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I feel like I've reached a plateau!

Posted , 5 users are following.

rosie34970
rosie34970

Hello everyone,

I've been ill for about a year following glandular fever which I caught in March 2016, but wasn't diagnosed til August by which time I'd struggled through months of work and worsened it. Went through a really bad phase last July and was in hospital for a couple weeks; then slowly managed to inch back to semi-normality and was working on a phased return to my job from October 2016.

Unfortunately I had a major relapse in mid January after a major dose error with meds I take for a long term condition. The meds were sorted out but I was really unwell February and March, GP said the glandular fever had flared back up I could hardly get out of bed then.

Luckily improved about 6 weeks ago and have been able to get round the house, make the odd meal and go for very short walks (less than half an hour). I still have a couple of days a week where I'm in pain with swollen glands, bad headaches and some dizziness even though I take it really easy every day.

Luckily my work have been really understanding so far, but I'd hoped to go back at the end of the month on another phased return, but I don't think I'm going to be ready :-( it feels like I've been at a similar level with my health for the past 6 weeks, despite lots of vitamins, rest and healthy diet. Has anyone else hit a plateau like this?

I do believe I will get better but I suppose it'd be nice to know whether anyone else has had a similar experience?

Thanks

Rosie x

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • tonilouiseclark
    tonilouiseclark rosie34970

    Posted

    Hi Rosie

    I was diagnosed with mono last July my liver levels. Went sky high no energy and my immune system started attacking itself I was in hospital for 3 days. I had a week off work but went back due to being in a new job. I started to feel better but on the 28th august I developed a hacking cough which I still have it has created breathing difficulties and I have to use inhalers and take oral steroids when it is really bad. I believe it to be a secondary infection but this has not been diagnosed as yet.

    Anyway the point I am trying to make is you need to slow down where possible cut out the booze nights out and loon after yourself as much as possible as boring as this is we will get better.

    Onwards and upwards and stay positive

    Take care

    TLC

    • rosie34970
      rosie34970 tonilouiseclark

      Posted

      Thanks TLC. Sorry to hear you've had it badly too. This virus is vicious! My glands have come up again, first time in weeks, even though I've been really good. Wouldn't even think about going on a night out, don't think I could if I tried!! And must've had total of about two alcoholic drinks in the past year, I've just felt too ill to want it. I suppose we've just got to keep doing everything we can for our health to help our body get on top of it. Hope it pays off!

      All the best.

  • craig07920
    craig07920 rosie34970

    Posted

    Hey Rosie,

    So sorry to hear you're struggling like this still, words can't describe how difficult it is to cope with and just want you to know I'm thinking about you and just hoping and believing in a full recovery for you still - I truly believe that will happen.

    I did have some mini relapses in the couple of years after the virus, it definitely can happen but the good thing is usually it is never anywhere near as severe as the first time because your body is in better shape for dealing with it and nullifying its effects. Just hoping things can improve and you can feel well enough for a phased return again at some point  - but only do it when you feel ready Rosie, don't stress if it still takes a bit longer.

    Have you ever heard of a therapy called 'Bowen therapy'? It's a very natural therapy which has helped me with all sorts of things, including sciatica, pains, fatigue, etc. I have found it helped me a lot. Worth looking into maybe if you're looking to try things that can help - it's very relaxing and non-evasive too (nothing like physio or anything, it's very gentle).

    Thinking of you Rosie and just take things one day at a time - and remember each day is a day towards recovery.

    Craig

    • rosie34970
      rosie34970 craig07920

      Posted

      Thankyou Craig that's really kind. I'd never heard of Bowen therapy before but I just looked it up online and it sounds nice, I may try it if I can find the money. I bought some co-q10 this week after you recommended it! Fingers crossed it helps. Trying to be patient and doing lots of mindfulness and meditation to try to relax my body and support my immune system! I've actually agreed with my doctor to be diagnosed with chronic fatigue so I can access some support services. I'm determined to get better from it still but some of the strategies seem helpful for any long term viral illness. I think you're right I need to take my time and not rush back to work, but try to build up a sustainable recovery this time.

      Thanks again

      Rosie

    • craig07920
      craig07920 rosie34970

      Posted

      Hi Rosie,

      It sounds like you are definitely doing all the right things to help yourself, it's so important that you still do things you enjoy like seeing friends / family, short walks (fresh air is great!), watching fav tv shows, reading, whatever it might be - it's great to distract from the virus through these things and of course it helps reduce the stress, but of course key is to do things that don't take too much out of you and give yourself rest time before and after if it's something a bit more exerting.

      And don't let the thing about Chronic Fatigue make you feel discouraged Rosie, because people recovery at very different rates from this virus in my view, for some it can take a longer period but it doesn't mean to say that you won't still fully recover, because I believe that you will - and it's good to access support services as you say so definitely hang in there. Good luck with the co-enzyme Q10, it's full of b vitamins I believe and they often call it 'the spark of life' because of its energy giving and wellbeing properties. I find it really helpful to take during periods of stress.

      Hang in there, better times ahead Rosie, I truly believe that.

      Craig

  • jeff93529
    jeff93529 rosie34970

    Posted

    Hi rosie34970,

    I have always taken a long time (usually months) to recover from the bouts of fatigue and the recovery is soooo slow that I don't notice I have recovered until next time I go down like a ton of bricks. Only then do I realise how much I had actually improved - sorry, not too much promise in saying that hey?

    • craig07920
      craig07920 jeff93529

      Posted

      Hey Jeff,

      It's a horrible thing the fatigue and feeling wiped out, it's so frustrating to manage because sometimes when you feel a bit better you try more and then it can come back again. Holding onto hope and belief for Rosie's recovery and your recovery Jeff and for Toni's recovery also. Trusting God to guide and help and bring healing.

      Craig

  • rosie34970
    rosie34970

    Posted

    Hi both - thanks for your replies. Been having problems with my notifications being filtered into junk mail so only just seen them now! I suppose all we can do is keep on trying to be as kind to our bodies as possible and hoping to keep inching forwards! Fingers crossed

    Rosie

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