Experience Licensed Naturopathic Physician for 6 years
Currently: Faculty in the Department of Naturopathic Medicine, National University of Health Sciences, Lombard, IL
Organizations American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Illinois Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Education/Credentials Bastyr University, doctor of naturopathic medicine
University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine, residency in family and integrated medicine
Question Hello! GOsh Im glad I have found this site. I get frustrated with drs just giving me medication and not trying to find out what caused the fire so to speak.
I have been exhausted for about 12 days now. I sleep every afternoon after work for about an hour and 1/2 and then sleep at 10 till 7. I am usually very active (work out 5 times a week- running 2-4 miles, surf a few times a week). I have NO energy to do those things. At first I thought it was a sinus infection and ear ache- they went away... but 3 days later my legs started hurting so bad that I would wake up and couldnt sleep. My legs have been hurting like this for 4 days now. They are getting a little better, but still hurt.. my upper back in achey too now (since yesterday).
I went to urgent care on fri and they did not take me so I went back the next morning. All blood work is clean, no mono, nothing. The Dr. said it is a virus. The blood work showed lower but not considerably low White Blood cell count and the dr said I had higher levels of bile but nothing to be concerned with.
Is there a flu going around that is like this? What kind of virus would cause this? What can I do to get better?
I have cut out all refined sugars for 10 days, drink LOTS of water and fresh organic juice. I am vegan so I have been taking B12, Calcium, drinking Apple cidar vinegar (2 tbls a day) & emergen-C drinks.
Note: I have no insect bite marks or anything.
THank you for your time and hopefully quick response. I am seeing another Dr tomorrow but cannot afford a holistic health practitioner because of my insurance. I really wish I could afford it because i truly beleive natural medicine is the way to go.
-Kristen
Answer Hello Kristen,
Thanks for writing. Typically, a virus will cause symptoms for up to 10 days, so there is the possibility that something else is going on. Without looking at the blood work, I couldn't tell you for sure, but it could be a secondary bacterial infection (besides mono or what has been ruled out). Also, you may have had an underlying condition that the virus may have exacerbated by stress on your system. Hopefully, the next practitioner you see may be able to rule out some additional conditions. The bigger question, what was the initiating event or underlying cause, is something that would be best investigated with an ND or other holistic doctor. But if that's not a possibility, you can take a close look at what was going on in your life prior to this--changes in sleep, diet, environment, activities, increased stress, life changes, emotional issues--which may pinpoint a possible area of intervention.
In the meantime, if it is a viral infection, you can do some things on your own. Rest, simple diet, hydration, and home hydrotherapy (sauna or hot showers followed by cold), will help with recovery. You might want to consider a supplement to boost the immune system such as mushrooms, echinacea, astragalus, larch, elderberry, probiotics, or a combination of herbs. That might be helpful in restoring normal function. Finally, homeopathics, which are chosen according to your specific symptoms, help stimulate the natural ability to heal. You can use a remedy finder such as abchomeopathy.com to find what fits for you.
In health,
Dr Conner
