/steriods/inflamation

[Guest guest]

I think inflammation is a real concern but it is easy to test for. Just get

a C-Reactive protein test. I think it might help to stress your body as much

as you can right before the test. When I got tested in KC (125 miles from

where I live) my result were always high, sometimes very high. But when I

was tested at home I did not have a high test result. I guess you could use

this as and example of how exertion is causes problems for those with CFS.

The problem with this test is that it just tells you that there is an

inflammatory process going on in you body. It does not tell you what, when,

or why.

I would be interested to know if in some ways it could be a good indicator

because it demonstrates that you body is capable of producing an immune

response. I think there are many unanswered question in this area. It was

may understanding that the NJ CFS Center was studying inflammation in Spinal

Fluid (CFS) but I do not know the results of this study. I think one of the

problems of CFS is that we do not get inflammation in a specific spot or if

we do the location of the inflammation has not been identified. The problem

with steroids is the side effects, if there were no side effects I would be

on very high doses because they make me feel great for a day or two then I

crash -- big time.

But does anyone know if the most severely sick CFSers are not able to

produce an inflammatory immune response. I notice that I do better in the

summer even though I do not enjoy being hot and have fair skin so I think of

sun bathing as a form of torture. But as long as I stay out of the sun I do

better in hot weather. I have started keeping my apt at 80 degree and it

also seems to help, but just a little. So inflammation can be an issue in

CFS but I am not use how well this issue is understood.

cheers

Steve