Living With Epstein Barr Virus

[Extrememdp]

I'm so sorry your daughter has this. I've had it since I was 12 y.o. now I am 42, but only recently realized I may have it. I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome about 8 years ago & all my life had different bouts of illnesses i.e. Mono when 12 & 14 y.o., staph infection, & chronic strep throat no matter if i exercised or ate right. I continue to progress as years pass. Your daughter might also suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Check with doctor or check an IBS website for help.

[jenlaxstar123]

I got mono sophomore year of high school. When I wasn't getting better we went back into the doctors and they told me that I no longer had mono but epstein barr virus. Now I'm a junior... or more, should be a junior. I've been out of school since last school year. It's been really tough but the good thing is that young people recover 100% from it actually. I have a doctor at one of the leading hospitals in the world and she's cured many teenagers of this. The only proven cure is physical therapy

[TrueSugar]

thank you for sharing your story.

[makeupisfun101]

i have mono i got it from eating after my friend dumb me -_-

[sucre8612]

thanks for sharing.

wish your daughter stay healthy always .

[maridejun]

my mom got me over mononucleosis in two weeks with hot sweats, hot liquids, plenty of vitamins (water soluble B and C vitamins carefully dosed every half hour).

[Rba2086]

Your daughter may have something wrong with her immune system? Lots of teenagers get it, and don't have flare ups afterwards, unless their immune system gets suppressed someway. Yes, it stays with you, but a healthy immune system can make it stay dormant. If you have had mono and wanna better protect yourself from future outbreaks... eat healthy, exercise, drink plenty of water, take a multivitamin, and for heavan's sake wash your hands!!! Thanks for the video, and good luck to your family!

[BlotBlackInk]

I've had this virus for years... It sucks.

[TheBrandonJMusic]

hey best wishes for your daughter, i was wondering was one of her symtoms diarrhea?

[Heathen531]

Aspirin should never be used to control fever or pain in mononucleosis sufferers because of the rare Reye’s syndrome, a potentially fatal disorder characterized by inflammation of the brain and liver failure. Antibiotics should be avoided if possible, since they further weaken the immune system and contribute to malnutrition by killing beneficial bacteria. If A.B. are necessary supplement at the same time with probiotics (refrigerated safe studied strains e.g. Natren) or live-culture food

[musicfreak6730]

@Heathen531 what about Aleve???

[tiedstraw]

I got this 2 weeks ago the first week we thought it was strep cause of the white in the throat but then we did blood test and found out. I'm already feel tons better but ima take it easy for a good month or two. I'm 17

[36fortaleza]

TRADUCCION AL ESPAÑOL POR FAVOR  PLIS

[xXxgreenrobotsxXx]

Thank you for this post and it is the truth...my family is dealing with the same thing, I hope you find a solution to help minimize your daughters flare-ups...acyclovir & acidophilos is what I currently use (I'm signed into my daughters account)

[clumpft]

This might come as a shock to you, but not only Americans get EBV.

[norskvitnskapfrsknng]

@clumpft a large part of the worlds population has become infected at some point of life, childhood, teenage or adulhood, & this virus persists in the B Lymphocites 4 life, they dont produce new viral particles (virions) but it can activate itself at some poitn and epielial cells can produce it at any point, unfortunately it is implicates in some Lymphomas and nasopharingeal carcinoma,a mong other ailments

[clumpft]

@Petebannon Who exactly are you calling racist?

[sosecretpanda]

Ive had mono for what i think has been 4 weeks and a few days ago i felt perfect. The past weekend ive been extremely weak and tired, and have had no appetite. The doctor wrote me a note to go back to school today, but i was too weak. My school will not let me miss anymore days away. Does anyone know how i can atleast make the tiredness go away? Its almost unbareable :(

[TehSpastikK]

@sosecretpanda Hey I've had it for about 4 weeks as well and have taken multivitamins and vitamins as well as some other herbal medicine. Its helped keep me going for most of the day except about lunch time. At lunch i then took a berocca which has vitamin B and C. Tell me how you feel after a few weeks hope it helps.

