8 Tips for Coping With Chronic Illness

According to the Centers for Disease Control, six out of 10 adults in the United States have a chronic disease. Four out of 10 adults have two or more chronic diseases.  So, if you don’t have a chronic disease, chances are you know someone who does or you will develop one in the future.  

  
What is a Chronic Disease?

A chronic disease is a condition that is long-lasting or it comes on slowly with time.  When using the term chronic, it usually means longer than 3 months. Examples of chronic diseases are diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, hepatitis C, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia – just to name a few. There are many more. I am not trying to exclude anyone. 

These diseases may get better or worse over time. 

8 Tips for Coping With a Chronic Disease

Those with a chronic disease are often overwhelmed with the diagnosis and the disruption it causes in their life. Here are a few helpful tips to consider if you or a loved one are diagnosed with such a condition.

1. Ask for Information:   Before leaving the doctor's office, ask your healthcare provider for resources.  These may include trusted websites and printed literature. Do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider after your appointment to get further questions answered.  

2.     2. Online Support Groups: There are many online support groups at your fingertips.  This is especially good news for those whose disease limits their mobility.  

      Support groups can be found on Facebook and all of the ones I have been on were “private.”  This means your posts will only show to those in the group.  There is also Mayo Clinic Connect.  You do not have to be a patient at Mayo to join.  It is open to anyone.  

      The good news is you live in the 21^st century and technology can be your friend.  The bad news is you live in the 21^st century and technology can be your foe!  You cannot believe everything you read online (except for my blog of course! 😉) While engaging in online support groups, I came across information that was not true. There is also a lot of negativity.  Sift that out and focus on the positive.

      I learned a lot being in online support groups. I came across the amazing doctor who is treating me now. However, there came a time when I had to disengage from those groups as I was on the road to recovery.

3.      3. In-Person Support Groups:  Check out your local hospital website for support groups that meet in your area.  Many have groups for Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, and more. Other ways to find local support groups is to do an online search and ask your healthcare provider.  There is power in knowing you are not alone in your journey!

4.      4. It’s Okay to Grieve:  Many diseases take away more than your health.  I know first-hand how chronic disease can take away your social life, career, finances, hobbies, and ability to care for yourself.  I have been there.  

      Grieving is normal and sometimes you need to get it out in order to move on.  Talking with a trusted friend and journaling are a few ways to purge yourself of the anger and loss you feel.  Of course, talk with your healthcare provider or a professional counselor if these feelings are unmanageable or beyond what you can handle.

  

5.      5. LIVE!:  Yes, it sounds obvious, but don’t forget to live a little!  A chronic condition can be overwhelming and consume a lot of your time and thoughts, but don’t let it completely consume you. 

      Do something fun!  It seems some diseases can take away fun when you are literally left physically unable.  If that’s the case, find something simple.  Google some funny videos.  When I had no energy to go out (or even stand up long enough to get ready to go somewhere), I would look forward to Saturday date night with my husband -- laying on the couch, eating our favorite snacks, and watching a fun show while still in my pajamas from the night before. 😄

6.      6. Accept Help:  If you are offered help, accept it.  I’m going to go out on a limb and say that people who offer help really want to help!  Take them up on it.  It’s a win-win.  You get something knocked off your to-do list and they feel better for helping you.

7.     7.  Keep a Gratitude Journal:  It doesn’t have to be elaborate.  Just grab a notebook and pen or your computer.  Write down what you are grateful for. It may be as simple as the sun is shining or that you were grateful for the bluebird outside your window. Also include accomplishments.  Maybe you have diabetes and you resisted the urge to overindulge in carbs.  That’s an accomplishment!  Or maybe you didn’t have such a great day.  That happens to all of us.  If so, then write what you learned or the fact that you pressed on despite the disappointing day.  Attempt to make this a daily practice.

8.      8. Don’t Take Things Personally:  You will get lots of advice from people -- even those who don’t understand or know anything about your illness. They may say the dandiest things like, “It must be nice that you aren’t working,” or “Well at least you don’t have what I have,” or “I knew someone who had that and she never recovered.”  

