Glandular Fever

Isobel52

Can anyone who has actually suffered this horrible illness as a middle aged adult please help - I am getting increasingly frustrated with the number of well meaning people who have never had it sucking their teeth, shaking their heads and telling me that I must not think about getting on my bike again or else I will never be well again . . .
I was struck down out of the blue in November,when ironically I was feeling in peak condition. For four weeks I was basically bed bound, gradually improved and now feel fine most of the time - only every now and again the very distinctive fatigue sweeps over me and I must lie down - this has become less frequent over the last ten days.
Anybody got any tips about getting going again?

angry_bird

You should see your doctor really, get their opinion, it's a fairly common infection they'll see (admittedly more in young people) but they should be able to give you a decent informed opinion and have a fair bit of experience in the matter. Too many possible risks e.g. splenic rupture to go by peoples opinions on an internet forum...

Isobel52

Thanks Angry Bird - the thought of possible splenic rupture coloured my dreams for many long nights! Although my doctor was very supportive in the early stages, she seems nonplussed by my desire to get my fitness back and gives the vague answer "it just takes time". Whilst I appreciate everyone is different it would help me to know how far to push myself . If I exercise (on my turbo or with light weights in the gym) until I begin to feel tired am I likely to bring back a full blown attack?

supersonic

I am one such person - I have had repeated bouts of glandular fever since 1998 (started at the age of 20), and was diagnosed in 2007 with severe post viral fatigue syndrome. I guess you maybe having some of the PVF.

As mentioned, seeing a doctor or specialist is the best way forward. I was put on a graded exercise programme, CBT and had to take it easy. The key is to never, EVER force yourself to do things. Not many people understand this, especially non sufferers who think that you can just work your way out of it. I get it too, these 'well meaners' who know nothing about the depth of the fatigue and symptoms, but the other way to you, annoys me as well!

Maybe ask to be seen by a consultantat the infectious diseases dept of your hospital, or someone who specialises in viral fatigue.

Today I am doing much better (though just got tonsillitis, hoping it isn't another bout of glandular fever)!

Build up slowly, rest when you need to.

Isobel52

Hope you are not too under the weather with tonsillitis and that it hasn't developed into the dreaded GF. I was "lucky" being older than you in that it attacked my liver rather than my throat or tonsils - there are some awe inspiring photographs on the net of swollen tonsils!
I have another blood test booked on 10/2 and will take that opportunity to ask about PVF.
Meanwhile, from my sofa, you rest up and take it easy.

Tinca

I had it when i was 18 and it'totally did me in, absolutely no energy, i basicly got up, went to work, came home, went to bed, got up had dinner, went back to bed. That was me for quite a while. Once i got through that stage, my immune system seemed to be shot for a few year's, i got every cold going, and some that weren't

Good luck, take your time and get better.

Isobel52

Thank you - one thing is clear, the virus has to burn itself out. Just wish it would hurry up! Have bought a turbo so I can do a bit on more energetic days. Meanwhile, dodging my husband who is filling the house with the most awful cold . . .!

Jimbob_no5

I was diagnosed with it October 2010 and i still have to this day, im a rare unfortunate that hasn't got rid of it so when i get ill like i did over the weekend my lymph nodes react and swell up over night. I've got one gland in my groin that has stayed the same size, about the size of a cherry tomato, since i got GF, it doesn't cause me any problems at all, aches from time to time but nothing ibruprofen doesn't sort out.

Don't listen to the folk that say you'll never do certain things again, that's BS, i was laid up for 6weeks and off college a further 3months because i didn't only get GF, i got ear infections, urinary infections, bronchitis all along with it. I made sure i rested up, ate well etc and not long after that i was back on the horses and on the bike.

Look after yourself and don't do too much strenuous stuff, i learned the hard way