I just read some fascinating new research that proposes a strong connection between MS and CFS and links both illnesses to latent EBV and HHV-6 infections. It's so refreshing to see some solid scientific research after all the crap that's been published lately promoting graded exercise therapy for CFS! It looks like the new approach of treating CFS with anti-virals may be on target.
For more on the latest research into CFS and viruses, check out these summaries from the recent International Symposium on Viruses in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Postviral Fatigue, held in June in Baltimore:
Summary from Dr. Bell
Summary from CFIDS Association's Scientific Director Suzanne Vernon
(NOTE: Dr. Vernon's summary talks about the use of valganciclovir. This is the chemical name for the drug commonly known as Valcyte).
Lots of wonderful, in-depth research that will hopefully lead to more effective treatments for all of us!
To help support more CFS research, consider donating what you can to the CFIDS Association's Campaign to Accelerate CFS Research.
I have had Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) since March 2002. Both of my sons also got ME/CFS at ages 6 and 10. Our younger son fully recovered after 10 years of mild illness. Our older son still has ME/CFS and also has Lyme disease plus two other tick infections. This blog is about how our family lives with chronic illness, with a focus on improving our conditions and enjoying our lives in spite of these challenges.
The research has been interesting. Though Dr. Bell's summary was a bit disappointing. I was really excited about Jose Montoya's initial study with Valcyte, but it sounds like it's not panning out with a larger group. :-(
ReplyDeleteHi, Michelle -
ReplyDeleteYes, the preliminary results from Montoya's new study are disappointing, although it seems to match what I've heard from people who've tried Valcyte. It seems to work for some subset of the group of patients with very high EBV and HHV-6 levels - but who knows why it sometimes works and sometimes doesn't? More mysteries to solve, but at least there is now a group of dedicated researchers looking into these kinds of specific, science-based questions. It gives me hope for a better future for the millions of CFS sufferers around the world.
Sue