      Again, sift through it.  Some folks will be negative.  If you don’t want to hear it, change the subject.  Most people are trying to be helpful.  Don’t feel like you have to explain your illness to everyone.  Not everyone will understand and nor do they have to.  Over time, you will do better with handling these situations.

If you have more tips or a comment, please share below.

Remember: It's your body, your health, your life.  YOU are your best advocate!

Best in Wellness,

Marianne  😊

  Share your comments below or contact me directly at  mrbush1990@gmail.com



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"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." (Romans 12:12)

Disclaimer:  This blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  It does not replace the medical advice of a physician.  The readers should regularly consult with their primary care practitioner in matters relating to health, disease, any symptoms, medications, and supplements. The information on this site is for educational purposes only. It is recommended you speak with your primary care provider before making any changes regarding your health.

More Than Anxious

This blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  It does not replace the medical advice of a physician.  The readers should regularly consult with their primary care practitioner in matters relating to health, disease, any symptoms, medications, and supplements. The information on this site is for educational purposes only. It is recommended you speak with your primary care provider before making any changes regarding your health. 

MORE THAN ANXIOUS

I had a request to write a post on anxiety.  I thought it was a great idea since chances are either you or someone you have interacted with today suffers from anxiety.  May is actually Mental Health Awareness Month, so there is no time like now to discuss this.

Anxiety is one of those illnesses that is difficult to understand unless you have been there.  Some anxiety sufferers have been told, "It's all in your head!"  Well, if what they mean by that statement is that there is a malfunction in the nervous system (especially the brain), then I guess they are correct since the brain resides in our heads!  However, usually that statement is suggesting that you just need to change your thinking and get over it.  This post is not only for those who are dealing with anxiety but also for the lucky ones who are not.  Chances are if you do not have an anxiety disorder, then you know someone who does.  

Anxiety101

Approximately 40 million adults suffer from anxiety in the United States, making it the most common mental illness.  That means nearly one in five of us have this common disorder.  The interesting thing though is that less than 40% receive treatment.

You may have felt anxious a time or two (or more!) for various reasons.  As you may be aware anxiety symptoms include: feeling tense, restless, nervous, having a sense of impending doom or panic, increased heart rate, trembling, sleep problems, gastrointestinal symptoms, and avoiding things that trigger anxiety.  If you feel some of these symptoms before a test or a performance that may be normal.  However, when it is interfering with your work, relationships, or every day activities, that may be a sign that it is time to see your doctor. 

Is it possible that the reason for less than half of those with anxiety not seeking treatment is due to the stigma attached to mental illness?  They may think that they should be able to think or pray their way through it.  Some are told if they ignore it, it will go away.  The fact that anxiety can be caused by genetics, trauma, and biological factors (just like other illnesses), can make it difficult for it to just go away if ignored.   It may even be a sign of other conditions such as hyperthyroidism. Therefore, it is important to see your doctor if you suspect you may be suffering from anxiety.  It can often times be diagnosed by your primary care practitioner (PCP) based on your symptoms and ruling out other conditions according to DSM-5 criteria.  Sometimes you may be referred to a psychiatrist for diagnosis. 

It's Just In Your Head - well, sort of!

The pathophysiology behind anxiety is quite vast.   The brain is a complex organ to say the least! Here are a few things that may be disrupted causing anxiety disorders.

1.      Neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and others) may not be at healthy levels, affecting our mood.  That is how some anxiety medications work – by altering the levels of these neurotransmitters. More on that later. 

2.      The way we process amino acids (proteins) can affect our levels of neurotransmitters. One may have a genetic predisposition that disrupts this process leading to certain conditions like anxiety and depression.

3.      There are also structures in the brain that may not be working properly and trigger anxiety, such as the amygdala.  This set of almond size neurons deep in the brain processes emotions and is responsible for how the body reacts to fear. Experts believe many types of anxiety disorders are due to its malfunctioning.  Sometimes a mental stressor (such as abuse) or a physical stressor (such as an infection) is enough to cause the amygdala to not work properly.

4.      The hippocampus is another part of the brain that is important in processing emotions.  In addition, it processes long-term memories.  It is often found to be smaller in those who suffered abuse as a child and in some people with depression. There is a link between stress and a smaller hippocampus which is tied to anxiety disorders.

