/Links_at_Top/DisabilityInfo/Disability_information.htm

members.tripod.com/bh.cfs-fms/Links_at_Top/DisabilityInfo/How_to_Apply_for_SS_Disability_Insurance_benefits_if_you_have_FMS.htm

www.disabilitysecrets.com/

www.immunesupport.com/articles/articles.cfm?disease=Fibromyalgia

pbcers.org/ssd.htm

pbcers.org/SSD-ALL.htm

www.disabilitydoc.com/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-and-d/

www.myida.org/dislinks.htm

Here are some links where you can get support and other info.
www.cfids.org

www.ncf-net.org

www.cfidsselfhelp.org

wwcoco.com/cfids/forms.html

www.cfidsers.org

www.supportalk.com/detail-1244625.html

virtualhometown.com/dfwcfids/doctor.html

www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs/support/supus.htm

www.healingwell.com/pages/Chronic_Fatigue_Syndrome/Organizations

I hope this has been some help.  Just remember....this is a REAL disease...no matter what anyone might say to you.  And that you are not alone.  Find a support group in your area (or do like I did and start one) because having someone to share with that understands what you are going through helps...it really does.  I wish you the best of luck and if I can be of any further assistance please ask.