Post viral symptoms / syndrome

Hi everyone,

Apologies - this is the first chance I've had to respond. Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply - I wasn't expecting it and it's very much appreciated.

It really does help to hear that other people's symptoms have gradually eased and all the hints and tips are most welcome.

We were hoping to extend our family before long. I certainly don't feel well enough right now but I'm hopeful it could still be an option down the line. Right now I need to focus on me and my health and the lovely little girl I'm so blessed to already have! If anything this has all been a huge wake up call to me how important it is to look after myself.

Hi there,

Just reaching out on here on the off chance anyone will read it!

I'm coming up to 6 months of symptoms which had been attributed as post viral and having a wobble about something more sinister going on. With Covid-19 I'm not really in a position to seek further medical advice/tests. I just wanted to check if people found the buzzing legs, pins and needles, back and leg pains stuck around more so than fatigue? Obviously in the current situation I'm not going out and I have been furloughed at work so I feel that my energy levels are somewhat improved but some other symptoms are the same if not worse.

I had a scare regarding changes in my nipple and breast pain and have been seen at the breast clinic and assured all is fine. I've always had pins and needles/buzzing feelings in feet and occasionally right hand but this has now progressed to a pain/burning sensation in my right shoulder around into my armpit and ribs and down one arm. This is the same side as breast pain. To a certain degree I think anxiety around my breast hasn't helped but I fear there could be other issues going on that may be being missed. Thoughts creeping in again about cancer or MS.

I've been eating as healthy as possible and taking my supplements but I must admit lockdown has meant I've fallen off the wagon on occasion with gluten, occasional unhealthy foods creeping in and the odd glass of wine.

I also wonder if any females have found their symptoms worsen at ovulation/menstruation? I find on particularly bad days which tend to be around these times I am more thirsty than normal and have an odd almost menthol taste in my mouth.

It's all so random and I just feel worried with a lack of diagnosis. It's started to get me down that I struggle to do as much as I would like with my little one and I feel a lack of intimacy with my husband is affecting us both.

I had a brief spell where I actually felt a little improved and did have a nasty virus a number of weeks ago which I guess will have set me back.

If anyone read this far - thank you! I know I'm much luckier than many and should be remaining positive.

Hi Elle

If you have MS they would have been able to tell from your MRI scan and bloods. My friend has Fibromyalgia she went through all the same tests as you but she kept pushing the Doctors as her symptoms persisted. I was diagnosed with MS, 5 years ago and some of my symptoms were the same as hers. The sex drive was the same for both of us but we are both going through the change of life too, so a double hit. You never said how old you

are?

Take Care

Amanda

Hi Amanda,

Thanks for your reply - I'm not the OP (Elle). I posted on this thread a couple of months ago when I googled some of my symptoms. Apologies if I haven't posted in the correct way.

I haven't had an MRI. I did have a full blood count last year - I'm not sure which blood test might be MS related? Fibromyalgia has crossed my mind.

I'm 33 so nowhere near menopause (I hope!)

Thanks again

Hi Elle,

Im sorry to hear you have been suffering these symptoms.

post viral fatigue / post viral syndrome is a term given by doctors following a bad virus or flu where you never fully recover, feeling very wiped, heavy, headachy etc.

did you suffer a virus?

i did when i first got sick in late 2016. then tingling and pins and needles crept in and ended up all through my body. its very scary in the beginning but try to not let the fear take over because it makes evrything much worse.

It helps to see the virus or whatever preceded your symptoms as the straw that broke the camels back. Most people with these illnesses have had a lot of stress, overwork, trauma or physical burnout prior to becoming ill.

i went through the cycle of specialists and doctors, naturopaths, for over a year and allnit did was create trauma and panic. i was diagnosed with lyme by aternative practitioners and all their treatments only made me sicker.

i came to the realisation that i needed to focus on health rather than illness and become my own doctor. I then started healing.

I got so sick i ended up bed/housebound for most of 2017. Fatigue was not my most debilitating symptom in the beginning, it was horrific nerve pain in my hands and feet. i think the fatigue was difficult to see though as i was in high adrenaline mode as my body was shutting down.

FYI here are my symptoms:

pins and needles

crawling skin

burning skin sensations (particularly at hormonal times)

nerve pain

numbness in lower legs and groin

blurry vision during cycle

pressure headaches

sinus headaches

blocked ears

swollen glands in throat

overloaded lymph detox pathways

freezing feet and hands

dizziness

migratory athralgia in knuckles and toes

forearm and shin aches

ibs - weight loss

gut issues

phantom smells - headaches upon smelling perfumes etc.

nervous system overload - huge anxiety

insomnia

the list goes on!!

i have healed so much through diet, gentle exercise,

change of lifestyle, removing toxic relationships, self work, finding my tribe, rest!!

I'm getting there and working part time now but patience and trust is the most important. I know i will recover fully.

It is important for you to have tests to rule out MS etc. but remember, the western medicine system has a completely different view of illness and health. your symptoms are messages from your body to take action. not something to be covered or suppressed with drugs. Trust your body's wisdom!!

all the best!!

Monika

Hi Monika,

Thanks so much for your reply. Yes, it all started after a run of colds and being generally run down followed by a virus with upset stomach. Looking back I was struggling to cope juggling work and family life and I had a stressful year on the whole.

I can relate to a scary number of your symptoms - its the nerve related stuff that worries/scares me. I definitely need to keep my anxiety in check. It's great to hear you're getting better. I can't imagine my nerve issues ever going away completely but I know it's only been 6 months.

I'm going to push for further investigations when I can as I feel like I need to rule some things out to be sure. I'd hoped to have another baby in the not too distant future so that's all on hold for now but I know I'm incredibly blessed to have my little girl already!

Thanks again xx

Hi Vikki,

i can also very much relate to most of the symptoms you are describing.

my episode started 3 years ago, and it took me over a year to see improvements. i am mostly ok now, still have what i call short relapses for a few days if i m particularly stressed or have a viral illness of some sort.

i still get tired quite easily, but life is pretty normal. like everyone else on here, i tried many different things, but in the end, it was just down to good self care, good diet, sleep and time. Be kind to yourself, and try not to take your symptoms too seriously, when you are very anxious and focus on them, it only seems to make them worse!

take care xx

Hi Kat,

Thanks so much for your reply, I know you were one of the people who replied to me last time. It's comforting to find people who can relate - I find it hard to talk to people in real life as they just don't get it or think it's all in my head I suspect!

So glad to hear you're recovered for the most part xx

Hi Elle

I had a nasty viral infection 9 weeks ago (negative covid test) and normal blood tests. It felt similar to glandular fever which i had 20 years ago.

Ever since, if i overdo it , a walk or housework, i come down with awful fatigue , heavy head feeling and slighty dizzy. It can take a week or so to return to say 70% better. Its so dibilitating.

It means its hard to make plans.

I was fairly fit before this happened and cant believe i am now unable to so any proper exercise.

How are you doing now?