      The point is that there are physical causes for a mental illness!

Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are many kinds of anxiety disorders:  Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and specific phobias.  You may recognize some of them.  I’m not going to go into details about each one, but more information can be found at the Health and Human Services website.

Treating Anxiety

So what can be done about anxiety?  There are a variety of medications, natural remedies, and lifestyle adjustments that can help manage this illness.

Let’s look at some conventional methods first.

·        Antidepressants (mostly SSRIs– selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) are used commonly to treat anxiety.  They work by stopping the re-uptake of serotonin therefore increasing serotonin which is one of our feel good neurotransmitters.  They are usually taken once a day and usually a difference is seen in a few weeks.  Many people are on these long term. There are side effects such as (but not limited to) insomnia, drowsiness, nausea, decreased libido, headache, blurry vision.  Not everyone has side effects and some may go away after a few weeks.  An interesting fact about serotonin is that there are more serotonin receptors in our gut than there are in our brain.  That is why many people with irritable bowel syndrome may also have depression/anxiety.  There is a lot of interesting research out there now about the gut-brain connection.

·          Besides SSRIs, there are also benzodiazepines, sedative type medications that help increase GABA.  These may be prescribed short term.  They are addicting and are not meant to treat anxiety long term.

·        Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):  This involves working with a qualified counselor to help identify faulty thoughts and come up with solutions. 

There are some herbal and other supplement remedies as well.  Keep in mind that these can also have side effects and interfere with certain medications, so you need to do your research and inform your doctor if you are thinking of going this route.

 According to the Mayo Clinic, the following are a few herbal remedies that have shown some effectiveness for anxiety in clinical studies.

·        Kava:  appears to be promising, but there is controversy over reported cases of serious liver damage.  Use caution.

·        Passion Flower: often combined with other herbs; generally considered safe

·        Valerian: generally considered safe; not recommended for longer than a few weeks since long term safety studies are lacking

·        Chamomile: generally considered safe; can increase the risk of bleeding; caution with blood-thinning medications; possible allergic reactions of you are allergic to other plants in chamomile family such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies

·        Lavender: may cause constipation, low blood pressure, and increase sedative effect of other medications or supplements; may reduce anxiety when used as aromatherapy

·        Lemon Balm: generally well-tolerated; may cause nausea, abdominal pain

Here are a couple of other supplements used for anxiety.

·        L Theanine: This is one of my favorites for calming all of that “mind chatter.”  Some of you might be laughing because you know what I’m talking about.  Sometimes my brain does not stop.  Even if I’m resting, I’m still thinking!  L theanine is an amino acid and is needed for the body to make GABA (the calming neurotransmitter).  It is found in green tea and can be taken as a supplement on an empty stomach.  One of the benefits is that it is not sedating.

·        CBD Oil: The endocannabinoid system is found in many parts throughout the body—one of which is the amygdala (mentioned above).  CBD oil is discussed extensively in my April 2019 post.

A few simple lifestyle changes may ease anxiety.  Here are a few helpful tips.

·        Physical activity can be beneficial.  Of course do something you will enjoy.  You don’t have to join a gym if that’s not for you.  A simple walk can do wonders.  Walk and vent with a friend who will listen and then follow that with a cup of green tea (preferably decaf). J

·        Deep breathing exercises:  This is something you can do anytime, anywhere and no one even has to know.  You may be sitting at your desk at work or driving down the highway.

·        Sleep: Sleep is important for restoring our bodies and filling up our stress tanks.  When we cut ourselves on sleep we can deplete ourselves of important chemicals necessary to help balance our mood.  Here guidelines on good sleep hygiene from the CDC.

·        Meditation:  Some think of monks or chanting when they hear the word meditation.  That doesn’t have to be the case though. There are all kinds of ways to meditate.  Some types of meditation include guided imagery and mindfulness. Or you can focus on a specific word or scripture. Sometimes I just like to sit on the porch, close my eyes, and focus on all the different sounds of birds chirping. Yes, meditating can be overwhelming for those that are constantly active physically or mentally, but you will be surprised at the benefits after just a few short weeks of practice.  Checkout some meditation apps such as Calm and Insight Timer.

