I've had cfs for nearly 30 years. It has ruined my life. As if this wasn't bad enough, every autumn/winter i catch every bug going round. I barely get over one cold or cough before I catch something else, and each bug floors me for much longer than normal people would be affected. My diet is reasonably healthy (could be better i suppose) and my personal hygiene is good. I can't even go to the supermarket without someone sneezing, or finding snot on the trolley handle. I can't stand it. Don't people wash anymore?
Since literally the day I was born, I have had a violent immune response to cold viruses. I have CFS as well although in my case the virus issue predates the CFS by 20 years!
It is extremely difficult for me to explain to people why what’s “just a cold” for them leaves me with nausea and vomiting for 2 days, severe lightheadedness for a week (probably due to dehydration), and bronchitis for 2 weeks. No doctor has ever been able to explain why this happens, as according to the tests my immune system is perfectly normal.
I go to great lengths to try and avoid picking up viruses, although I don’t know if it makes any difference. I wash my hands immediately after touching anything in public, pour boiling water on my cutlery at work before eating, carry hand sanitiser everywhere with me. People probably think I have OCD but I’m just trying to minimise my chances of getting sick.
I’d say I get sick about as often as the average person, but I have experienced in the past what you say about barely getting over one virus before catching another - in my case this was happening due to a medication I was on though. (Needless to say, I stopped taking that medication).
When people have a cold they don’t care much about hygiene because they don’t realise getting a cold is a big deal to anyone. It sucks. My local supermarket recently started providing antiseptic “trolley wipes” to clean your trolley before use which is a great idea.
Thanks for the reply grailmoth. wow, it sounds like you have even worse reactions to viruses than I do.
I’ve always suspected that cfs (in my case at least) is an immune system malfunction. i found your comments interesting because I’ve never been able to work out whether my immune system is failing to respond adequately or whether it is overreacting.
yep, i also find that most people aren’t too concerned about spreading colds because they cope fine with them. it drives me crazy though.
i have to try very hard not to get mad with certain family members who bring their kids around every time they get ill. I’m turning into a very angry old man.
Like the idea of trolley wipes!
Yeah I suspect my immune system is overreacting, I sometimes wonder how I’d go on immunosuppressants…but obviously those have risks as well. I have chronic tonsilitis, and IBS, it’s like my body responds to everything with inflammation.
Have you heard about the research that showed a correlation between CFS and poor absorption of calcium into immune cells?
Wow 30 years! I’m a two decade gal myself. My colds usually last 10 months at a time. I stay away from crowds always washing my hands. But now I have grandchildren and they bring everything home. Last year I got the old farts flu shot (the strongest one they have). And I haven’t had a cold or flu this year. I have also incorporated natural medicines that have been life changing. Fortunately new discoveries are being made. Our cells are a damn mess. Thats why we have so many bizarre symptoms. This is a brain inflammatory disease. Our cells do not store the necessary structure that we need to be healthy. Flu shots do help. Education is power when dealing with this crap.
I hadn’t heard about that research but will look it up tonight - thanks for the tip.
I know exactly what you mean by your body responding to everything with inflammation! It’s quite funny really. . .in a way. Except is isn’t.
Hi Lisa. I loved your post - you really made me laugh. And thanks for the tip about flu shots!
I’ve never had one so I phoned up the pharmacy today to see what they have. They said I don’t qualify for the old farts one but I can have some other jab next week.
Must be worth a try! 