Test for viruses

Thanks Jinny.

Though thinking more about it, I can imagine going to my GP and asking for this test, and her saying "what for?" And I can't really answer that. Knowing I had X virus two years ago, even though I don't have it now, wouldn't really be that helpful with coping with bad fatigue now, as far as I can see.

Jean

I should explain that since I was a child I've had adverse reactions to toxic chemicals and pylons etc so when I, years later, got a really bad virus before ME my body may not have been able to recognise the virus so not producing antibodies for it, which could explain why I'm sick with ME?

They can't find antibodies that never existed and viruses are evolving all the time; our immune systems just can't keep up due to environmental factors among other things. It's like trying to recognise the person that mugged you when it was dark and they were wearing a hoody?

I'm hopeful for this working though. 

a strong possibility.................?

I'm nearly there with a science degree Cailtin so I look at the other side of things. That's not to say that a cure won't be found and hopefully I'll recognise the best research if they come up with it and I'll see it and recognise if it'll work for me and other people. This one I'm doubtful about. 

 

Ok lets look at the scenario of them finding a particular virus that causes ME through looking at our antibodies, they'll then have to invent a drug to fight it. That'll be hit and miss and cost a lot of money and are big pharma interested enough?

That's a good point Georgia; how sure are you that an overworked immune system will not produce any antibodies?

The test, from what I have read about it, will show up any partial or fragmented antibodies from infections in the past.

And of course there is then the question of what to do if it's found that a particular virus has infected someone - a targetted drug for each virus doesn't sound likely, I agree, and would it even do any good, if it is a sequence of causation affecting the bio-chemistry of our cells? An anti-viral drug may just cause more stress on the system and add to our exhaustion.

I think I felt hopeful when I read about this test because it is research going on into viruses which will add to the sum of knowledge in this field. This must surely be taken up by scientists researching into CFS/ME, which may lead to treatments which will help us in the future. We all need a little bit of hope, don't we?

Jean

Oh yes we definitely need the hope Jean! 

I'm sorry that I was so pessimistic but I find that building up my hopes too much sometimes sometimes sends me crashing down when they don't materialise.

The studies about our metachondria not being able to take in enough energy sound promising. I've started using Rhodiola Rosea because it gives nutrients to them. It seems to help. And Damiana for energy is good; I can feel a difference with that.

Yes, I know what you mean, highs and lows not good. But I think I have learned not to expect one single thing to be a magic bullet or "cure" - this pesky malady is too diverse for that, and affects people in so many different ways, it must have a multitude of causes and effects. So diverse research and remedies, and as many as possible, might just help.