Odd Symptoms of Mononucleosis?

[Luvbug9956]

I apologize if this question seems long-winded,but I have a long list of symptoms to ask about.I am a 21-year-old relatively healthy female (smoker).About 6 weeks ago,I was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of SOB,palpitations,&leg twitching.The docs suspected a PE,but V/Q scan showed it was not a PE.After being sent home,I saw my primary physician,and was finally diagnosed with mono.I was wondering if the following symptoms (all of which I have been experiencing) could be related to the mono:
1.  SLIGHTLY ELEVATED HEART RATE (75-100bpm), which becomes faster (more around the 100 range) and harder upon slight exertion (like showering in the morning)- I have had 2 normal EKG's just for your info
2.  PRESSURE IN THE FACE AND MOUTH (around my teeth) - i have been placed on both a z-pack and biaxin b/c the docs suspected a sinus infection, neither which have worked
3.  TWITCHING IN MY LEGS - very slight and not very bothersome
4.  TINGLING IN EXTREMITIES
5.  SORE NECK MUSCLES AND BACK MUSCLES
6.  SLIGHT TIGHTNESS IN THE THROAT
7.  LIGHT-HEADEDNESS AND INABILITY TO CONCENTRATE
These symptoms have been scary, especially from the hospital experience that I had. I am most concerned about the facial pressure and the heart rate.The heart rate has improved slightly in the past few days.I just would like the peace of mind, knowing that these symptoms are from the mono, and that they will eventually subside. I also had a very difficult bout of anxiety upon returning from the hospital - could the fear of these symptoms be elevating my heart rate? I would appreciate any feedback.Thank you.

[natedawg]

A related discussion, odd symptoms of mon was started.

[chip253]

I drink alot of milk. My doctor says drinking milk might help sooth my sore throat. My sinuses are plugged to the point of feeling presurized. Is the milk still a good idea?

[Birdee]

I too have had extreme facial pressure WITHOUT CONGESTION and at times my nose feel like I could just crack it off my face to aquire some relief. I have a headache at times but the pressure is the worst... Sounds strange I know... PLease respond and advise what other issues if any could cause this. I am not a smoker and have never been. Thank you

[Kesek]

I went to the doctor about three weeks ago with the following symptoms:

1.  Sore neck - my glands are swollen and my neck is actually sore to touch, it hurts to turn my head and when I yawn, cough or sneeze I get a sharp pain in my neck.

2.  I have pressure in my ears, my neck, my mouth and my face.

3.  I have intermittent feelings of a low-grade fever.

They told me I had a sinue infection and gave me a decongestant (can't remember the name) and amoxycillin.  After 4 days on the antibiotic I didn't feel any better and actually was feeling worse so I called the doctor back.  This time they called me in a prescription for Biaxin.  I have been on the Biaxin for 8 days and I do not feel any better.  My neck is so sore and I am living on Ibuprofen.  I take 800-1000 mgs at a time and I feel okay for about 6 hours then I have to take it again.  I do not actually have a sore throat, it is my neck (my face and my ears) that hurts.  The overall sick feeling seems to come in waves and sometimes comes on very rapidly.  

Does this sound like mono?  I have felt badly for so long that my imagination is starting to get the best of me and I really worry what is wrong with me.  I have even worried about Hodgkins Disease...Any ideas?

[frostedflakes]

This past winter I went to the doctor with fatigue, sore throat, and nausia.  I got blood work done and the doctor dignosed me with mono.  Just recently I have been feeling chronic fatigue and blurriness.  I was wondering if the mono is back? or never left? Or could it be something else, is it possible that the blood tests mislead my family physician?  Please respond as soon as possible.
thanks,
a very worried college student.

[riama]

I experienced very similar symptoms with mono.  It was scary and lasted for months.  If it goes on for months, you may need further exploration of chronic fatique syndrome.  One theory is that is is a neuromuscular disorder, but who knows.  HOpe you feel better soon.........

[MarkNMobile02]

I have been trying to figure out what was wrong wih me for the last six months and my doctors finally figured out i had mono.  My primary doctor had to do more extensive blood work than a monospot test on me to figure it out.  I was having severe headaches, muscle aches, the inside of my mouth was swollen, my neck hurt all the time so bad i couldnt turn it, my arms legs and neck would twitch all the time and still does every now and then, and I had a skin rash, I even had a tonsilectomy becasue my ent doctor thought I had reoccurent tonsilitis but it was the mono. So that prolonged me getting well by a few months by having a tonsillectomy.  I am an 18yo male who smoked for 2 years before having mono.  My doctor said that smoking would only prolong the disease so I quit.  maybe this info will answer your question ....

[Luvbug9956]

Thank you for the suggestions to quit smoking.  I also wanted to ask about the facial pressure that I continue to have.  It is now across the bridge of my nose, and I feel immense pressure in the roof of my mouth.  My gums the back of my teeth, only on the top, are quite swollen and tender.  Could it be sinusitis, or possibly the mono?  I have been put on another antibiotic, but want an opinion as to if you think it would work, because antibiotics do a number on my stomach, and are quite uncomfortable to take.

[Tomasello_MD]

I never said smoking was contributing to this person's problem. However, I would agree that I should expand on this suggestion.
Now, if you want to quit smoking that is the first step. YOU MUST WANT TO QUIT.
I recommend the use of Zyban 150mg twice daily along with the use of a tapering dose of Nicoderm CQ (21mg/day for 2 weeks followed by 14mg/day for 2 weeks followed by 7mg/day for 2 weeks. I recommend people take Zyban for at least the 6 weeks, if not longer.
Now, I realize my suggestion was abrupt. However, in a recent survey of smokers who have visited the doctor in the past year, nearly 40% stated that their doctor, aware of their smoking, never even SUGGESTED that the individual quit.
Regards,
Dr. T

[ErinF]

Dr. you say "quit smoking" like it's as easy as taking out the trash.  It isn't.  And I really doubt smoking alone is contributing entirely to this person's problem.  I'm sure he or she knows its bad for them and knows they should quit.  A condescending one liner isn't going to help their other health problems.

[Forum-M.D.-DT]

Thank you for visiting the Family Practice forum.
Step one ... quit smoking.
Now, in regard to your question about mono, yes it is quite possible that the symptoms you are experiencing could be related to mono:

Here are the most COMMON symptoms seen with mono.

Fever
Headache
Sore throat with/without white patches on the tonsils
Swollen glands
Fatigue
Decreased appetite
Enlarged Spleen

I would suspect that anxiety may be contributing. Althouth you have had 2 EKGs, I might suggest that you consider speaking with your doctor about a "Holter Monitor". This would help to detect any heart arrhythmias which may not have been present at the time the EKG was done. (i.e. sometimes heart arrhythmias can be "intermittent".

Also, did your doctor confirm the presence of Mono with a blood test? If not, this should be done.