·        Yoga or gentle stretching.  If you are not sure where to start check out some videos online.

·        Journaling:  Writing down thoughts and struggles can be calming.  Keep a journal at your bedside and if thoughts are keeping you from going to sleep, write them down to get it off your chest.  Others benefit from focusing on the positive by keeping gratitude journals.

Final Thought

Thinking good, positive thoughts can do wonders for the body, but sometimes it may not be enough when it comes to anxiety disorders. If you are battling an anxiety disorder and someone tells you just to think differently, you may want to respond by telling them to just think differently when their appendix is ready to burst! Would you be ashamed if your appendix burst and you needed treatment?  Of course not, so it goes with a mental disorder.   

Remember: It's your body, your health, your life.  YOU are your best advocate!

Best in Wellness,

Marianne

  Share your comments below or contact me directly at  mrbush1990@gmail.com


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References and Further Reading

Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961

https://www.hhs.gov/answers/mental-health-and-substance-abuse/what-are-the-five-major-types-of-anxiety-disorders/index.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/ssris/art-20044825

https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/expert-answers/herbal-treatment-for-anxiety/faq-20057945

https://www.cdc.gov/features/sleep/index.html

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." (Romans 12:12)

Disclaimer:  This blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  It does not replace the medical advice of a physician.  The readers should regularly consult with their primary care practitioner in matters relating to health, disease, any symptoms, medications, and supplements. The information on this site is for educational purposes only. It is recommended you speak with your primary care provider before making any changes regarding your health.

Cannabis Clarity and CBD

 This blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  It does not replace the medical advice of a physician.  The readers should regularly consult with their primary care practitioner in matters relating to health, disease, any symptoms, medications, and supplements. The information on this site is for educational purposes only. It is recommended you speak with your primary care provider before making any changes regarding your health. 

Cannabis Clarity and CBD

Since April is National Cannabis Awareness Month I thought it would be appropriate to write a post related to this hot topic.  In all honesty, I was not well informed on cannabis until doing some recent continuing education and research.  The information out there today can be overwhelming, so allow me to clear the smoke and provide some clarity.

 I’m hoping to simplify a few terms that you may hear such as hemp, CBD oil, marijuana, and THC.  Some think that anything related to cannabis is illegal or all about getting high.  That is only partly true.  This article sheds some light on the confusion surrounding this popular subject.  You will learn about your body’s own cannabinoid system, the difference between marijuana and hemp, the legality of cannabis, and CBD oil benefits and tips on how to find a good quality CBD oil.

 You may be familiar with some of the varieties of the cannabis plant including hemp and marijuana.  These plants consist of varying chemicals called cannabinoids.  Some cannabinoids you may have heard of are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). What you may not have heard is that we have our own endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our body as discovered by Raphael Mechoulam in 1992.  The “runner’s high” is actually due to our endocannabinoid receptors being activated during prolonged physical activity.  The ECS receptors encompass several systems of the body including the nervous, gastrointestinal, and immune systems. ECS receptors can be found in specific organs such as the, pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands, the brain, liver, lungs, and kidneys just to name a few. So what does the ECS do?  I was quite impressed with its broad function.   Homeostasis or “balance” is its main role.  It is involved in inflammation and anti-inflammatory signaling, inhibiting and stimulating the nervous system, fat storage and release, energy uptake, immune response, management of blood sugar, blood pressure and hormone levels just to name a few.  There are many cannabinoid receptors in the body, but CB1 and CB2 are the most studied. 

So we have endocannabinoids in our own bodies.  In nature, there are phytocannabinoids (meaning cannabinoids derived from plants). Hemp and marijuana plants are similar in that they are both considered cannabis plants.  The difference is that hemp contains <0.3% THC.  The THC content in marijuana can vary widely, but contains 50% THC on average according to NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse). That is quite a difference!  THC is responsible for the euphoria or high.  Besides the THC content, another difference between hemp and marijuana is legality issues. Marijuana law varies among states.  At least 30 states and DC have some sort of medical or adult use laws on the books.  That number is probably changing as I write this. You can check out your state law here. On the other hand, hemp is legal in all 50 States per the 2018 Farm Bill.  It is managed by the Department of Agriculture as a crop and interstate commerce is allowed.  Only cannabis with <0.3% THC can be legally classified as hemp. Hemp was primarily known for its fibers and industrial use, but now it may be known more for being a popular source of CBD oil.

