I'm a 42-year-old female. Three years ago I had what I was told was a virus illness called "CMV". It felt like flu (headache, body aches, extreme tiredness and sore throat). It took about 6 months for me to recover. The problem now is that I have very sensitive spots on my hips that run down the leg to my knees. They feel like they are on fire if I touch them.

Question

I'm a 42-year-old female. Three years ago I had what I was told was a virus illness called "CMV". It felt like flu (headache, body aches, extreme tiredness and sore throat). It took about 6 months for me to recover. The problem now is that I have very sensitive spots on my hips that run down the leg to my knees. They feel like they are on fire if I touch them.

Answer

The diagnosis that you were given 3 yrs ago is CMV or Cytomegalovirus. This can be a very frustrating and waxing and waning illness with fevers, weakness, and aches and pains all over. Other viral infections can also be present concurrently; the major viral problem that causes fatigue and weakness is the Epstein-Barr virus.

Sometimes after viral infections like these, a condition known as postviral fatigue syndrome (PVFS), or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) occurs. CFS is something that you can have from many years. Treatments are available to combat the symptoms of CFS, including lifestyle changes like a well-balanced diet and a good exercise program. Cognitive behavior therapy and graded exercise therapy have been quite successful, too. Medications are less helpful.

There is a correlation between viral illnesses that produce fatigue, weakness, and especially aches and pains, with certain autoimmune disorders. The burning sensations you describe may be related to an autoimmune disorder. Ask your doctor about this and perhaps he/she can order an autoimmune blood profile.

Links

• Disease Digests - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome