CFS

The problem with ME is the symptoms change all time you never know what your going to get next and you think there is another illness going on, then you get tedted and ot shows nothing wrong, tjen your gp thinks you have depression or hypochondria.

For a sore throat Grapefruit seed extract is a good start. And it will help your immune system.

Christine, when you say persistent cough , off and on ,is it non productive ? When you say sore throat, is it red and inflamed and hurts when swallowing,or pain and discomfort throat jaw ear? When you say ' can't be bothered to finish ' do you mean , have absolutely not enough strength or energy to carry on?

Hi christine; I have read the other responses before answering your question.  I do feel that, yes, you do have concerns; but I am not one to jump in and say "yes, I thing you have CFS'....I would encourage you and your GP to rule everything else out first...I do suggest you have yourself checked out for Glandular Fever (the one confirmative symptom that I always come across with my patients, was not so much a "sore ear", but if you press on the hard bone behind the ear, The Mastoid Bone, is a simple and positive result for Glandular.  Your sore throat, also could be a symptom, and if your immune system is down, try Horse Raddish and Garlic Tablets twice a day to start with for a couple of months, and then keep taking them , 1 a day, ongoing.  I'm pleased your GP has had chest exrays done; has he suggested an Bronchioscopy to ensure no malignancy? however, I do think that after 18 months, you would have more symptoms of malignancy..I do feel for you doing 12 hour shifts in a Nursing Home, as that would tire anybody out...I get very frustrated with the fact they have bought back the 12 shifts, as they were banned 40 years ago for the very reason that nurses were too tired to work proficiently, and nurses/doctors are supposed to be our front-line carers, and need to be capable of being able to give the best of care......How long is it since you actually had a Decent period off work, as in not just a couple of weeks holiday, but perhaps Long Service Leave...or are you in the position of Causally Employed (as is also what is happening in today's workfore, so employers don't have to give Long-service/holiday  pay)...Can I ask where you live...and what form of superannuation you have...for if you feel that you cannot take paid leave to give your body a rest, perhaps you may have to look at a way that you can, as I think that you need to have an extended break, first, before any other answers can be given...I feel for you, as it sounds as if you could be on a Roller Coaster effect, and can't see where to turn next???  I know that Menopause in itself can be debillitating, as we end up with many side-effects, including some depression - do you think that the ant-depressants could be contributing to your tiredness?  The two ways I deal't with my symptoms, was originally taking a Medicinal Herb (Remifemin) plus Executive BPlus, and then went on a Prescription therapy of Oestrogen Pecaries (hoping that spelling is correct)..for the Vaginal Dryness and moods..these also have helped me greatly.  To help you decide if your symptoms come into the category of CFS/ME, perhaps you could go through the list of symptoms that can be found, by researching same on internet sites for same?  I do hope that in my rambling, that you may gain some help....keep on this forum site, even for the emotional support that you need.   Talk again soon...