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Mono/EBV? - 10/16/2008 7:31:51 PM

bamabbwsub

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I have just been diagnosed with chronic, recurring mono (or Epstein-Barr Virus, EBV). My symptoms are severe, almost debilitating fatigue. One weekend, I slept almost 21 hours straight (had to get up to tend to the pets), and this seems abnormal, even knowing that I have a virus.

I told my doctor about my sleeping marathon, and asked her what I could do. She basically told me that there's nothing that can be done about it, as it's a virus, and it just has to run its course, but she also said that it could last as long as a year.

My question is whether any of you have experienced mono as an adult (I'm 41) and was there anything that you did -- other than sleep! -- that helped you cope with it? Mine seems to hit me every 4-5 days or so, and it's starting to affect my work. I have done quite a bit of research on the topic, but most of the Internet sites only seem to describe the disease and its symptoms; few offer remedies, so I'm wondering if I'm just wishing on a rainbow for something to help.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Oh, and before the jokes start about mono being the "kissing disease"...I didn't even get to kiss anybody to get it reactivated.

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RE: Mono/EBV? - 10/16/2008 7:37:55 PM

lighthearted

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I had mono in my early 20s. I had recently begun a new job and had no sick time available. my boss at the time was kind enough to let me come in an hour later than I was supposed to until I began to feel better. as I recall, it did take about a month to run it's course. I would go to work, come home, eat and then pretty much fall asleep after that.

at the time I wasn't a regular exerciser, but that may have helped, looking back. I recall that I did gain a bit of weight, I'm sure it was because of just eating dinner and then falling asleep...

I hope it passes quickly for you!

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RE: Mono/EBV? - 10/16/2008 8:16:25 PM

knockonmyduir

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maybe increasing your vitamin b12 intake.....i do that during the winter months to boost energy and also echinacea to boost immune system...whether they help or not...or it's just mind over matter.

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RE: Mono/EBV? - 10/16/2008 11:18:21 PM

candystripper

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For many employers, October is the month to choose among a menu of benefits. If disability is offered to you, I'd recommend that you choose it.

I hope you get well soon.

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RE: Mono/EBV? - 10/17/2008 3:33:12 AM

CarrieO

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I was hit with a bout of mono the beginning of this year. It took me almost 4 months before I was even close to what I was before. I, also, didn't get it from kissing but from a visiting college student.
Mono attacks the immune system. Prior to getting it, I was getting over a tick-related illness so my immune system was shot. My GP was clueless as to how to boost my levels so it fell to me to become an informed patient/consumer.
I chose a nature approach....diet (more vegetarian and little or no processed food), supplements ( B-complex,100mg daily, and B-12, 200-400 mcg daily, are important) and exercise. I also did a detox when I started "treatment" to rid my body of any built-up toxins. Rest when you need it...that's your body's clue it's had enough, and try getting a massage to help with aches and stress. If you can get hold of a copy of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" by James Balch you will find lots of ideas.
BTW...before using any herb, be sure to check for drug interaction if you're already on other medications.

I am feeling almost 100% better and was able to enjoy one benefit...a significant weight loss due to lack of appetite that was the beginning of my desire to lose weight and get healthy. Not an approach I recommend...mind you, but I am trying to find a positive in all the negatives.
Be sure to have blood work done every 3 months, if possible, to for the infection and find out if you could be a carrier.

Isn't it funny how the body will MAKE you listen....even if you don't want to take the time to relax and care for #1.
Good luck and try to not get frustrated....give yourself time.

Carrie

*edited for spelling errors and that damn "e" key again!

< Message edited by CarrieO -- 10/17/2008 3:41:29 AM >

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RE: Mono/EBV? - 10/17/2008 7:52:48 AM

OsideGirl

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I had mono at 17. Among a bunch of other symptoms.....I was in bed for pretty much three months. I'd start feeling better and try to go back to school. I'd make it a few days and then I was back to bed. It flared up throughout the year gradually getting better.

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RE: Mono/EBV? - 10/17/2008 7:52:50 AM

silkenfire

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I got mono while in my 2nd year of undergraduate college... I just sort of stayed in my room for months. Had a lovely friend willing to get me groceries, as I was too weak to go to the cafeteria whih was just one building over.

No real advice there though I guess...

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RE: Mono/EBV? - 10/17/2008 5:35:18 PM

bamabbwsub

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Thanks so much for all of the replies.

knock, I will try to take echinacea to help with my immune system. I had a whole series of bloodwork done, and my Vitamin B12 was well within the normal range, although a little extra probably wouldn't hurt.

candy, I don't think that I qualify for disability yet (it seems to hit me about every 4-5 days), and I probably couldn't afford it anyway, since I'm single and have a mortgage. Something to think about, though...

Carrie, thanks for the words of support. I will look into the book and will also consider the homeopathic approach. Per my doctor's instructions, I will be starting the South Beach diet this weekend, not just for the weight loss, but to see if the sugars are contributing towards my fatigue. I willingly admit that my diet is crappy, and that needs to change for a whole host of reasons.

To all others, thanks for your inputs as well. What I've gleaned from every response is that there are a few things that I can be doing to help ease my symptoms, but it's basically one of those diseases that just has to run its course. :::sigh:::

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"Everyone is normal until you get to know them." - Dave Sim

I rescue animals. My pockets and gas tank are always empty. My home is always hairy and my inbox full of sadness, but my heart is full when seeing those that are saved.

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RE: Mono/EBV? - 10/18/2008 7:09:38 PM

NewbiDom

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Mono does not suppress the immune system. Many people have the month of feeling like crap and never wanting to or have the energy to get out of bed. Then there are the few who can not break that cycle of malaise and lack of energy. Many times this is in actuality a form of depression.

When it comes to the immune system just about no one understands it (including 99% of Dr.s) There is only about 5000 trained immunologist's in the US and I have as of yet had a "alternative" practitioner of medicine ever discuss the immune system and eve come close to showing any correct knowledge

I am not the biggest advocate of anti depression meds but may be helpful. What is more useful IMO is BioFeed back... Basically relaxation techniques, exercise (yes sound hard...when you have no energy it is hard to drag yourself out the door and go jogging....), Eat a well balanced diet. Shorten your time in bed to more reasonable 8 or so hrs...you may need to wean yourself from prolonged hrs. Supplements across the board are a waste of money for the stimulation of your immune system. what i typed above is 1 free and 2 more effective. If you want to take herbs....find a good herbologist and stop listening what the high school drop out working in the vitamin shop tell you is good for you.

< Message edited by NewbiDom -- 10/18/2008 7:40:43 PM >

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RE: Mono/EBV? - 10/18/2008 9:15:27 PM

bamabbwsub

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Newbi, what you said is mostly true, I think. Mono itself doesn't suppress the immune system, but one's immune system has to be weakened for the infection to reactivate, from what I've read. Stress, diet, and other factors all play a role in one's overall health, which in turn affects the immune system, I think.

There also seems to be some link between mono and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), although nothing has been proven. From what I've read so far, it's about 60% against a mono/CFS relation and 40% for it. The CDC's web site seems to indicate that there may be a link if all other diseases are ruled out.

For me, I don't doubt that my diet plays a strong role in the way I feel, whether the mono is active or not. So, please wish me luck that the SBD will help me feel better and make me a healthier person overall. :)

I appreciate your advice.

_____________________________

"Everyone is normal until you get to know them." - Dave Sim

I rescue animals. My pockets and gas tank are always empty. My home is always hairy and my inbox full of sadness, but my heart is full when seeing those that are saved.

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