EBV - Reactivation / Chronic EBV

Hi @denistenis, I'm tagging @worriedmom123 to make sure she sees your question to her about her son.

How is your daughter doing? What symptoms does she get and how does she manage them?

I just turned 15 in 1973 when I was diagnosed with mononucleosis and strep throat. I was quarantined for 4 months. With paralyzed vocal cords creating an inability to verbally comminate or even swallow. I lived on split twin pops which I would shove down my throat to melt and help with the pain, and give me the only nutrients I got.
In the next 5 decades or so, I was diagnosed with mononucleosis at least once per year. And a few times more than once in the same calendar year. Then in January in 2018 I was listening to a talk regarding Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (which I also have) They mention the percentage of Hashimoto’s patients that also test positive to EBV. Then it was like in passing they mention Monolaurin.
So, I started my own research. From there I began taking it daily. After I got over the first die-off phase, I began noticing that while even one else was catching a cold or a flu bug, I was not. This alone was very weird.
Since I started taking Monolaurin, I have only gotten sick twice. And that was only because I screwed-up in the ordering of the supplement, and was without it for 3 weeks or so. So, in case I screw up the ordering again, I already have some on hand.
Personally, I would recommend anyone struggling with lingering issues with EBV to do your own research on monolaurin. Then just go for it..
Oh, and the reason why it is suggested to start with lower dosage is because of what is called die-off. It is true. Die-off sucks. It is not like you are really sick or anything, but at about two weeks or so in of taking monolaurin daily you will just feel icky for a few days. This is just the toxins given off by the dying virus cells. And it may happen more than once.
Oh, as a side note I was able to speak again eventually (took about a year), but I could no longer sing. Not that I was ever good at it or anything. I but I have always missed being in choirs.
I was also fortunate that when I met my new primary care physician a few years ago, she was very familiar with monolaurin, and was pleased with my imitative and progress.

I also have chronic reactivated EPV. I perpetually feel like i am either getting or recovery from mono/EPV. I take 2000mg L-Lysine tablets a day when in a flare and 1000mg a day as preventative. These help me keep alot of symptoms at bay. I will look into Astra-isitis as it sounds like it can help with my inflammation issues.

I j e been dealing with Lyme disease and other auto- immune illness- different doctors choose different labels- but my recent EBV lab result is 750 on EBV Viral Capsid IGG and I do not think my doc knows what to think! I am so short of breath and tired all the time- supposedly my Lyme is in remission but I feel sick- and so sick of feeling sick! Trying to help my husband finish up our house and am almost useless! Do not know what to do next!

Lisa, my dear, so very sorry to hear your woes. Health affects our whole life, every facet. I recently had a similar experience with UTI chronic, and got sepsis in October. Nearly died in hospital, had no symptoms but the exhaustion and fatigue and foggy mind for two weeks till a friend took me to ER where they kept me for two weeks. I was seeing ninjas before l got better the day before l was released. First, please take many deep breaths, as you are able, and give yourself a break. Let someone else help your hubby and do all the stuff except take care of you. That’s your only responsibility right now. I’m 78 now, still youngish for my age, and used to be Superwoman at all times. I know better now— your emotional state, sleep, and self care are all important with autoimmune disorders and you have more than one. I don’t know if you have kids that need your time etc, but try to hire out what you can or ask family and friends. The doctor issue is another issue, considered Mayo? 20 yrs ago they diagnosed me and prescribed a Rx (l still take) in two days’ visit. They are fabulous. Or you might get references from them for the best specialists in your area. It’s almost a given that someone can ID your issues and take care of it to give you relief! It will happen. For now, you just breath a few deep ones when you feel overwhelmed, and love yourself as you deserve. The world will go on, and you must get better to enjoy the ones you love. Nothing is more important than that. I send you blessings and wish you resolution soon. We on this blog know your pain and care. Keep in touch with updates on here, you will get some more educated responses than mine. Vicki

My husband recently saw a functional dr for the first time, hoping his diagnosis of alzheimers was really lyme disease. The test came back negative but another test showed Epstein barr numbers of EBV VIRAL CAPSID AG (VCA) AB IGG >750
AND EBV NUCLEAR AG EBNA AB IGG >600
In just seeing this I am assuming it shows past infection which my husband was never diagnosed with but now has declining alzheimers. I have read they are studying a link of EBV causing alzheimers. I was hoping it was lymes because they can treat that but not so much EBV. I have seen possibly antantiviral? compared to a more serious approach but my husband does not have time to waste. Any educated thoughts on experience with antivirals?

Every MD here in my area, states nothing can be given to help. Just sleep and hydrate. In fact, I just came back from the Infectious Disease MD, who I was referred to, bc my IGM was positive and told current or recent activation. This Infectious Disease MD told me that a positive IGM does not mean reactivated. Can you believe that?! Im dealing with quacks here. From my research, yes, there is nothing that one can receive but then I read Valcyclovir, so IDK. From my experience, sleep, hydrate, avoid foods high in Arganine, and Supplements. Vit B complex, Vit C, Vit D3, Zinc, Mg, L-Lysine and Monolaurin. GL

@connie125, I am replying to an old post of yours about monolaurin. I'm wondering if you can tell me what brand you use. I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome in the late 1980s (when most doctors didn't believe it existed), and have chronic EBV as well as several autoimmune diseases and heart disease. Anything that will keep me from getting sick would be really welcome!

@magbatt Hi, your post was so helpful. I was hoping to clarify whether you take Astra-Isitis and Monolaurin everyday or if you only take them when you start to feel EBV come back.

I had EBV 15 years ago and for years I would have a flare up usually 3 times a year, basically every time I got a cold my EBV came back, but it would only last about 2 weeks. However, in the past two years I've noticed that my flare ups are becoming more frequent (now every 2 - 2.5 months) and becoming longer. My last one lasted three weeks. I've been looking for a while on something that might help so I was grateful for your post. I haven't managed to find a doctor who can provide any help.

Thank you!