In the past 365 days I have had a number of colds, the flu twice (I have it right now), a major infection (that lasted several months), I was diagnosed with IBS, and in general, feel very fatigued. I have been to the doctor and they ruled out most things (and eventually diagnosed the IBS), but that still doesn't explain the chronic illness.
Do I just have a weak immune system? If so, what can I do to boost it?
I co-own a small company, and my absences are a bad thing for everyone. *I* don't want to be home sick. It isn't a vacation. What can I do? I am starting to feel rather helpless.
2007-01-09 06:36:09 · 26 answers · asked by taliba28 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
This sounds like what happened to me. The first signs were when I joined a gym to increase my fitness. I started to pull muscles that would take ages to heal. Then I would get diarrhea for no reason. I was diagnosed With IBS. Then the panic attacks started. I started to feel tired all the time. would get infections easily if I cut myself it would get infected. Always felt unwell. I would go to bed tired and wake up tired sometime worse than before I went to bed. I was diagnosed with CFS chronic fatigue syndrome. I was working shift work and my bosses wouldn't put me on days as they needed me on shift. (That's an explanation anyway) Anyway I started having more panic attacks and then more diarrhea, then vomiting It just got worse and worse. In the end I was on 15 tablets a day just to keep working.
Anyway something happened at work and I ended up leaving. suddenly almost over night the symptoms started to disappear. first the vomiting and then the diarrhea. But not the tiredness. But I could live with that it just took energy. I keep on plugging at it.
I now know that the main cause of everything was STRESS. once that had gone things started to come right.
I now have learned that the tiredness is due to my being allergic to house dust mite. This caused me to have a reaction similar to the flu. I now take asthma medication and get reasonable nights sleep. I also take multi vitamins and try other things that come along. I am Left with depression, anxiety and tiredness. I think that those were there right at the beginning.
You need to get on to it straight away. If your symptoms have the same or similar causes to mine then deal to it. Or you could end up fighting it for the rest of your life.
2007-01-09 07:14:32 · answer #1 · answered by peter w 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband has IBS as did his mother so I think it is hereditary. It is genuinely aggerevated by stress which may be your main issue right now. My husband and I were also small business owners and this can be a very stressfull situation ongoing. You have to learn to de-stress in some manner and make sure that you are eating proper foods and proper amounts. This will help your immune system tremendously. Try pepperment oil pills for your IBS attacks. Been there and done that. By the way we sold our business and life has been better.
2007-01-09 06:53:28 · answer #2 · answered by Gone fishin' 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you been tested for hypothyroidism?
The symptoms sound very familiar. If you live in the U.K the blood test they use are ridiculously antiquated and have been proven to turn up false indications of no thyroid imbalance.
Check out this website ... http://www.thyroiduk.org/
Particularly the symptoms and adrenal problems pages.
I'd be interested in what you think as I have had very similar problems and absolutely no help from 100's of blood tests.
When I did a search on my symptoms - I found this site and am convinced that hypothyroidism is the cause. I started taking nutri-adrenal extra to boost my adrenals and am now on armour thyroid which I purchase online.
You can buy nutri-adrenal-extra here... http://www.yournutritionshop.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=657
Gone are the endless colds, aching bones and extreme fatigue.
Contact me if you'd like any more info.
2007-01-09 06:51:44 · answer #3 · answered by riffyxraff 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most viruses are contracted thru touching our faces. You touch a surface, like a door knob, that someone who is ill has touched and then you touch your face in some manner and bingo you have a cold. Become more aware of keeping your hands away from your face, if you cough or sneeze do so into your sleeve, not your hand, and get really anal about washing your hands alot, like at least every hour when not at home. Build up your immune system by eating fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking at least two liters of water daily, and use Zicam nasal swabs, one a day to prevent colds. I haven't had a cold or flu in five years. This is my recipe.
2007-01-09 06:42:44 · answer #4 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You definitely have a weak immune system. It doesn't take that much to try to be healthy, sometimes we get busy with other daily issues and work that we forget to take care of our own health. You simply need to eat more raw fruits and vegetables and nuts, try taking a natural multi vitamin daily, excerise , try to do something you enjoy every once in a while, to refresh your mind and spirit! Of course this would not include anything that compromises your health. Oh it would also do some good to do further research about immune function and overall good health.
2007-01-09 06:46:22 · answer #5 · answered by Syndi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A weak immune system probably stems from something else... Carry hand sanitizer everywhere. Disinfect your house with lysol (it's possible to re-infect yourself with bacterial infections if you don't wash door knobs, handles, and other germy places around the house). And check your diet. If you've already been to a doctor, ask to see a dietician and have your eating habits analyzed. A dietician can give you recommendations. With IBS, I'd sort of guess it may be your diet.
Good luck
2007-01-09 06:44:54 · answer #6 · answered by Theresa A 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you eat the bananas as the previous responder suggested start off slowly. They contain a lot of potassium and nutrients that are good for you but you don't want to overload your body with something "new." Ask your doctor about the possibility of allergies, if he/she hasn't discussed that with you. Consider environmental factors--do you have any mold in your house? Dustmites and mold can produce a lot of misery, more for some than others. There are a lot of good quality air filters (both the kind you change out when they get dirty as well as machines you can put in a room) that will reduce nasties in the air you breathe. Mostly, though, in as much as you are able, continue to seek your doctor's advice and don't be afraid to ask questions.
2007-01-09 06:53:07 · answer #7 · answered by youngatheart 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of the best ways to stay healthy is drinking fresh juices. I started doing it several years ago. It doesn't cost much, just buy some vegetables and juice them. There are some books you can buy at the health food store that will explain what each juice is good for. One of the very best is carrot juice, it's high in vitamin A and many other things. It's one of my favorites and is very good to drink when you are not feeling well. Go to the website below.
2007-01-09 10:19:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take "oil of oregano" to kill viruses and bacteria in your system and Echinacea to boost your immune system. Cut out all sugars from your diet (check packaging for corn syrup and avoid those products). Sugar can suppress the immune system, can produce an acidic digestive tract. and upsets the mineral relationships in the body. Also consider getting/taking a good range of vitamins and supplements to build your body.
2007-01-09 06:43:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many things you can do. For starter, get a multi-vita to take daily with vita-C. Eat fruits that are hi in vita C. Drink a glass of O.J. a day, get some Hall's vitamin C drops. I love the pink grapefruit flavor. Bananas are really good for you too for the potassium. Hope you feel better soon.
2007-01-09 06:49:33 · answer #10 · answered by betterwithage 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