If you want to research further about mycoplasmas, you might google Garth Nicolson. He's done a lot of research into Gulf War Syndrome. The thing is... those soldiers were dosed with something during wartime. How did we get it?

Since I had pneumonia when I was 7, just a week or so after getting immunized at school... I was very intrigued by the mycoplasma conspiracy theory but had to let it go - especially when I found out I have Asperger's Syndrome - a form of autism. We won't be allowed to know anything certain for another 80 years on what really happened and I need to keep my sanity intact. The main thing right now is to find solutions.

I don't know if olive leaf extract makes me feel "better" unless you consider not having constant yeast or fungal infections as better. Those things can really drag you down. And unsightly toenails? That can really mess with your self esteem. Never go barefoot again? No way.

I took Valtrex for 18 months. It's a prescription anti-viral aimed at the Herpes viral family. Last December, I noticed my F symptoms dropping off. My 20 yr. backache from a herniated disc went away, along with other pains. The endless nausea disappeared. My body tissues somehow felt clean and un-toxic.

I stopped taking Valtrex in May and started feeling really good. I've had more pain-free days in the past two months than in the past 5 years.

Sadly, as my Infectious Disease doc suggested, the virus was only arrested. It was still fighting while I was taking the Valtrex but once I stopped taking it (well, my insurance stopped paying for it) it didn't have to fight anymore, which is maybe why I felt so much better these past two months, plus.

So, here I sit with what I'm desperately hoping is a summer cold but it could also be the start of my third winter with chronic bronchitis. Last week, my lower back started hurting again, just like old times and today the constant nausea returned. Is it coming back??? This is an extremely depressing thought.

I'm not sure I would take Valtrex again because of the side effects, so I'm very interested in alternatives such as olive leaf extract. I've taken it for awhile and have had no unwanted side effects.

Another supplement that's gaining in popularity is Phyllanthus niruri - a plant that grows in the Amazon rain forest. It's already popular in South America for stones (gall, kidney, bladder) and Hep B.

Because of XMRV findings, it's getting some attention here in the U.S.

I wrote a post about it if you're interested.

http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Fibromyalgia/forum/10397388-chanca-piedra-phyllanthus-niruri

PS - if you're worried about MRSA, try using tea tree oil on your skin. That stuff kills everything that might get on you - even protozoa. I mix pure tea tree oil with pure jojoba oil and use after every shower. The difference in the condition of my skin has been amazing - especially my discolored shins.

unduki, thanks for taking the time to write all that info out! I just ordered the olive leaf from seagate. I did read your post about the other plant.... but I'm getting a little overwhelmed with everything. Having a particularly down time last couple of days and am kind of grasping for hope and help. But let me try one at a time.

I used to use tea tree oil a lot. Like so many things, it dropped off, outta my mind. When I run out of something, I can't always afford to replace it.

As always, I'm more worried about my kids and MRSA than myself.

Narey, I work at a senior care home and there are residents that have MRSA. It's not as scary as they make it out to be and there are seniors that test negative (must test negative 3 times) after treatments.

Best thing to do if you visit someone in the hospital, care home, etc. is to bring your own alcohol based hand sanitizer.

MRSA on the groin is less catchable than say the throat (cough, sneeze, etc.) as the groin is kept covered with clothing. When in doubt, have everyone (including the infected person) wear a mask, gloves and a gown. Separate towels, facecloths and laundry.

According to this book I've been reading, MRSA has so many strains and is changing all the time. The hospital strains (and nursing home strains) aren't as bad as the "community strains" which are cropping up more and more and are resistant to many meds and are some nasty infections! ugh It's when the strain mutates and is passed around that things get dangerous. Keeping the same strain contained in the one institution is "fine" so to speak.

It's really been an interesting read. I've learned a lot.

I ordered the Seagate Olive Leaf extract. I'll let you know if I find any noticeable difference.