Blood volume and RDW counts, etc

[Guest guest]

I have been in a major FM/CFSIDS since becoming I'll with an upper respiratory

infection 2/22/2012. In mid March I was in the hospital for a week with what

turned out to be HSV 1. As a result I am doing follow ups with a cardiologist

and pulmonologist.

Last week I had a chemical stress test. This is where they give you two drugs by

IV that mimic heavy exercise. It lasts only three minutes but is very

uncomfortable. The two drugs they used are Sestami and Lexi. One increases blood

volume and the other does something to the red blood cells. Starting about an

hour after the test Which was first thing in the morning I felt better than I

had in months all day; zero pain and little fatigue.

I researched and found that low blood volume and misshapen red blood cells have

been found to be common in CFS patients. About 75% of a research study had it. I

also had a RDW count that was high which indicates my red blood cells are

abnormal.

Is anyone being treated for blood volume and/or red blood cell issues? If so

what are you being treated with and how do they track your results? Do you feel

better with the treatment? I see the cardiologist on Thursday so would like to

come armed with more info if possible.

Also I was found have Immunoglobulin G deficiency so will start on subQ IGG next

week for 3 months. I have been on and off zovirax for two months because the

HSV1 in my lungs keeps flaring. I also acquired a skin infection in the hospital

and have been on oral antibiotics for that as well as using topical antibiotic.

It hasn't been cultured but I'm pretty sure it's at a minimum basic staph and

quite possibly MRSA. I see a MD dermatologist on Friday for that. Does anyone

have experience eliminating staph or methicillin resistant staff? My research

show the antibiotics alone won't get rid of it.

I started on alkaline water only a week ago but am wondering what supplements I

should take. I also am on zero sugar and low gluten, low carb diet.

I've blogged quite a bit of this immune dysfunction episode. If you're

interested go to chardalescuriousjourney.blogspot.com My experience with the

foreign hospitalists various other specialists was bizarre. There are forces at

work that keep doctors from seeking answers to much of anything. I'm not in the

field so can only guess what they are taught but it alarming and foreboding to

say the least.

Any experiential feedback is greatly appreciated.

Chardale in Sanford, FL May 14, 20

> " It is well recognised that fatigue can arise from a deficiency of oxidisable

substrate. In the case of glucose,short chain fatty acids and amino acids, this

will occur with starvation, malabsorption or hypoglycaemia. In the case of

oxygen, fatigue can result from respiratory failure, such as chronic obstructive

airways disease or

> anaemia. Heart failure can cause fatigue because the low cardiac output

produces a failure to supply both oxygen and oxidisable substrate. "

>

> My glucose runs a little high (110), SFCAs will be checked again in the

digestive stool analysis I'm finishing up, my last NutrEval showed I was short

of certain amino acids (glycine and taurine I augment now, can't remember the

3rd), have sleep apnea and use a CPAP, no COPD, no anemia, just did stress test

and ECHO cardiogram last week and get results next Monday.

>

> Last to do - evaluate malabsorption or hypoglycemia. Appt. with new gastro

made.

>

> Isn't this fun?!

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am sorry that you are so ill and being hospitalized.

I don't have much to add but here are some thoughts at the *** below.

> I researched and found that low blood volume and misshapen red blood cells

have been found to be common in CFS patients. About 75% of a research study had

it. I also had a RDW count that was high which indicates my red blood cells are

abnormal.

***the most common way to increase blood volume is to increase salt 3grams to 10

grams, ramping slowly. Increasing your water intake (not tea, not coffee, just

pure filtered water) 2-3 liters. Increase your electrolytes, potassium.

***I also have the mis-shapen red blood cells. No one has ever addressed this.

If you are going to see a cardiologist, you may want to consider an

electrophysiologist. It sounds like POTS or a form of orthostatic intolerance.

You don't mention HR changes upon standing but if increasing your blood pressure

make you feel better then you probably have Orthostatic hypotension and possibly

POTS. You can have one or the other or both. Most cardiologists are clueless

for any of these issues.

>

> Also I was found have Immunoglobulin G deficiency so will start on subQ IGG

next week for 3 months. I have been on and off zovirax for two months because

the HSV1 in my lungs keeps flaring. I also acquired a skin infection in the

hospital and have been on oral antibiotics for that as well as using topical

antibiotic. It hasn't been cultured but I'm pretty sure it's at a minimum basic

staph and quite possibly MRSA. I see a MD dermatologist on Friday for that. Does

anyone have experience eliminating staph or methicillin resistant staff? My

research show the antibiotics alone won't get rid of it.

***Why aren't you on Valtrex all the time? I am on 500mg of Valtrex every day

for years. I can't live without it. Even plain old acyclovir would be helfpul

to you.

***I have done research on MRSA and there was something simple you can do and I

don't remember what it was. Either Hydrogen peroxide or vinegar or something

kind of weird that you apply topically to kill it. I will see if I can find the

info.

>

> I started on alkaline water only a week ago but am wondering what supplements

I should take. I also am on zero sugar and low gluten, low carb diet.

>

***Please don't spend a lot of money on alkaline water. You can duplicate it by

adding 1/8 tsp of baking soda to each glass of water (even less - just a pinch).

My autism doc told me that.

***In general, I would increase your vitamin C to high doses - up to 25,000mg

per day.

I hope you feel better soon.