Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support Group

My doctor told me not to have any vaccinations or shots and said it would make my CFIDS worse. Maybe others have had a difference experience. Getting rid of candida helped me recover from CFIDS.
I found this on the web>
Are Your Health Problems Candida Connected?

If your answer is "yes" to any question check the box off. When you've completed the questionnaire, add up the points. Your score will help you determine the possibility (or probability) that your health problems are yeast related.
YES Score
1. Have you taken repeated or prolonged courses of antibacterial drugs?
4
2. Have you been bothered by recurrent vaginal, prostate or urinary tract infections?
3
3. Do you feel "sick all over," yet the cause hasn't been found?
2
4. Are you bothered by hormone disturbances, including PMS, menstrual irregularities, sexual dysfunction, sugar craving, low body temperature or fatigue?
2
5. Are you unusually sensitive to tobacco smoke, perfumes, colognes and other chemical odors?
2
6. Are you bothered by memory or concentration problems? Do you sometimes feel "spaced out"?
2
7. Have you taken prolonged courses of prednisone or other steroids; or have you taken "the pill" for more than 3 years?
2
8. Do some foods disagree with you or trigger your symptoms?
1
9. Do you suffer with constipation, diarrhea, bloating or abdominal pain?
1
10. Does your skin itch, tingle or burn; or is it unusually dry; or are you bothered by rashes?
1
Scoring for women: If your score is 9 or more, your health problems are probably yeast-connected. If your score is 12 or more, your health problems are almost certainly yeast-connected.
Scoring for men: If your score is 7 or more, your health problems are probably yeast-connected. If your score is 10 or more, your health problems are almost certainly yeast-connected.

What is Candidiasis?

Candida albicans is a Yeast that resides in the human bowel. Under normal conditions, only a small number of Candida live in our intestine. A healthy bowel should contain 95% friendly bacteria and 15% pathogens (antagonistic bacteria), including Candida albicans. These friendly bacteria keep yeast and other pathogens in check. Candidiasis is an overgrowth of Candida albicans. The Candida starts out as simple, relatively harmless single celled yeast. Left unchecked, it can become a nuisance, developing large colonies and contributing to a wide variety of health problems in both men and women. If this “nuisance” condition is not controlled, the yeast can develop into a more stubborn organism, namely the mycelia hungus form of Candida. This form can contribute to many more serious problems and can be very challenging to overcome. When the Candida problem has advanced to this degree, it is referred to as “systemic Candidiasis.”

Kindest regards,
Patty B, Ph.D.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I am just wondering if you have read the book, "The Omega 3 Connection?"
Fish Oil Essential for Depression and Mental Health
Patty Butts, Ph.D.

Omega-3s are a safe, simple, natural treatment for depression, mental health, and enhancing mood without side effects. Andrew Stoll, a psychiatrist and director of the Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory at McClean Hospital, is author of the book The Omega-3 Connection. The book is designed to educate about benefits of fish oil and help readers restore their natural balance of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in high concentrations in the brain.
Over the past century, people in the United States have largely eliminated omega-3 fatty acids from their diet, due to the huge consumption of processed foods and a low-fat diet craze.
However, there is reason to be concerned about bad fats. Sixty-eight percent of people die from three degenerative diseases that involve fatty degeneration. They include cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. Some fats are absolutely required for good health, while others detrimental. The most dangerous fats are those found in margarines, shortenings, heated oils, cheese, and some meats, but we need the healing fatty acids. Omega-3s are essential for optimal function of every cell in our bodies and we cannot manufacture them internally. They can be obtained only through our diet.
Stoll, on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, was interested in alternatives for bipolar patients. He conducted extensive searches on medical research papers to find substances with properties similar to standard mood stabilizers, lithium and valproate. After he and his colleague, Dr. Emauel Severus, reviewed hundreds of papers, they pulled up one match time and again—common fish oil.
Fish oils are already known for their roll in preventing heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease. They may also be responsible for protecting against arthritis, diabetes, and some psychiatric disorders. The brain requires more omega-3 and fatty acids than any other system in the body. According to Dr. Stoll, without omega-3s, the brain cannot function normally, so even the most powerful antidepressants will be unable to improve mood. For optimum health, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids should be eaten in nearly equal proportions. Omega-6 fatty acids are contained in vegetable and seed oils, including olive oil, sunflower oil, and safflower oils. Omega-3s are more difficult to obtain, and are most often from fish oil. Flax oil and seed contains some Omega-3s.
In addition, omega-3s are safe and effective supplements for pregnancy, nursing mothers, and postpartum depression. Blood levels of omega-3s decrease during the later stages of pregnancy and stay low, because the fetus receives these essential lipids preferentially (especially if there is a shortage). Lack of omega-3s can damage a mothers health after birth and cause major postpartum depression. These fatty acids are so important in cell-signaling pathways, and are vital to the function of many brain systems, including those neural systems regulating mood and emotions. Research indicates that a lack of omega-3s during pregnancy may impair development of the visual system of a fetus, and may also compromise future intelligence.
Evening Primrose is another Omega 3 that is particularly helpful for PMS (premenstrual syndrome), irritability, mood swings, and cramps.
There is some evidence that attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might be rooted in a deficiency of the omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers noticed that in two groups of children it was found that those who had omega-3 deficiency and ADHD had similarities. Both had excess thirst, greater frequency of dry hair and skin, and an increased need to urinate. When they tested the blood levels of the ADHD subjects they found that 40 percent had low levels of omega-3s.
Dr. Stoll recommends 1 to 2 grams (1000-to 2000 milligrams) of fish oil daily for health, mood, or cognitive improvement.

Two years ago I had the regular flu (despite having the flu shot -- that was the year that they "missed" it). I took Tamiflu and had no problems with it. I'm not sure that it helped really helped with the flu though -- took me three weeks before I felt better!

Sorry to hear that you have swine flu. Keep up your fluids, get plenty of rest, and hang in there!

Oregano oil, echinacea, zinc, vitamin C, (garlic - although maybe too heating once you already have it) can all help with flu. Fluids and cooling herbs can also help (i.e. Chinese medicine). When I had the flu my neighbour rubbed a coin on my back with medicated oil to produce a red stripey pattern, this helps the heat get out, it seemed to help! (Chinese medicine). Hope you feel better soon!