[DJRenee]

@sosecretpanda When I had it I was on home bound for 4months(1192). It has been 18yrs since I first had Mono. I have been having these Fatigue battles every few years ever since. It has attacked my Thyroid now too. And the time between the fatigue attacks seems to be getting shorter and shorter every time. Anyone else experiencing this?



[PonchoANDPaco]

I'm 14 years old , and I was just diagnosed with this about 3 days ago..

[myemaildw]

Are you sitting on the toilet?

[myemaildw]

Epstein Bar Virus is an American dream :/

[Ilikecoffeeandmusic]

I was diagnosed with EBV as a result from an untreated case of strep throat when I was 17 years old. I will be 25 this year and I am still just not the same person that I was before. It's held me back from SO much in my life and is easily the hardest thing I've ever gone through which is saying a lot. Some days I feel very optimistic and determined to live my life as fully as I can. And then there are times that I feel so hopeless that I just feel like giving up. Thanx for posting, God bless.

[DJRenee]

@Ilikecoffeeandmusic I know EXACTLY what you talking about..you are describing how I feel...

[parrothead672]

i got it when i was 16. i think i must have slept for 2 months and lost about 40 or 50 lbs.

[add2109]

Thank you for talking about it. I have EBV and I have an 8yr son that im thinking about getting tested for it now. i didnt realize kids so young could have this so thanx:)

[MrJayjase]

@add2109 You Can't Get This Virus, Only Children And Teenagers. So You Don't Have EBV.

[Ilikecoffeeandmusic]

@MrJayjase With all due respect, I don't believe that is correct. Please be careful with the information you share with others as this is already a very difficult illness to diagnose let alone overcome.

[MrJayjase]

@Ilikecoffeeandmusic Yes I Know, But You Must Have Been Diagnosed With EBV When You Was Little Or A Teenager, The Only Possible Way To Get This When You're An Adult Is When You Get Diagnosed With It As A Child Or Teen, Because This Illness Lingers And Stays In Your Body All Your Life.

[Ilikecoffeeandmusic]

@MrJayjase Yeah, I was 17 when I was diagnosed, was bed ridden for 2 1/2 months before they gave me a name. Is that really true? I was told by my doctor that everyone is born with that antibody but your immune system keeps it "at bay" your whole life unless your immune system is weakened enough to let your body become susceptible to the virus. I think anyone who has dealt with the frustration of being diagnosed with EBV has lost at least a little bit of faith in doctors, I know I sure did.

[Ilikecoffeeandmusic]

@MrJayjase The reason I'm confused is because my mom's ex was diagnosed with EBV when he was already in his late 40's- early 50's. This was a long time before I was diagnosed, had no idea what it was until I was forced to learn. Either way, thanks for the info. I guess I'm still learning about it. Just curious, do you have a friend or loved one diagnosed with EBV? I don't think one of my friends or relatives knew what it was other than my mom, so I know it's not a very well known illness.

[MrJayjase]

@Ilikecoffeeandmusic This Illness Is Nothing To Worry About, Seriously. Both Of My Sisters Have This, They Were Diagnosed Between 13/19 Years, What I'm Trying To Say You Can't Treat This Virus, You Just Have To Live With It, It's Not That Bad Because After You Have Had It Like Properly, With All The Symptoms, You Only Have After That With Milder Effects Such As Colds Or Sniffles. Seriously This Is Common With Teens, Or Adults, It's Just The Fact That Most People Just Don't Know They Have It.

[MrJayjase]

@MrJayjase And Some Immune Systems Are Stronger Than Others, So Other People Might Get Milder Effects Or None At All Without Knowing.

[Ilikecoffeeandmusic]

@MrJayjase Yeah that's exactly the same thing I was told too. Cool, well thanks for sharing man. :)

[MrJayjase]

@Ilikecoffeeandmusic It's Okay Mate.

[dmoxlucid]

@MrJayjase yes many people have it. yet it is severe in terms of a direct infection to one's immune system. It attacks the b type cells ( which tag foreign bodies, for the T type cells to deploy ïmmune fighters) it just seems bizare we can overlook the importance of this. a weakend immune system for life. HIV is a crafty step up in bio warfare that disables your entire immune system. the term eugenics comes to mind....

[MrJayjase]

@dmoxlucid So Basically What You're Saying Is That We Are More Likely To Catch Illnesses Because EBV Has Weakend Our Immune System?

