I've got Mono......

[mommajuju3]

So....
Now I know why I've
been so tired...
lost 7 pounds...
have no appetite...

As I think back now, I can even remember being at the doctor months ago, complaining about my throat. It was that it was painful, more of a slightly sore/ dry type throat. It would be there for a week or two then go away. Don't know if it's related. The fatigue is killing me. I really need a nap today, but I had a major headache and I just could relax enough to sleep.  :-(  
Can anyone give me info on Mono? She said she couldn't exactly tell me "when" I was infected, but that it is possible for it to re-occur later down the road.  I know she ran a test for EBV---I remember seeing that on the lab form. How long can I expect to feel like this?
I read online a little bit about mono, but mono and EBV are a little confusing to me and I don't know the difference. And what is the deal with the possible problems with the spleen???

Can I pass this on to my husband and anyone else in the house?  I feel a little validation from that blood test...."here..there really IS something wrong with me!!!"  Husband seemed surprised and wanted to know who I'd been kissing?!?!?!

Thanks for any help!
Julie

[doublevision1]

Infectious mono is nasty!  I had it in my early 20's, got it on my first day of a vacation, thousands of miles from my home, and I was stuck in bed at a friend's house for weeks.

There is no medication to treat it, just rest, rest, REST.  You won't feel like doing anything else anyway.  You need to let others step in to help, and let go of your commitments for a while, as much as you are able.  

For me the worst was the sore throat, could barely eat, drink or speak it hurt so much.  Also the night sweats!  I would soak my pajamas and get up several times a night to change.  I also remember that my urine turned a very dark orange for a long time.  Gross, I know, but you might as well know what might happen!  

Throughout my bout with mono, my best friend slept in the same room with me, and she never picked it up, at least never the acute illness.  I'm surprised she didn't get it, since it is highly contagious.

Cyndi is correct about no hard exercise, taking it easy, etc, as there can be complications with the spleen.  I was told to lay off alcohol till at least a few months after I got better.  I was young and in university and into that whole partying lifestyle, so it was a good thing I was warned.  The doc also told me to continue to take it easy for a long time after I start to feel better, since one is not necessarily fully recovered just because the acute symptoms are gone.

Take care of yourself, and let others take care of you too.

[syndismilez]

Hi, I am terribly sorry that you have mono.
I consider myself self a mono ses pool. I got it the first time when I
was 6, then when I was 17. Then several times as an adult.
I feel as though I have it now. EBV is the virus that causes Mono(if I understand
it correctly). Some people get the mono infection that last for several weeks,
others are exposed to the virus and never get sick.
It is a tuff virus to understand. I hate it. My glands get swollen, I run a low grade fever,
I get a terrible headache, and my throat gets off and on sore.
I am experiancing these symptoms right now, but my primary care physician thinks it is allergies. No mono spot test done. (just about ready to change my PCP). He does not care.  Very bad bedside manner.
But take it easy. No hard exercise. The spleen can enlarge and rupture. Rest rest rest.
It can take a long time to get over.
I hope you are on the last leg of it.
Hugs!!!
Cyndi

[Janette2836]

I do not know much about mono but I wanted to say hello & that I hope you get the rest you need.  The people I have known in the past with mono took like forever to recover fully.  One girl had mono complications & still has not recovered fully & that was 2 years ago.  Not to scare you but to let you know how important your rest is right now.  you CAN pass it on to your hubby so no kissing or "stuff" for awhile.  Sorry I can shed any more light on illness but I do wish you well.

Janette