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Post Viral Fatigue-unexplained weight loss?

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Elsie1986
Elsie1986

Hello,

Was just wondering if anyone had any advise on whether weight loss can be brought about by suspected post viral fatigue.

I became ill a couple of years ago with extreme exhaustion coupled with sudden and significant weight loss - around 2 stone, around 20% of my body weight.

There was no obvious reason as to why I was losing weight, I had a healthy appitite - indeed my appetite was greatly increased and so I was actually eating more than normal, and wasnt suffering with sickness or diahorrea. For the next year, I was unable to put on any weight, and struggled to maintain my reduced weight. 

Around 8 months ago my exhaustion began to improve (coupled with learning to manage my energy better) and I have been able to put on a little weight, just under half a stone, but remain very underweight and cannot get back to my pre-illness weight. I have had a lot of tests to rule out other diseases, and so the hospital have accounted it to post viral / chronic fatigue. However, I haven't seen anywhere that weight loss of this nature is a symptom of chronic fatigue, and so I was wondering is anyone else had had a similar experience or could offer any insight or advise?

Thanks.

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • alison44235
    alison44235 Elsie1986

    Posted

    I have lost a stone in weight since I have been on the fodmap diet (google it). It was recommended to me by gastro specialist for I.B.S. and slow transit constipation. It does work. I am also on a gluten free diet. All very complicated.
  • caitlin39841
    caitlin39841 Elsie1986

    Posted

    hi.  i found it v. difficult to keep weight on until i addressed my low b12 & low folate levels.  these 2 deficiencies often manifest when someone has pvs  for some time. this is especially relevant  if there is an auto-immune component to   pvs like ibs etc..  having addressed  the b12/folate deficiencies, i'm back to normal weight & can  maintain it despite ibs.  the ibs  has, however,  also improved measurably with b12/folate supplementation.
  • jennifer_87
    jennifer_87 Elsie1986

    Posted

    Hi im new to this ive just been diagnosed with cfs and since nov2014 i have lost over 20kg. I am just starting to research this illness but so far i havent found weight loss to be a syptom of cfs. I am keeping on my research and will keep up with this post hopefully we can get some answers!! Also do u have any swollen lymphnodes? I currently have 4 on my neck and have fiund that this is a symptom. Jenny x
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