[dmoxlucid]

@MrJayjase correct sir, yes. i do know that the symptoms come back, when we are not looking after our bodies for example fatty foods, alcohol ( liver does not process alcohol effectively) and if symptoms come back, i believe this is when our immune system is in a weakened state specially as the very cells in the immune system are destroyed by multiplying epstein bar virus once more

[PonchoANDPaco]

@MrJayjase Your wrong anybody can get it?

[MrJayjase]

@PonchoANDPaco You Got The Wrong Person, It's dmoxlucid You Need.

[PonchoANDPaco]

@MrJayjase Oh okay ,sorry (:

[MrJayjase]

@PonchoANDPaco S'Okay, Don't Be Sorry;)

[GoMetricToday]

I am 39 and I was just diagnosed with EBV. I thought my fatigue was just because I was tired from work. I went to a regular check up and told my doctor that I have been exhausted for 2 months. I didn't have much of an appetite but forced my self to eat because I am also HIV+ and need to keep up with my nutrition. My doctor told me that bouts of EBV in adults can last from 3 to 6 months. I am glad that I found out what was wrong. Now I want to know more about EBV. Thank you.

[vfIskullangel]

I believe I have this because there's periods of time when I become sick and times when my life is perfectly fine.

[thermax292]

Have you done any research on the Bob Beck protocol? Dr Bob Becks lectures are very interesting and he does talk about your problem and how to cure it. I started the protocol about two weeks ago so Its to soon to report although I do feel more energy already. The very best to you and your family

[csplendrig]

ive been living with it for 8 years...it's hell......hope they find a cure soon

[Wolfgurl124]

i have had EBV all my life :( My mum wants to get me tested for anemia because now that i have started high school i have no energy i come home and sleep but some days i sleep for ages and i wake up still feeling this sleepy feeling

[scenethelite]

50% of kids by age 6 already hav the virus in their body! Often nevr shows n tests so hard 2 diagnose. So may b good idea to test ALL kids yearly if even 1 has ever had mono.

[scenethelite]

I've just learned getting flu shot w/EBV is BAAAD IDEA! 4 some reason it often triggers active states of EBV/mono! But I know someone who didn't know they had this, except 4 having cfs & often just sick & tired, til they get flu shot & it seems 2 make'em sick ea yr. N fact they say u CANNOT get flu from the shot, so if ur gettin sick frm the shot, get tested when ur STILL sick cuz symptoms r often "flu-like"

[fergiefurg7]

I saw a naturopath once that seemed to think some of my health issues may be related to this. Today I was at the doctor again to discuss ongoing testing and specialists and she noticed I have been especially not well recently and suspected I may have mono on top of things. I am not sure whether it is possible to get mono twice? Seems to be so many different ideas going around about this. I guess maybe some people with the virus just have it a LOT worse than others??

[fergiefurg7]

I don't know a lot about this but I did have it when I was 15 (now26). Since then I have been chronically ill. I also had an sudden onset of pneumonia when I was 21. Within 48hs was in the hospital and diagnosed with ARDS. I was in a coma and on life support for a month. They called in a "medical phenomenon" and do not know what caused it. Apparently it wasn't bacterial or viral. Took a long time to recover. Still to this day I am sick more than not.

[mpanegos]

they can be treated... seek out homeopathic doctor in homeopathic medicine.. that knows how to treat w/ Nosode .. this is what she needs...

I have this and for me its gone unchecked for 45 years ... 

[sebastianmom11]

Hi, iAwas wonderdering how she is now? Also please take the advice previously posted and have her checked for celiac disease. It took all of my life 46yrs to find out exactly what is wrong, and now that I look back the two (celiac and EBV) have always been connected, I thought living with EBV was the worst case sceniero (been diagnosed for 21 yrs) just diagnosed with celiac 3yrs. I was 82 lbs. when I graduated high school. If you can get the EBV controlled, give her gluten free foods.

[NBGapYear]

I've had EPV/Mononucleosis/Glandular Fever. My personal experience is one of a week of extreme discomfort but it passed after that. I've heard that symptoms can last up to 3 months or even a year, a daughter of a friend had it for a year.

