Living with Epstein-Barr Virus
I am practicing getting better at replacing "I am sick" with "I am recovering." But the truth is, I am sick and recovering. I was diagnosed with Epstein-Barr Virus just days ago and have been managing as best I can with its often painful symptoms.
What is Epstein-Barr Virus?
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common virus that infects many people at some point in their lives. It’s best known as the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis, often called “mono” or the “kissing disease.” EBV is typically spread through saliva, which is why it’s often transmitted by kissing, though it can also be spread by sharing drinks, food, or utensils.
Most people are exposed to the virus during childhood or adolescence. Once someone is infected, the virus stays in their body for life, usually in a dormant state. This means that while you might not have any symptoms after the initial infection, the virus remains in your cells and can reactivate later.
It's unclear when I got EBV because, as a kid, I had what I thought was strep throat a lot; I'm talking yearly, sometimes twice a year, and even in the summer.
At 26 years old, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which also affects the throat. As I got older and began my healing journey, I understood this to be related to speech – not speaking my truth about big things, things that mattered, things that hurt me.
While I was always taking a form of levothyroxine, a medicine used to treat an underactive thyroid gland, I would still get flare-ups of what I thought was strep, so I would nervously scan my life for where I wasn't communicating.
This tactic seemed to work, though, looking back, I understand things differently.
Here’s What I Know Now
The culprit has always been EBV. I got it as a kid, and what I always assumed was strep throat was actually EBV flare-ups. All this time, I never knew because EBV is a test you have to ask for.
And while there is a possible connection, not everyone who has had EBV will develop hypothyroidism, but I did. The development of autoimmune thyroid conditions depends on various factors, including genetics, environmental triggers, and overall immune health. I do believe this was the cause for me.
What’s Next: Living With EBV
I was living in Tulum for three years with tons of inconsistent health issues. Eventually, it came time to leave to get some answers and properly treat my hypothyroidism.
It has always been a dream of mine to heal from hypothyroidism naturally, so when I learned my endocrinologist left Mount Sinai in New York and I was put on a waitlist for a new doctor until October, I knew I had to do something else.
Moving back to the States meant moving to Pennsylvania, where my family now lived, which allowed me to see a lovely naturopath who listened, asked many questions, and finally discovered, after all the years, I had undiagnosed and untreated EBV.
I saw Dr. Lee on 8/8, and she put me on a protocol on 8/19; I've been acclimating ever since.
Living with EBV while treating my hypothyroidism, naturally, is a huge adjustment. I am making peace with my desire for a quick fix to get back to "normal" while navigating triggers and the voice of my former anorexic self who’s scared we are putting on weight.
I remind her and myself that we are safe, we are home, we are loved and cared for, and just breathe. Healing takes time, but I am happy to be on this journey.