Hi everyone,

I just found this board (I thought I had found all of the message boards out there but I guess not) and wanted to stop by and say hi and talk about my symptons and experience.

I am 38 years old and I was diagnosed with chronic active Epstein Barr Virus causing secondary CFS about 4 years ago.

It took me about four months of constant visits to the doctor to find out what was wrong with me. I was ungodly tired all the time, ran a constant low-grade temp of 99.9, my throat was sore every day (only on the left side), was achy, bad headaches, etc. At first they said mono but when it wouldn't go away they sent me to a specialist.

I went to an infectious disease specialist and he did titer tests and my blood levels were the highest he had ever seen. Unfortunately, there wasn't anything he could do to treat me so I went back to my internist.

I tried a few anti-depressants (I told the doctor I wasn't depressed but what the heck I tried them anyway believe it was Welbuterin and Zoloft) but they didn't do anything. I also tried a high dose of Valtrex and that did nothing.

I've pretty much given up on doctors doing anything. I started doing research and reading everything I could in hopes I could find something that would help. I wish I could say I found something that really worked but I haven't. I've tried taking vitamins, acidolphilus (sp?), cutting out caffine, etc.

One thing that I think has helped a little bit is I went on the Atkins diet (low carb/high protein)and I do feel a little bit better (plus I've lost quite a bit of weight that I put on from being sick).

I try and push myself on my good days and take it easy on my bad days. I started pushing myself to walk around the block and would come home exhausted. I'd have to rest a few days but then I'd make myself do it again. Gradually I built myself up to walk around the block.

I just found out I've had a failed root canal tooth in my mouth the entire time I've been sick (it flared up right before I got sick) and I had it pulled a few months ago. I've noticed that I'm starting to feel better although I'm not 100%. I have no idea if there is any connection between that and my illness but I have an appointment to see my doctor this Monday to get my blood levels done. My blood levels have never gone down since I got this (in fact they've gone up) so it will be interesting to see the results.

I'm curious if anyone else that has this has had any root canals or problems with their teeth.

Thanks and take care everyone.

You have a very interesting story, full of important points. Finding a diagnosis and cure is so frustrating and depressing.

The Atkins diet can be very beneficial to some. It is for me. I've taken all flour, sugar, and about 95% dairy out of my diet. I make salads and add lean steak or chicken for most of my meals now and have grown to love them. Lots of fish and Omega 3 fatty acids, too. I throw in walnuts etc. and find this really helps. Anyway, the point I really wanted to make is about the teeth.

I've known for some time that problematic teeth can cause a host of symptoms and illnesses. My first child was born 5 weeks premature and with minor health issues at birth, and at the time I had terrible gingivitis and a subsequent root canal right after the birth. I've had a minor MI due to an abcessed tooth (It's true! The literature is out there, including in my dentists office). Though I don't know it for a fact, the dentist and doctor both agreed that it was highly likely. I'm pretty sure that all the mercury in my mouth is a problem, and I betcha is a huge cause of chronic fatigue. I've done way too much investigating to put it all down here, but just wanted to assure you that dental problems can cause widespread physical problems.

Keep up the good work. BTW, B12 injectable might work for you if you haven't tried it. Meat is high in B12, and I believe that is one reason some feel better on Atkins. Vegetarians are lacking in B12 and need to supplement. In CFS, there is info out there where B12 has worked miracles. It is certainly helping me.

Thanks for the reply! I've also read about the problems with the silver fillings in teeth and that some people can get very ill from them. Fortunately, I have had all of my old silver fillings replaced with the white ones.

After what I've read about root canals, it makes me wonder if I want to keep any teeth in my mouth that have them. I believe I only have one tooth left with a root canal and it was just done recently in the last year so I'm hoping that one is ok.

Thanks for the info on the B-12 shots. I'll ask my doctor about them next time I see him.

The good news is, I got my new blood levels back today and while they haven't dropped SIGNIFICANTLY, they are down for the first time in 4 years so I am very excited about that!

My gum has been bothering me where I had the bad tooth pulled and Im going to have the dentist check and be sure I dont have an infection in the bone area.

I wish there was a way to know if this tooth is what caused this or if it's just a coincidence.