I'd like to hear how your daughter is doing nearly 2 years on. How long was it before she recovered?

[MrRaksmorgas]

EBV is NOT a diagnosis (In that case- 95% of the population would be sick.. except mononucleosis- which goes away in 1-2 monnths) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is more or less a diagnosis made when everything else has been EXCLUDED- so..

recommendations: go see the doctor again and demand some further testing!!

[MrRaksmorgas]

EpsteIn Barr virus is present in 90-95% of adults 35-40 years old... so basically more or less everyone carries the virus around...It CAN cause chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) as a complication which can cause tiredness, energyloss but it's pretty rare.

[fallowtheleader]

I was diagnosed with EBV twenty years ago and it affects me very often and puts me flat in bed. but mostly life goes on ok! Hang in there!

[StarlightKG]

well the vast majority of the population (99%) have this virus from craddle to coffin and its no problem at all. i work on ebstein barr and francly its nothing...unless u have hiv or organ transplant. so this whole story sounds like a tale to me....or your doctors are extemely incompetend

[thehantavirus]

you can get sick more than several times a year from colds becauses there are more than a 100 different types of rhinoviruses and caronaviruses that causes the cold. They also mutate very easily so theres no permanent resistant agaisnt the cold

[MrBibi86]

it's just glandular fever isn't it? thats what I have it does come up again some times. like tonight I have swollen neck glads, i could be getting the flu.

[satrapy27]

You could make sure that she has no celiac disease. like some said before me, I find it odd, that the mono causes frequent symptoms. Maybe I'm wrong, but if she's pale and slim, maybe its worth a try.

[manuelschindler]

epstein barr stays with you your whole life.

however, it does not frequently return as long as a person does not have a compromised immunsystem, for example HIV-patients.

the returning sicknesses this mom is refering too are very likely caused by other viruses, like rhinovirus (common cold).

children can get sick through rhinovirus up to 20 times a year and its still considered normal.

[steph3353]

The important thing is to help this child in any way we can and help her parents.

CANDIDA is serious issue when you have Chronic Epstein Barr Virus...and candida will overgrow in the intestines and stomach and can cause the Epstein Barr Virus to overgrow and circulate throughout the body. Both of these diseases break down the immune system.

[steph3353]

She is not over-exaggerating....If you do not keep your health in check and eliminate sugar and carbohydrates from your diet then the EBV can proliferate and cause other disease and I don't mean to scare anyone but is does cause cancer and has caused skin cancer for me.

[almoststewy2]

she is over-exaggerating... It's not like we have fucking cancer... It's not going to "drastically alter" anyone's freakin life... it's rare for it to ever come back again! Your body creates Anti-bodies which usually makes you immune to the virus in the future... Even though some people get it numerous times throughout their lives, it doesn't mean we ALL will... Including her daughter. If I'm wrong in what i say, then someone please correct me.

[steph3353]

She is not over-exaggerating....If you do not keep your health in check and eliminate sugar and carbohydrates from your diet then the EBV can proliferate and cause other disease and I don't mean to scare anyone but is does cause cancer and has caused skin cancer for me.

The important thing is to help this child in any way we can and help her parents.

CANDIDA is serious issue when you have Chronic Epstein Barr Virus.

[steph3353]

Naturopathic doctors will know more about candida. Epstein barr and candida will grow along together creating serious health problems and dammage the immune system. Have her stool checked periodically for candida parasite and give her a garlic pill or cook with fresh garlic to control the candida naturally. Garlic is a natural antifungal and keeps candida in check. Alternate garlic and coconut oil to keep her healthy. Talk to a naturopath

1st.  Antibiotics cause EBV to grow...keep her healthy.

[almoststewy2]

Okay Naturopathy is Pseudoscience, never, under any given circumstances revert to such illogical, unproven and dis-proven alternative treatments, it is unwise and unsafe. People who turn to Naturopathy are lacking in-depth health care knowledge and are therefore reliant on the assurance of providers and their "tender" word. I'm sorry Steph3353 but it is best for everyone if they see a real doctor, with real medical training and expertise in these matters. Not a quack. Stop giving false hope.

