Expert: Candy - 2/11/2005

Question
Hi Candy,
The description of your expertise was so understanding it made me teary.  I have recently been diagnosed with acute Epstein-Barr Virus, and have been unable to gleen much information from my doctor on this mysterious condition.  I have searched the internet extensively on the subject, and CFIDS keeps popping up, but there is conflicting information on whether EBV contributes to this condition.
First, regarding CFIDS, I would like to extend my sincere empathies, as our conditions are to an extent very similar.
Secondly, I would like to ask if you happen to know if EBV has been found to result in CFIDS.
And lastly, whatever your responses are to the above questions, I am wondering if you have found yourself stretching a lot.  Over the last couple of months, I find that two or three times a day it has become almost compulsive with me, and I will stretch until my muscles almost cramp.
Thank you so much for your time, and I wish you good health!
Nancy

Answer
Yes to all your questions.  Patients testing positive for EBV have either been exposed or had Mononucleosis at some time in their life.  After suufering a severe illness (ie: flu, kidney infection, etc) the EBV becomes active.  You don't have to have EBV to get CFIDS but if you do have EBV you will have CFIDS, eventually.  So they are basically one and the same.  There is a National CFIDS Association that can send you information.  I can't locate their address in my mess (I just moved) but they do have an 800 number (1-800-555-1212 to get it).  And yes, stretching is normal.  The blood flow to the muscles doesn't have as much O2 as needed, therefore, stretching.  The same explanation for yawning.