So what is up with all the hemp hype?  Well, there are many benefits from CBD oil extracted from hemp. First of all, it can be used safely without the psychoactive effects from the high concentrations of THC found in marijuana.  The sources I have read seem to agree that the trace THC in hemp is not enough to trigger most drug tests. Benefits include improved mood, increased calmness, improved sleep, more resistance to stress, decreased inflammation, and decreased pain. There is evidence that it is beneficial in treating anxiety, PTSD, seizure disorders (especially in children), and schizophrenia.  Those with immune dysfunction illnesses such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia, and chronic Lyme may also benefit.  Currently there are clinical studies involving CBD oil in treating inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.  As if that’s not enough, according to The National Cancer Institute (NCI,) early studies are showing potential for cannabis use in cancer treatment and the NCI has concluded that cannabis can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy.  Click here  for more information on cannabis and cancer patients.

Side effects from hemp-derived CBD are uncommon and mild and may include tiredness, loose stools, mild changes in weight (gain or loss). Trials show it is remarkably safe and has a better side effect profile than current medications used to treat psychoactive and seizure disorders.  There have been no signs of potential for abuse and no withdrawal symptoms.  Again, this is regarding hemp-derived CBD oil NOT marijuana which contains much higher levels of THC.  Therefore, unlike hemp, using marijuana can lead to dependence and addiction according to NIDA (The National Institute on Drug Abuse).

As always, you should discuss all supplements with your physician.  CBD (along with 60% of medications) is metabolized by the CYP450 liver cytochrome.  Putting the science aside, this means that in taking CBD, blood levels of certain medications (such as blood thinners) may either increase or decrease. Therefore, dosages may need to be adjusted and blood levels of medications monitored.  So again, you would want to discuss that with your physician. 

So if you are thinking CBD oil is something that could benefit you, keep in mind not all oils are created equal.  CBD oil is for sale online and also at brick and mortar places such as health food stores, gas stations, and even barber shops. It is also sold by some physicians. Please shop carefully!  Here are a few things to consider. 

1.     The supplier should be able to tell you or provide on the label the CBD concentration (milligrams per ounce).

2.     The label should contain the CBD:THC ratio and a batch number (for quality control)

3.     Consider the extraction method:  Vapordistillation and CO2 methods are preferred

4.     Full Spectrum will provide not only CBD but other cannabinoids such as turpenes and THC which enhance the effectiveness of CBD thus requiring less per dose. CBD isolate is CBD only. Broad Spectrum CBD contains other cannabinoids but no THC.

5.     Organic farming methods that include clean water and are free of pesticide use are preferred.

6.     The product should be tested and verified as being free from mold, bacteria, pesticides and other additives.

So since we have our own endocannabinoid system, are there ways we can optimize that system on our own without supplementing?  Absolutely!  Having a balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids and plenty of flavonoids (nutrients from fruits and vegetables) in your diet are both important in supporting the ECS.  Exercise increases cannabinoids as well.  Stress, on the other hand, can cause the ECS to become deficient. 

 The science out there is far greater and more complicated than what is encompassed in this blog post.  There are still cannabinoids to be discovered and researched.  I believe we are just on the brink of understanding the benefits of cannabis and how its unique components can work together for specific illnesses.  Some may think of cannabis as an alternative treatment only recommended by alternative healthcare providers without scientific backup.  However, in my research, I was surprised to find support for its use across the board from MDs to NDs (naturopathic doctors).  The healthcare community, both traditional and alternative, have shown excitement about the compounds contained in cannabis. There is definitely a “buzz” in the air regarding the potential for this ancient plant! 

Remember: It's your body, your health, your life.  YOU are your best advocate!

