Mono

[ConcernedWorried321]

I have not felt right since early October and have experienced numerous symptoms.  At the beginning it consisted of flu like symptoms, abdominal pain, and skin rash/irritation.  By late November after 4 rounds of antibiotics (DR thought infection) I had started feeling slightly better and was advised to get both flu shots.  The following week I got very ill (flu like symptoms and sore throat) went to the Dr. had blood test and tested positive for mono.  Now its mid Jan and despite slight improvement I still dont feel better.  I have had so many different problems (fatigue, achy muscles and bones, sore neck, canker sores, dull pain beneath the ribs on both sides).  It seems like my immune system has just shut down.  Is this typical of mono I have read some stories and people seem to have some very rough experiences.  But I have had so many unrelated symptoms.  Could the flu shots on top of the mono been harder on my system?  How long will this take to clear up (things seem to slowly be getting better)?  Should I just ignore all the other symptoms and assume they are related to mono?  Please comment this has been going on for so long and Im starting to get really depressed.

[opinmin]

Unfortunately, Mono is a terrible illness; it will take time to recover.  I know it is a pain, especially if you are an active, independent person.  And yes, all the above can affect your immune system "that much."   You can go back and forth with feeling better and then feeling crapy.  

I really do not know alot about immune boosting supplements.  I would make sure your physician is aware of what drugs you are taking while you are going though this.  Most of those drugs are not FDA approved and there is no strong evidence that do or don't work.  Rest, low stress, hydration, proper nutrition and avoiding other sick people I know works.  Plus, being young helps; at least you are not an older woman going through this.   Are taking any prescibed medications for it now?  

I think alot of other people in these forum are having problems like you related to Mono.    

It will take time.  Hang in there.  

[ConcernedWorried321]

Sorry to keep bothering everyone I just have some questions.  Its normal to get worse a couple of times during recovery?  I was feeling alot better and now it seems to be getting worse again.  Does this cause numerous (unrelated) symptoms there are just so many things that dont feel/seem right.  Would the combination of the illness/immunizations/4 rounds of antibiotic have affected my immune system that much.  I just want to know that this is all normal and that it will go away so I can live life again.  Ive been taking immune boosting supplements and trying to relax and get rest.  I was more active when I felt better then things seemed to get worse.  I am just worried it is all starting over again with the sore throat that was the original problem then I got so sick I could barely stand.  Is there anything I can do besides rest, water, supplements?  Thanks for your input its greatly appreciated.

[opinmin]

Are you taking medications now?  Make sure you are getting adequate sleep, nutrition and not overdoing the activity because you are feeling better.  Take it easy with the activity; increase slowly.  Try to avoid being around people who are ill.  Mono can relapse unfortunately.  There is nothing wrong with you; only that you have a stubborn case of Mono.  It is definitely no fun at all.  

Make sure you are being monitored by a phyisician through all of this.  You can go back and forth with feeling better than feeling crapy; he/she needs to make adjustments in your plan of care while you are going through this until it runs its course.  

Hang in there.  

Keep us posted.    

[ConcernedWorried321]

What is wrong with me?  Everything has seemed to be getting better.  For the last week or two I felt almost normal.  Then the sore throat returned now a rapid heart beat.  Does this mean I am relapsing?  It all started like this.  When do I worry that this is something else?

[opinmin]

Jeez, the physician actually thought it was a good idea to give you flu immunizations while you were ill?  That sounds incompetent; ridiculous.  The combo of immunizations and mono against your immune system in my opinion probably made things worse.  All the symptoms you have stated are typical mono.  

Secondly, mono is one of those nasty situations that usually take a while to go away completely; usually slowly.  As long as you are improving slowly I wouldn't worry too much;it is definitely not fun.  I have read it can take up to 6 months; a year worst case senario.  Everyone's immune system is so different.  Meanwhile, you should be closely monitored by a competent physician.  

I feel for you.