Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome

What does the doctor say?

Clifftop, I'm really sorry to hear this as it can be a nasty thing. I had it years ago at the same sort of age. I would say that you will all have to accept that this type of post-viral thing goes at its own pace. Please don't encourage your granddaughter to do more than she can manage. Always allow her to rest if she is tired. She may recover quite slowly and again, if this is so, she mustn't be overtaxed or made to feel that she isn't getting better quick enough. This is very important at the beginning and she will probably be quite depressed and upset about it, so do try to reassure her.

I'm sure you and her parents have encouraged healthy eating, as much as she is able. If she appears not to be recovering normally from this, you could ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist. My CFS resulted from Mononucleosis and took me 2 years to get over fully with occasional lapses for a few years afterwards. A friend had it at the same time and was well within a month. I have since encountered it in others and all have had different recovery times.

If her doctor isn't sympathetic try to get another doctor onside as it can be difficult enough without the medical profession telling you it's all in your mind. Any help I can be please let me know. I am not a medical professional by the way, and wouldn't want my advice to supersede proper medical advice. But always get a second medical opinion if you aren't happy. Best wishes, Trish

I think I had this after a virus about this time last year. It was awful. Was all I could do to get round a supermarket. Had to hold onto the trolley for support. I don't think you can do anything about it. Just get her to keep trying to move about as much as possible and wait and hope for strength to return.

At that age she should recover completely.

I sufered from it for about 10 years after suspected glandular fever. Any bug left me with PVFS for anything from weeks to a couple of months. The only thing you can do is cut back your activity levels and do just as much as you feel you can manage and not a hairsbreadth more. until it clears.

Finally I had a bout of PVFS that lasted six months and I was beginning to think I should see the doctor about it when one morning I woke up and - pouf - it had gone and, thankfully, has never returned.

I'm sorry to disagree with Jinglebellsfrocks, but the degree and speed of recuperation depends very much on the individual, possibly genetic though I'm not sure anyone has worked it out, and definitely not on their age. Definitely do not push her to be more physically or mentally active than she can cope with. I agree with M0nica that it can leave you with a longer term problem.

It's important that she has as little stress as possible and only does what she can comfortably manage to do. Lack of care and support at this stage can lead to CFS. However, over resting and too much molly coddling also has its drawbacks, as this can lead to deconditioning. Pacing herself is vital. She needs to learn to listen to her body.

Like other posts, resign and not overdoing things. Try online for PVFS support. Lots of viral illnesses can make you feel washed out for a while after. Do you know what the virus was and how long ago did she have it?

Has the GP checked (blood tests etc) to make sure there is nothing else going on?
My DH had CFS and was almost totally unable to do anything. It took a while but he is now fine. Whatever happens, don't give up hope. Is there something she is interested in that she can do at home to keep her spirits up.

I wish you all well and hope this is a temporary situation.

Sorry I have no idea where resign came from. I think it was supposed to be rest.

Tell her to think of herself as a rechargeable battery that can't be allowed to drop below 25%. That's how I deal with CFS. She needs to listen to her body. Do things but not too much. It's a balancing act.

I don't know how long it will last. I think it varies from person to person.

I would ask the doctor for a few blood tests though. It's probably PVS but could just as easily be some sort of deficiency making her so tired. I thought my CFS was coming back with a vengeance but it turned out I was deficient in folic acid. A couple of months of supplements sorted it so worth getting bloods checked.