For more information from my sources and/or further reading, check out these helpful links/resources below. 

https://www.nurse.com/ce/medicinal-cannabis-what-healthcare-professionals-need-to-know
https://rawlsmd.com/health-articles/science-behind-cbd-everything-want-know

http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/cannabis-pdq#_74

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/

https://www.projectcbd.org/how-to/cbd-user-guide

Best in Wellness,

Marianne



  Share your comments below or contact me directly at  mrbush1990@gmail.com


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"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." (Romans 12:12)

Disclaimer:  This blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  It does not replace the medical advice of a physician.  The readers should regularly consult with their primary care practitioner in matters relating to health, disease, any symptoms, medications, and supplements. The information on this site is for educational purposes only. It is recommended you speak with your primary care provider before making any changes regarding your health.

The Sleeping Giant In Us All -- A Word From The Epstein-Barr Virus

Many people have never heard of Epstein-Barr and ask me questions about it.  So here it is in simple terms from the one who is the expert – the virus itself!

Hi.  My name is Epstein-Barr Virus, but you can call me EBV for short.  You will want to listen up because I infect about 95% of human beings by the time they are adults.  So chances are I am living in you.  I am part of the herpes family of viruses, like chicken pox and shingles.  I am Herpes-4 to be exact.  So I can cause an infection, lay dormant, and then awaken later to cause another infection. I am usually initially transmitted from person to person by saliva such as sharing drinking utensils. If I infected you as a young child, you may not have even noticed.  The infection would have mimicked a cold or other minor illness.  However, if you’re not initially infected with me until teen years or early adulthood, I can cause a more intense illness called mononucleosis (mono). This is what happened to Marianne.  She was 20 years old when I infected her body leaving her with wicked fatigue, horrible sore throat, swollen tonsils and uvula (that little thing that hangs down from the top of your throat). She spent the night in the hospital and recovered enough to go back to work after a month.   Lucky for me, she was not fully recovered and working hard as an RN on a hospital unit which involved working 12 hour shifts and rotating from days to nights every month or so.  This made it easy for me to reactivate in less than six months.  You see, I love human beings under stress! That stress can be physical, mental, emotional, or environmental.  When the body is stressed, it causes a break in the immune system and then I can thrive once again.  Some specific stressors may include, work stress, chemical exposures, divorce, illness, surgery, death of a loved one, sleep deprivation, or something as simple as the standard American diet (SAD) which is high in processed foods causing the gut to get out of whack leading to a broken immune system.  (Did you know that 70% to over 90% of your immune system is in your gut?  That’s another topic for another time.)

Except for a nine month relapse, I kept quiet and subdued in Marianne’s thirties. When I’m dormant I am inactive and simply wait for a break in the immune system.  She was thriving in her mid-forties – enjoying time with family friends, working a job she loved, being in the best shape of her life, and loving her hobbies. Nothing could stop her at this point.  Did I say “nothing?”  Well, nothing except for me- good old EBV!  Because I am life changing, she remembers the exact day I returned.  No one can ever forget the intense fatigue and weakness I cause.  Simple tasks such as getting ready for work or cooking a meal become unbearable and impossible at times.  If my victims are lucky enough to be able to push themselves through work and a few social events, they often look normal to their friends and coworkers. Most have no clue what a struggle it is to be my victim. 

  Some experts call me a “stealth microbe” and for good reason.  When the body is invaded by a virus, the immune system is alerted that there is an invader and it needs to be destroyed.  However, I interfere with that messaging and tell the immune system not to bother.  I am then able to hide and thrive.  I have been known to affect the spleen and liver. In some people I attack the thyroid, leading to an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. I also mess with the mitochondria.  These are the powerhouses in human cells.  They are a major player when it comes to energy.  I don’t stop there though.  Once the body has been trying to fight me for so long, the adrenal glands get tired and lose their spunk.  These little walnut sized glands that sit on top of the kidneys pack quite a punch.  They are responsible for producing several hormones one of which is cortisol.  Symptoms of low cortisol include fatigue, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), salt cravings, increased thirst, low blood pressure, dizziness upon standing to name a few.  So this just adds to the already debilitating fatigue of the EBV. There were times Marianne would have to lay down after making a quick breakfast before she mustered up the energy to eat it!  Yes, I am one beast of a virus.

