I've gotten all the standard blood tests coming back normal. I don't fully meet the CFS criteria because I have chronic fatigue and post exertional malaise but I don't have three of the diagnostic symptoms.
Most of these symptoms have been going on since I got mono in 2004. I'm still able to work but I sleep about 12 hours a day and run through several weeks of sick time every year. I feel a bit light-headed or dizzy almost all the time, some days it's to the extent that I feel like I have had a few drinks when I haven't. Recently my heat intolerance has gotten worse. I'm pretty normal when I'm lying down but when I start moving I get way more overheated than normal. On a good day, if it's cool out, I can walk a few miles and I'm fine with it. But there's always at least a few days out of the month where I'm tired after just a few minutes of walking.
**The only time I felt normal for a whole week was when I started on 200mg of Wellbutrin. But that effect only lasted a few weeks** I think this was due to the stimulant effect. Does the fact that some stimulants work really well for me, indicate anything about what is going on? I'm thinking about looking into other stimulants but I worry about the risk of addiction.
I hate standing in one place, that's more tiring than walking. My blood pressure is on the low side but just right around the hypotension threshold. I sometimes feel more energetic after I have something salty. My resting heart rate when lying down is on the low side. One doctor told me that my pulse shoots up when I stand but I think other doctors have found it to be normal.
At the time when I developed EBV I was not on any medications and did not have symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis. My depression is fairly mild most of the time and worsening of symptoms does not relate to my prior or current mood.
Female, 27 years old
Diagnosed with Left-sided Ulcerative Colitis in 2008
Unknown fatiguing illness with viral (EBV) onset since 2004
UC mostly in remission so long as I stay on Humira also taking Lialda, 4.8GM
Mild depression - 200mg Wellbutin, 20mg Celexa 20mg Lexapro
Zyrtec (prevents congestion headaches)