Mono need help

Yes every time I look in the mirror I think I look really poorly as well. I used to have fairly olive skin but now I just look pale and gaunt x 

Yep.  I'm usually pretty pale but it was more ivory.  Now it feels like there's a yellowish tone. I definitely look fatigued.

Today I've been light headed which hasn't happened since the beginning. Ugh.  I keep thinking they misdiagnosed me and it's something else.  How could a virus last this long and cause this much damage? It doesn't make sense.  And I never had the atypical lymphocytes or the spleen/liver problem.  It's so bizarre.  I'm terrified it's some kind of undiagnosed cancer or something posing as EBV.  

On the plus side I went to the movies yesterday and saw Star Wars!  Every day is so different.  

Hi Ladies,

This happened to my daughter and I as well, complete with dark circles under the eyes.

Lisa, I felt the same as you thought it must be something more, this virus is the worst and most long lasting virus I have ever had,

I looked so bad my little neighbor boy saw me out in my yard and ask me if I was dying. I was so sad I cried every time I looked in the mirror. I was very pale with a yellow undertone. Blood work was fine. 17 months for me now and things are much better. Still some of the symptoms cycle back around for short periods of time. I try not to push my body and talk myself down when I become discouraged. It was a God sent post from 40 with f2f when she said she is 12 months in and her endocrinologist told her this will go away it will take 6 months to a year more.

Craig also keeps us reassured as he has been recovered for a number of years.

Hoping we all see full recovery in 2018. Thanks to all for your encouragement!

Prayers, Rhonda

Thanks so much for your prayers and kind words Rhonda. 

Yes really hoping next year can be the year of peace and good health for everyone on the site. I always feel inspired by your messages of hope and support Rhonda thank you. 

Craig x 

Hi Rhonda,

ahhh, I'm glad it gave you some reassurance as it gave me some too! The endocrinologist must have seen cases like me lots of times! And he just said it so nonchalant, be back to work when the daffodils are coming up and fully better by 6-12 months! 

Ive started to cut out sugar and bread/pasta. keep eating healthy

i do have dark indents under my eyes, always look tired, i used to look worse, but not as bad.

and the crying.......that comes and goes!? I feel so horrible.

i thought I was properly getting better back in November, I had an amazingly awesome 3 weeks....then symptoms crept back😬

Take care, keep strong

caroline xxx

Your post gives me some hope. I have been dealing with this illness for a little over a year also. It has been so hard! I have to work to take care of my son and myself. I would manage to take some time off, but even then hard to stay in bed or set still. I am losing hope. I manage to make it through a work day, but feel like crap at the end. Still have brain fog at times and can’t sleep good at night. I finally gave in to antidepressants and sleeping pills. I have lost the life I used to have. My advice to anyone reading this. If you can afford to stay off work do it!!! I think I pushed myself to hard and I have cfs. Again, if you can stay at home and rest, do it!!! I hope everyone has a great new year and healing comes in 2018.

Hi Brent,

You are most definitely not giving in to antidepressants and sleeping pills, if these help then it is most definitely the right thing to take them - I know I do and millions around the world do so there is nothing to feel bad about in terms of that.

I do understand those feelings of hopelessness and depression and fear. Noone really knows until they go through those lows when dealing with the virus and its effects mentally, physically and emotionally.

I just wanted you to know I'm still thinking about you and rooting for you, and truly I 100% believe that 2018 is the year of recovery for you thanks to God. Hang in there Brent, I know it's hard just now just hang in there day by day and God will build you up again over time.

Thinking of you man and remember there IS hope today and you ARE going to get better and make a FULL recovery.

Craig

Thank you for your support!

Hey Christy,

comparing tiredness of a cold to fatigue, lol. I'm sure your friend is trying to understand and sympathise but when you haven't experienced fatigue and or exhaustion it's probably impossible.

im not sure I would have understood before this! But my attitudes have definately changed about judging people.

the only time I had exhaustion was after giving birth. Had it for 2 weeks.😕

I hope tomorrow is a brighter day for you

caroline xx

Hi Caroline, yess it took so much strength for me not to lose my cool with my friend. & Yea i have to remember that she's trying to understand but it feels like some people almost down play the fatigue that we feel in a way. Thanks for the well wishes ! hope you're doing good

Hi Lisa, Are you eating enough in the day ? I literally had to stuff my face (although it didn't always work) to prevent the faint feeling. Also staying hydrated is key too 

Yep. I too have had to eat a lot to stop the shakes.  Lately I’ve been able to back it down to a normal amount. And yes I drink about 50-60 oz of water a day.  The shakiness comes and goes but the light headedness was my very first symptom and only lasted 5 days or so. Then it moved to fatigue and stayed there.  Not really sure what’s going on- I haven’t changed anything in my routine. 

Oh man I really hope that symptom can pass. I use to be a chronic ER goer. And the main reason would be the faint feeling. I hate being light headed. But if you're eating and taking care of yourself then that's a plus! you got this Lisa