In a recent post, I talked about how I have been struggling with a nasty virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) for over four months. First, I saw my general practitioner, who was very busy; I saw her PA (physician’s assistant), who is not skilled at all and sent me on my way with antibiotics and a steroid pack. He never did a flu test, a strep test, or even a COVID test, nor did he get bloodwork on me. Needless to say, I found a new doctor because of that PA’s negligence.
Once I found a knowledgeable doctor, the first thing they suggested, based on the symptoms I told them I was experiencing, was bloodwork to check for Epstein Barre and mononucleosis (mono). Once the results came in, they found the CMV marker. From there, they referred me to an infectious disease doctor to see if I had immunodeficiency.
As usual, it takes a few weeks to be seen by a specialist, such as an infectious disease practitioner. Once I got to them, they were very thorough and ordered more extensive blood work. Of course, it was during the holidays, and I had to wait some time before hearing back from them.
In the meantime, I got worse and ended up going into urgent care. Again, they were very thorough, and it turns out the nurse knew my infectious disease doctor! They also did an x-ray and sent me to get an ultrasound.
Furthermore, as a result of the CMV, I was ill with an enlarged liver and pneumonitis (a viral version of pneumonia). They gave me a steroid shot, another course of antibiotics, and more steroids. Basically, the antibiotics were used so that the pneumonitis didn’t turn into an infection. I was also grateful that they were able to provide affordable prescriptions as I had to pay out of pocket.
In the interim of waiting to be treated with hopefully an antiviral, I have been nursing myself to good health with food and homeopathic remedies. So far, I have been doing the following:
- Homemade, organic chicken soup
- Greek yogurt and dark red cherries
- Apples and organic peanut butter
- Detox and chamomile teas
- Water, water, and more water
- Water with electrolytes
- Lots of sleep
- Breathing treatments
- Vitamin C and multivitamins
- Nightly Epsom salt baths
- Nightly jetted tub baths
According to The Cleveland Clinic, healthcare professionals may treat CMV as follows, “A provider can treat CMV with the antiviral medications ganciclovir (GCV) or valganciclovir (VGC). These drugs are given directly into your vein (IV infusion) or swallowed in a pill. Providers usually only treat CMV in people who have a compromised immune system or babies who are born with symptoms of CMV. In people with healthy immune systems, CMV usually goes away without treatment,”.
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a healthcare professional should you or a trusted loved one deem it necessary.
CMV symptoms
The Cleveland Clinic went on to note that someone like me, with a weak immune system, would experience the below symptoms (which I have had all of to date), “Those with noticeable symptoms often have CMV mononucleosis, which can cause:
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue).
- Muscle aches.
- Sweating.
- Headache.
- Sore throat.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Rash.
CMV symptoms with a compromised immune system
Symptoms depend on what part of your body the virus infects and could include:
- Fever.
- Fatigue.
- CMV pneumonitis (shortness of breath, cough, muscle aches, weakness).
- CMV retinitis (blurry vision or loss of vision).
- CMV gastritis or colitis (stomach pain, blood in your poop, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
- CMV encephalitis (seizures, headaches, confusion),”.
In addition to the symptoms listed above, I have also experienced:
- Severe ear pain
- Multiple (seven) cold sores at once (not normal for me)
- Swollen lymph nodes in my neck, armpits, groin
- Nausea
- Blurry vision
- Yellow stool, diarrhea
- Weak arms and legs
- Knees and elbows feel swollen and tender
- Cloudy thinking
- Bruising easily
- Feeling weak, lightheaded, dizzy
- Chronic bleeding sore in nose
- Joint pain in elbows and knees
- Swollen lymph nodes in the back of my head, tender scalp, elbows, biceps, and pads on hands
- Random pains in my spleen
- Muscle pain and aches, primarily upon laying down to sleep at night – intense nerve pain persisted for one to three hours, impeding rest
- Deep chest congestion, coughing, mucus, headaches, heavy breathing, sore lungs, wheezing, thick mucus
- Coughing so hard I must hold my stomach as it hurts, and I’m in pain under my ribs (it feels like I am being stabbed in my liver), sneezing, head and chest congestion
Managing CMV
Maintaining a well-rounded approach to managing CMV has been vital in my journey toward recovery. Alongside the interventions and remedies I’ve been using, I’ve decided to explore additional strategies to help mitigate symptoms and promote healing. Engaging in gentle exercise routines, such as yoga and stretching exercises, has been beneficial in increasing my energy levels and alleviating muscle aches without overstraining my body.
Moreover, dietary adjustments played a significant role in supporting my immune system. Incorporating immune-boosting foods like garlic, ginger, and turmeric into my meals has helped counteract inflammation and improve overall health. Probiotics, found in fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut, have also supported my gut health, which is essential when recovering from viral infections.
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, have contributed to managing stress, which can often exacerbate symptoms. Reducing stress levels promotes a sense of calm and relaxation, which further aids the body’s ability to heal.
Lastly, maintaining an open and communicative relationship with my healthcare providers has been crucial. Regular follow-ups and sharing any new symptoms have ensured that my treatment plan remains optimal and responsive to my changing needs. This comprehensive approach, combining medical and lifestyle strategies, has equipped me with the tools to navigate my recovery journey effectively.
How to treat CMV
In conclusion, combining medical care, lifestyle adjustments, and open communication with healthcare providers fosters a holistic approach to managing and recovering from CMV effectively.