[almoststewy2]

What I am saying is that, it's wrong to choose Naturopathy over real medicine and doctors, you can do both, that's fine, Naturopathy is very healthy, but not life-saving when you have a life-threatening illness. Be wise about your health, and never rely on things such as alternative care, where misdiagnosis/treatment are common.

[unleashhealth]

Hello, if you may be interested, you can search under the Bob Beck Protocol utilizing electricity for viral and biological issues. Blood electrification has completely cleaned up my CFS.

[source1zero]

I've just gotten over my second bout of mono, couldn't have done it without colloidal silver. Might be worth a look for your daughter dude =)

[ggabe005]

You all need the DR. BOB BECK PROTOCOL!!!!!! wipe out this disease forever!!!

[heatherisadork]

I have hashimoto's disease AND the ebv virus haha. If one isn't making me tired, the other one is. Now I might have adrenal fatigue and pcos too. What fun lol.

[lookn2find]

Also, research "Lypo-Spheric: Vitamin C. Too much to explain, but I brought my Eppstein tighters from 1465 to 87 in 1 month by heavy dosing it. You CANNOT overdose on vitamin C. This form will not cause stomach irritation, It is in the bloodstream like IV within 15 minutes, on an empty stomach, I was only able to stay awake for 1 hour per day for 2 years & too weak to crawl to the end of the bed to hit the power button on my TV, Eppsteini shuts oxygen down on 2 section of the brain.

[justinreilly1]

(contd) but since there is good evidence ME is casually transmitted to genetically suseptible people (probably by XMRV retrovirus) it is a good idea to guard against the other family members and friends getting it.

[justinreilly1]

I have ME (CFS). Danejett is right. 90-95% of people have EBV infections. A normal immune system will keep it totally dormant. Only when you have a serious immune disease like ME (CFS) or AIDS will you get active infection. It is an epiphenomenon aka opportunistic infection. Sounds like her kid has ME (CFS). Don't worry about spreading EBV, almost everyone has it anyway.

[mendozer73]

i have ebv and im fucking done with it im sick every xmas i dont even get out of bed

[TinXpH]

totally with u :) I also have this curse of getting ill around Christmas - and this year its MONO! Oh the joy :)

[gumhead901]

i jut got tested 2 days ago and they said they have to try back in a week to see if it's mono but i have all the syptoms so i want to know if anyone has any helpfull tips for mono

[shanos123]

Got told i had it not long ago and i've been ill for the past 3 months with it. sucks alot but if you ask your docter for omeprazole it helps with the stomache alot.

[jhk11774]

I had it in 1987 and again in 1988.i'm 35 now. i feel bad a lot .tired a lot.suffer from depression a lot.sick a lot. i always wonder if it is from that...but i am ok. exercise and just generally living healthy helps a lot...

[roweyceased]

I was diagnosed with EBV this time last year and I still have swallen lympth nodes I was lucky on one hand that I didnt get the aweful sore throat symptoms however because I wasnt showing those symptoms my doctor said it was Lymphoma lol, the three day wait for those blood test results wasnt pleasent. I still feel fatigued and like crap if im eating poorly or havent had enough sleep. To all of you out there who have this shitty condition know that your not alone! Take care of yourselves! x

[danejett]

(cont) often than not. That is why I am conducting my own research and trying to find a resolution for my condition. I can only wish you and you daughter the best. I understand and thanks for sharing your story. Americans need to be educated on the EBV and we all need to be advocates.

[danejett]

What I mean is I dont think we are necessarily contagious unless someone has a weakened immune system with the EBV already present in thier blood titers yet inactive. One more peice of info I hope might help others. The EBV is found in our bone marrow. They are conducting sucessful research in the US on bone marrow transplants and people are being healed. I know this is a risky procedure but I personally have been sick with nausea, headaches, fatique, swollen lympth nodes and sore throat more

[danejett]

Quite the opposite is true. We have viruses living inside us all the time. Like fires smoldering in a forest, they dont harm us as long as our immune system keeps them under control. When our immune systems become sluggish, the viruses which normally smolder, blaze into the fire. These viruses now can reproduce faster than the immune systems can kill them. Thus they are able to build up the numbers and make us sick. I personally dont believe we are capable of giving it to someone else

[danejett]

