Getting over Glandular Fever

Kingtut87

Any one got any tips for getting back on the bike after having Glandular fever? I've done a couple of small gentle rides and felt ok after them but really scared of over doing it as I know that it'll put my recover back

So anyone else had? How did you start off training again?

Robb0

Hi folks,

I am absolutely gutted to have got glandular fever just when I was training up for a summer of racing. I got it a month ago, and although I no longer have many symptoms, I still feel constantly tired and weak and am unable to train or work. Heck I can't even walk up one flight of stairs without getting out of breath. The doc has advised avoiding all exercise and plenty of rest. I really hope I'll recover soon and be able to train again. Anybody else who has suffered from this like to share their experiences?

waterford123

It was about twenty years ago that I had it, but would i stop cycling? No like a dick I carried on until I could go know more. I remember one chain gang session around a hilly course in Cornwall which made my face ache so much I actually thought this is the end. Do as the doc says and rest for three months (if you haven't already) and start back slowly. This is only the way and it wasn't until I did this that I felt ok on the bike again. On the whole I'd say that it took me a year to get over it.

Ands

Hi, just posting this from Cycling News Fitness section (Dec 09) - it was my husband who submitted the question. He had GF last year - diagnosed in September but he'd been struggling with fatigue and other symptoms since early summer. Hope this helps.

Overcoming Epstein-Barr Virus
Hi guys,

I’m hoping someone can offer some advice? I picked up Glandular fever in Sept and since then have okay days and not-so-okay days (in terms of how I feel). I know when I get out on my bike I feel like I’m not operating at top level, but sometimes I feel ok to do some good, reasonably hard training.

What I do notice though is that I feel a bit vague most days and a little unmotivated at times, but when I do get out on the bike I feel better for it and it seems to give me more energy.

My question is: am I doing myself harm by training or will it benefit me by keeping active? If training is okay, what levels am I okay to go to? I’d like to get the EBV out of my system asap, obviously.

Many thanks for your help.
Andrew

Kelby Bethards says

Andrew,

That is a very vague problem. NOT because you are being vague, but because EBV (Epstien-Barr Virus) can cause a very large set of small problems... and occasionally large problems.

I have been working through the same thing since June. Its no fun. There are some things you have mentioned that are encouraging and some things I think you need to listen to...

I think it is good that you can still do some hard efforts and that you have some good days. In many cases you just can't even go too hard or you will feel demolished and can't recover quickly. You have mentioned on the bike you feel like you are not at top level and that is correct you are not at top level. And the goal would be to get back to that level.

First off, if you feel very tired on a ride, go home. Don't push it and make things worse. The key to EBV and recovery is rest and patience. (Yeah right) It can take a few months up to a year, so it seems for cyclists to feel back to normal again. There are many studies and things showing a link from EBV to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I am not saying you will have this or should you worry too much about this but it can take years in some cases to recover.

So, this is what I have written in the past and have told people, if you feel very tired: REST. Do not try to push through it and "defeat" it. You will end up feeling more tired than you started. I think it is ok to still ride and work out some, but on the very tired days, rest.

On the flip side, test the waters once and a while. IF you are feeling good, push a little and see how it goes. Pay attention to whether you recover quickly or not. If you are worn out for days after hard work out and so on.

This EBV thing and its sequelae can be very frustrating and tenacious. It took its toll on many pro cyclists throughout the years and they usually have "lost" season from it.

paul64

None of you have posted your age. I was shocked to pick up the 'kissing disease' in 1999 when aged 35. Missus teased me a lot for it.

I was shattered for 18 months. A short walk with the pushchair would see me out of breath and having to rest. Thankfully I never actually turfed junior out of the seat and made her push

Only after that time did my body feel able to take exercise and then it responded okay. Every 3 or 4 years I have had perhaps a week or two where I feel the same exhaustion symptoms for no explicable reason, usually after feeling better than ever of course. The flatness of glandular fever is a unique feeling so you don't mistake it for the more common feeling of muscle and body tiredness that a tougher exercise week brings about.

sagalout

I had it when I was about 18 - took me a good 6 months to a year before I was fully recovered. The only plus was being signed off work for about 6 weeks, which coincided with summer and the TdF.