Mono

[LovedIt]

So... last semester, maybe september or october of last year, I got mono. I didn't find out that I had gotten mono until last month, which means, obviously, that I don't have it anymore. The way I found out is that I've been conditioning for track and simply haven't had the energy to run. Actually, for the past two or three months, I haven't been able to do much of anything (something as simple as putting my hair in a pony tail makes my arms tired). So, when I found out I had mono, my doctor put me on steroids for a week. But I haven't been feeling any better or stronger.

Can anyone tell me how long this muscle weakness will last??

When I got sick, it was the middle of cross country season and I only missed one day at the height of my illness. I ran through it and am still running. Has my running hindered my recovery?

If someone could direct me to any sort of website that can give me the answers I need, that would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[a_girlsdreams]

First off, mono sucksssss. It can last for about 2 weeks or even longer than 6 months. If you had it last semester, there is a chance that its back. Usually mono stays with you. Yeah you "recover" from it for the time being, but its usually always there in your body.
If you still feel tired and weak, chances are you still have mono. If the steriods arent working or didnt work, you should see the doctor again and talk to him.
Running could keep you from fully getting over the illness. Its like, for example, if you are tired from being up allll night, your body needs allll day to recover. But instead of sleeping all day you only get 6 hours of rest, your body isnt fully recovered. Its kind of like the same thing. If you had it a few months ago and never allowed yourself about 2-6 weeks to recover, and still feel tired, then its probably still there and coming back worse. Depending on how bad mono is, sometimes its just tiredness, sometimes its more physical, doctors have patients out up to a few months from school or work.
If you are not feeling 100% go back to the doctor. But you are defiently going to need about a month of resting to recover.
Feel better and good luck.

[Spontaneous Smile]

I had mono back in my seventh grade year. And I can tell you that I think I had it for at least a month or two, but didn't get the vicious-flu/cold symptoms that accompanies mono until a few weeks later. I pretty much recovered my strength after the week of symptoms passed.

First of all- don't excercise. This can become dangerous. Not only can it hinder your ability to recover but it can cause your appendix to rupture- which can be fatal. The best thing to do it rest. Mono is a virus so antibiotics will not work.

Hope you start feeling better!

[Stacey]

I got mono a few years ago and was sick for a good two months and I remained fatigued for several months after recovering. If you were exercising through this time, it is likely that you haven't allowed your body enough rest. I would try getting plenty of rest for a week or so, and if you are still feeling weak speak to your doctor.

[Nicola]

Rest rest rest! It's really the only way your body is going to fight off the virus.