Hi I was diagnosed with the EBV in 07. After conducting research I thought i would share this with you. Normal healthly people show the EBV in thier blood titers. It is only when the levels are elevated that you are considered to have chronic EBV. It is speculated that due to a sluggish immune system the EBV remains dominant in your system and is continously reactivated due to a depleted or weakened immune system. I think most people think we catch and become ill only after we are exposed to it

[Carrie581]

I had the symptoms of mono as well, was mono spot tested and it was negative. I again had mono symptoms about a year ago, got better after a couple weeks. Thought it was a bad cold but began to feel achy and bad. The Dr finally tested my EBV titers and they were sky high. I have had an acute chronic infection for about a year now. I am not bed ridden, I work and am active, but I have to pace myself. Sometimes I actually think I am dying I am so tired.

[Carrie581]

My son is now in his 20's and had a bad mono attack about 7 years ago. I have never thought about it, but the signs that you describe sound alot like what my son used to suffer when he was very young. They tested him for mono, just the mono spot, it was negative but the Dr was so sure that he had it, he told me to watch that he was not too active, due to spleen injury. When he had this in later life, he had to be admitted to the ER, his spleen & liver enlarged, blood count was bad.

[nese67]

I was diagnosed with Epstein Barr 5/07 but felt sick since 6/04..It is now 5/09 and I still suffer I am 41 years old.

[thinkrockaglockpoppa]

once you get over mono ebv shows up forever in blood work.but it is not contagis after the first outbreak. some people like myself have chronic ebv .and most of the time i feel like crap. and alot of doctors dont believe in ebv or chronic fatigue syndromes, but they dont have to live with it

[stuuddmuffin]

im 14 and i got it but from sharing drinks and stuff but it does it stay with you forever .. i hope not

[Dalitophinn]

Don't worry to much deary, Yes its true that strains of the virus will remain in the body for a lifetime- when it reactivates it usually occurs without symptoms of illness. This means she can and more likely will spread it; but at no harm to herself. Don't freak about encephalitis or lymphoma; the EBV virus might play a part in triggering those things but studies are not conclusive and normally an array of other risk factors tneed o be included to cause illness. She will be just fine.

[wingssoblue]

My virus has activated due to immune system and that is the key. Keeping up the immune system. As I had found EBV is something 90% of the population has. A strong immune system is the only way to keep it dormant

[lorischroed]

I agree with you that EBV is much more serious than most people realize. I contracted the virus 2 years ago and it has drastically changed my life. I am 42 and feel 80. I hope that your daughter's youth will help her overcome this terrible virus and it will go into remission. She is lucky to have such a strong mother who insisted on more testing, she may have never known what was really wrong and could have been labled with depression or mental illness. Take care

[Denomar]

Hey, I agree. I am 18, I got Glandular Fever (the Brit term) 2 and half years ago (from GCSE results night, me and my friends were passing around the drinks :-) ). It wiped me out completely and now, if I over do things or have too many late nights my glands come up and I feel like hell.

Thankyou for sharing your thoughts and stories Rwild7 and lorischroed :-)

[fibrlight]

dang i just shared a drink with mi friend

[FakeDream666]

i suffered too from this virus 1 year ago...i made out with my girlfriend and after 3 days..i was not feeling really good...i was at the hospital for 5 days coz i was sick 2 weeks!!! the doctors said that maybe i had leukemia but finally my orginism got antibodies about epstein barr

[fibrlight]

wth

[Sajadela]

I've got EBV (I'm 37) and, when active, it's not much fun. The good news is that many people live with it without any symptoms and I hope this is your daughtes case once her immune system learns to deal with it. I have found only one thing really helpful. Lysine. I bought a supplement for coldsores (which is a herpes virus like EBV) with lysine (a natural anti-viral), zinc and vit C and it made a BIG difference.

[jerdawg553]

can cause hepatitis and viral encephalitis, rash, and other symptoms down the road, give your daughter her vitamins to keep the immune system up, to stop recurrences.

[h0ao3]

i hope you baby gets well soon. EBV is usually overlooked by doctors because they dont usually cause severe problem... but in an immuno-suppressed patient, it can cause lot of problems....worse case could be burkitts lymphoma , a type of lymph node cancer......and the list goes on...anyhow..i wish u all the best and take good care of you and your family.