Robert's Story, Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome Sufferer, Belgium

I would describe living with Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome like living in a different world, with time progressing differently from that in the hasty, stressy, normal world.

I got Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome in April, 1998. Not suprisingly, because I had a burned out condition the year before, but tried to keep on working. This will sound familiar I guess...

I didn't know what was happening, because that flu like condition wouldn't pass. A heart specialist said I probably suffered from the 'yuppie disease' (otherwise known as 'yuppie flu'). Did I know what he meant?

I just had to 'take it easy'.

After a few months I got better. And I thought it had gone...

I was moving out of my old apartment at that time. I had taken care - I wasn't doing too much at once. But because of some srange arrangements and interferences of my landlord, I had to strain my strength once again.

A few days later, I had a tremendous relapse, and ever since the fatigue syndrome has been a loyal companion. :-)

I'm not going to tell the whole story, but it took a few years to find a neurologist who could help me. August 2001 that was. He told me I suffered from a Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS). His therapies were, and still are, orthomolecular. He found out that my intestinal flore had practically degenerated. And I suffered from candida too. No wonder my metabolism was disturbed! Leave out the viruses who found me a nice host with such a crippled immune system...

I started reading about it as much as my limited energy permitted me to (one Dutch book on Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome helped me a lot to understand the illness (Het Post-viraal Syndroom by dr Nieuwenhuis and Dr. Schilders). And also Dr. Anne Macintyre's book M.E. has been very important. And some parts of From Fatigued to Fantastic from Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum.

Anyway, with the right orthomolecular supplements, physiotherapy, relaxation exercises, food etc, I slowly, very very slowly (too slowly) got better.

In September of 2002 I got studying again. I'm still studying now. It's difficult, but I cope. I have not fully recovered yet.

My recuperation is still poor. And when I have to go too deep into my reserves (if I have any :-)), I might get a bout of autoimmunity or some viruses start partying. So, in brief, I still have my ups and downs, but that tremendous fatigue, and a lot of these nasty symptoms have gone.

Hear, hear!

What would I say to other sufferers out there?

Try to find as much as can books and information on your illness. Try to comprehend what is happening with your immune system and how the hell you got into that condition.

Realise that there is help to find. As for that, you're not alone. But of course, the suffering you do is alone. Find a way to rationalize your condition. I know, it's easier said than done. But it's a good start. And don't forget. You can improve your condition.

Thank you Robert, for sharing your story with us.

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