 

But it gets better.  I not only hide out in the human body, but I can be stealth when it comes to doctors as well.  Except for having active antibodies to EBV (a positive IgM antibody), for the most part Marianne’s basic bloodwork was "normal."  Doctors aren’t sure what to do with that unless it is a teenager.  They usually tell teens to rest, stay off school for a while, no sports, eat well, drink lots of fluids and take your time when you go back.  But when it’s a woman in her mid-forties they don’t say much.  Marianne was told by an infectious disease doctor that, “anyone can have antibodies to anything, but it doesn’t mean they have it.”  He tested her blood for EBV DNA which was negative so he dismissed her.  Boy am I good or what??!!  A little virus like me not only brought down a healthy, thriving woman but I was able to sneak past the expert!  Marianne is relentless though and later through her research found out the truth.  She learned that I may only express DNA in her blood for two weeks or so, then hide out in the tissues. Therefore an EBV DNA test can be negative although I have actually been reactivated.  Then there was her primary care doctor.  Her response to Marianne asking what she thought about her recurrent EBV was, “Exercise.”  I couldn’t stop laughing!  Of course Marianne would exercise if she could!  The truth is pushing oneself can make EBV symptoms worse. They certainly do not tell the teenagers with mono to exercise.  To give physicians the benefit of the doubt, reactivated Epstein-Barr Virus is not front page news in the medical journals, so knowledge is limited. What I’ve been talking about is the reactivated from of EBV.  There is also CAEBV (chronic active Epstein-Barr Virus). This form is a rare and a progressive disease that eventually leads to severe immunodeficiency, multi-organ failure, and even death. This type will show a significantly elevated PCR and is taken seriously by the medical community. 

Current research has implicated me (EBV) as the culprit in MS and other diseases.  There are 200,000 new cases of EBV associated cancers every year worldwide.  There is currently work being done to come up with a vaccine.

  I hope I have been able to answer your questions about EBV and maybe even spark some curiosity.  Science is trying to catch up with me, just check out Cincinnati Children's Hospital and  The Mono Project at the University of Minnesota. Therefore, I better run!!!..............

  MARIANNE:   Well, that was quite a mouthful from the lovely Epstein-Barr Virus.  Thanks for hanging in there and reading.  If you or a loved one are suffering from recurrent EBV (or any stealth microbe), you know how difficult it is to find a doctor who takes you seriously and who is willing to do the research to help you.  That is what prompted me to do my own research once I had the energy and to share this blog.  What I learned about treatment could encompass another blog!  To put it simply though, there is no single thing that can put this illness into remission.  It involves addressing a multitude of things and those things may be different in everyone.  The virus can affect us differently and there may be various triggers as to why it reactivates in me as compared to someone else. From what I have learned, it takes a combination of addressing vitamin/mineral deficiencies, supporting the HPA axis (hypothalamic pituitary adrenal)and thyroid, optimizing gut health, supplements to support the immune system and to fight the virus, and minimizing stress.  Some have also found antiviral medications to be helpful. 

 Most people I have been in contact with who have improved did so by working with a functional medicine doctor, an integrative medicine practitioner, or a naturopath.  I am thankful to have recently started working one on one with Dr.Rodger Murphree, as I continue my journey “back to life.”

 Whew!!  There is a lot of information out there so I’ve included some resources below for further reading.

Remember: It’s your body, your health, your life.  YOU are your best advocate!

References and For Further Reading

https://ebvhelp.com/

https://www.cdc.gov/epstein-barr/index.html

https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/9534/chronic-active-epstein-barr-virus-infection

https://www.pathology.umn.edu/research/epstein-barr-virus-ebv-diseases-research-program

https://rawlsmd.com/health-articles/epstein-barr-virus-a-key-player-in-chronic-illness

https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/news/release/2018/mono-virus

Kines, Kasia. The Epstein-Barr Virus Solution. 2018.

Murphree, Rodger. Treating and Beating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Cardinal Publisher’s Group. 2013.


Best in Wellness,

Marianne

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Disclaimer:  This blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  It does not replace the medical advice of a physician.  The readers should regularly consult with their primary care practitioner in matters relating to health, disease, and/or symptoms. The information on this site is for educational purposes only. It is recommended you speak with your primary care provider before making any lifestyle changes.