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Making the most out of the mono experience

Posted , 6 users are following.

Stereo
Stereo

I'm 29 years old and was recently diagnosed with mononucleosis after I got tonsillitis and a fever while traveling. My skin became covered in a rash, muscles became sore, lymph nodes swollen, and I have somewhat of a loss of appetite. I’m still recovering, and don’t have the same amount of energy that I usually do. I have a chronic slight sore throat, neck pain, general weakness, and I get fevers at night.

I'd like to view my time with mono as a rare opportunity to rest and do chill activities, when I normally wouldn't. I typically have a pretty active life, and spend my spare time either socializing or working on projects. I’m not used to just relaxing at home. Do you have any suggestions and tips on how I should spend my time while recovering?

For example, I haven’t watched TV in 10 years. This is a great time to start watching a series. Do you have recommendations for shows to watch?

What other enjoyable things are you doing? What kinds of ice cream are you eating? How are you spending your time?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • emma22888
    emma22888 Stereo

    Posted

    Hi I'm not sure what sort of programs you like but I'm into British crime shows and watched Happy Valley, Broadchurch, River, Luther and Call the midwives is a great easy watch. All available on Netflix. I'm glad you are so positive. Im still struggling a year in which sucks as I have a 4 and a 5 year old so no rest for me! Feel better.

  • leeannalee
    leeannalee Stereo

    Posted

    Hi Stereo, I agree with you on the silver linnings, I'm wired to relax through doing things not hugely physical things but cooking, cleaning taking care of others these were my go to on time off, now at about month 2 of this virus I've had to relearn how to relax and watching tv without getting up every ad, sitting in a sunny spot, engaging and listening to others, eliminating rushing, including lots of coffee/tea meetings with clients & good old sleeping have taken place of my busy down time activities.  Every time I overdo things I get a cold or infection.  I felt like this week I was finally out of the woods but had a stressful family event along with business & think I was reverting to old habits.  Today I'm unwell and drained si I'm watching Tv while I watch my little one creating a Lego masterpiece, I've shot some hoops and pulled a few weeds in the sunshine, I'm making a slow cooked dinner & encouraged my partner to go out with his mates 4 a few hours.  It's a cobstant learning curve on recreating boundaries but changing habits is giving me lots of joy I didn't have time to notice b4.  This journey makes your good days better.  Sorry Ling winded, I hope u take something from my experience, I've found this forum so helpful.  

  • katy58432
    katy58432 Stereo

    Posted

    Hi, I love the positive flip you've put on this awful virus......I'm into month 5 now and things are slowly getting easier but it's true you really have to listen to your body and get your head down when you can.  

    Tv recommendations, Broadchurch, missing, Billions, to name a few.......happy viewing and a steady recovery.  Xxx

  • Rickie22
    Rickie22 Stereo

    Posted

    Hi Stereo, you sound a lot like me ,I am almost 3 months post-diagnosis, and feeling like I'm recovering in the last two weeks. I also spend very little time watching movies and such things as I am an active, social person. After I was first diagnosed and the doctor said I just need to take it easy, I had a lot of big ideas about things I could maybe do with my time... Online courses or something. But I also had a lot of brain fog, and almost zero energy and ambition. A friend recommended Downtown Abbey which I watched with Amazon Prime. Another suggestion, if you like something short and light hearted, Studio C on YouTube is great. ??

    I got a lot of encouragement from reading this forum , it was so good to hear about people that experienced the many and strange symptoms that I have had. Its a miserable experience.

    Also, I took a lot of vitamins through out , but I started feeling a lot better after I upped my vitamin C intake and started taking magnesium. Not sure if that's what did it or if it was already running its course. Still need naps now and then though 😛

    To people that are worried about personality changes or feeling "lazy"....i experienced all of those feelings, but your real self does come back, along with your energy and ambition!! hang in there, everyone.

  • rosanna27156
    rosanna27156 Stereo

    Posted

    My neck has been so sore for 9 weeks since since I found out I had it! I'm scared it's something else? Xx

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