Mono recovery story collection!!
Posted , 52 users are following.
Hey everyone,
Let's post some positive mono recovery stories so that they're all in one place to give people encouragement. I think there's a negative post bias that understandably happens where most people post when they're concerned, but not when they've recovered. This can give someone viewing the posts a pessimistic impression of recovery. On the other hand reading someone's recovery story, including the darkest parts of the illness, can give hope and aid in the healing process.
I'm still in recovery myself, so I don't have a story yet, but I invite you all to post your recovery story, or other stories you've found / been told.
Thanks!
-Jesse
8 likes, 282 replies
kei1717 jesse27406
Posted
Hello everyone, Reading everyone's stories has helped and i am thankful.
Im a 17 y/o female in highschool and dealing with mono has been very very difficult. I am almost 3 months in with this virus. I first felt sick in the beginning of January after drinking iced coffee from a bakery. I'm pretty sure that it was infected, or the person who prepared it must've passed it on to me. On that same day i felt truly horrible after drinking that, i had severe nausea, dizziness, and heart palpations. I developed a fever the next few days and missed a week off of school. During that week i went to urgent care but all they told me was that i was dehydrated and had a viral infection that will go away soon. So I believed them and after the week of missed school i returned, feeling a bit fatigued but still could manage. I was seemingly fine and almost back to myself in the 2 weeks that followed, but all of the sudden i felt HORRIBLE. It was as if i got sick again since i had all of the same symptoms, just this time i had major fatigue and attending school was a pain. I never had issues with anxiety but when the symptoms came crashing back, i would constantly cry at school and leave the classroom because i just felt so sick and dizzy to the point where i felt like throwing up (i never ever threw up ever since i caught mono though, but at certain times it really feels like i will which sucks). I ended up missing another week, and as a student that really cares about her grades, it was a bit stressful to see my grades going down because of my lack of attendance. My parents did get really mad at me because they accused me of being lazy and that i didnt want to go to school because i didnt want to do work, which is untrue. It hurt me to be accused like that since i genuinely do my best in school no matter what. Eventually my mom took me to the doctors again, to which i was tested for EBV to see if i had mono. 3 days later we got a call back confirming i did have mono. Upon figuring this out It made sense why i felt so run down and not like my usual self, with all of the dizziness, nausea, headaches, fatigue, all of it. Im an active person, I'm on the swim team, i enjoy exercising at the gym, i tend to have energy going out. But every since January i haven't felt like myself and I've just been worrying so much because i didnt even have the energy in me to even go out to the store, hang out with friends, and exercise. There are days where i feel better, then all of the sudden it feels like im back at square one. I also missed school last week because it seems as if my symptoms havent changed. I go back tomorrow but I know it will be hard but i will try to push through. I've been sleeping a lot more than usual, drinking plenty of fluids and even taking multi-vitamins and Vitamin C. Appetite isnt that good but i still manage to eat. Seeing the scary stories online made me scared and feeling like i wont get better. But after coming across this website and this forum I am immensely thankful. Everyone is so strong, and reading people's stories about their mono experience truly has helped me be more optimistic about this virus. Im given a new motivation and im glad i stumbled upon this site. I am hoping that i will recover one of these days.
craig07920 kei1717
Posted
Hi Kei,
Just want to say thanks for taking the time to share your story, it is clear that it came from the heart and just so sorry to hear that you have been going through a very tough time with mono these past few months. I really empathise having went through a tough time the virus myself a number of years ago, when I was a little older than you in my 20s.
I really just want to encourage and reassure you Kei that what you're going through sounds like classic mono to me and to let you know that it DOES get better, despite it being so horrible and intense at the time. The first few months were also very intense and scary for me and I just felt awful pretty much all of the time. It's so hard for others to understand what you are going through because it is invisible in that because you might look okay people assume you are okay and as you say that can lead to people not understanding how bad you are really feeling. I know and remember how bad this virus was for me Kei and want you to know I'm thinking about you at this tough time.
And I do understand too as someone who was a hard studier at school too how stressful that must be to have to take time out when you have exams and things. It's not at all easy. Please put your health first at this time though Kei, your body really does need rest from this thing and remember if you are going back to school to not expect too much of yourself or put yourself under lots of pressure (I know it's easier said than done). This virus can so often feed from stress and it can make things more intense and worse.
But absolutely if you need to take more time off or out please do that Kei. Just take things one day at a time as I remember how hard and draining it was getting through a single day during the intense phase of this virus. It sounds like you are doing all the right things with trying to get as much rest as possible and drinking plenty of fluids and taking Vitamin C.
Other things that helped me included other vitamins and herbs too - taking a good strong multi-vitamin per day can be really beneficial (I take Immunace Extra here in the UK), a B complex vitamin per day (great for nervous system and energy levels), higher doses of Vitamin C (1000mg-3000mg per day) and immune boosting herbs like siberian ginseng, echinacea and oregano. Also the baking soda remedy - taking 1/2 tea spoon full of baking soda dissolved in plain water twice per day on an empty stomach for a week (2 weeks max at a time), that can really help when your body is fighting infection.
The main thing I really want you to know is that things go get better with this Kei, it can be normal for it to take a little while for your body to get full strength and health back but truly you will get over this and back to good health again - and the phase you're going through right now is BY FAR the worst and most intense, the intensity does lessen and your body will get its resilience back again. It's a horrible horrible virus Kei like nothing I've ever experienced and I'm just grateful to God that He pulled me through that tough time in my life as I was so unwell and down with it too - God is the great healer Kei He will get you through this and remember there is hope and what you're going through is normal for this virus and it's equally normal then after that to go on and make a full recovery!
Hang in there Kei, thinking about you and let us know how you are doing over the next while. Message any time here, as you say it's a great forum and some really good people here who really do understand how awful this virus is and can offer some good support and advice.
And remember - you WILL get better - truly I believe that in my heart of hearts given my own recovery after such a tough time with this and reading the recovery stories of many other people who went through horrible times with this too - thinking of you!
Craig
kei1717 craig07920
Posted
Thank you for replying back
I didnt expect for one so quick, I really do appreciate your encouraging words and advice. I will do all that I can to get through this.
Today I attended school, in the beginning of the day I was fine but my energy was low, so I took things easy, made sure i ate breakfast and drank plenty of fluids. Around lunch time thats when i started feeling horrible out of nowhere. I've already eaten too, so I was just struggling, tired, a bit sad for some reason, and mainly wanting to rest. I hate to admit it but yes, I did cry for a bit just because I felt so horrible. I stuck it through the day since I didn't want parents getting mad at me for wanting to come home early.
My swim coach recommended I stay home still considering my current state.. and I really do want to Since I will be able to rest a lot.
The only problem is this.. My parents no longer want me to keep staying home because of missing assignments (although I do keep up with it so it's not an issue for me), But no matter how much I try to explain to them or convince they just don't understand and I think its causing a bit of stress, always ending in tears. Also missing school makes me feel ..ashamed? Not sure why but that is how I have felt missing the past few weeks.
I think this virus has really tampered with my emotions and I truly miss the old me. I will still keep your words in mind to help with my recovery, and I will trust in God too. I find it helps when I pray and talk to him. I am just worried for the future and upcoming months due to exams being in May .. but like I mentioned I will be strong and try my absolute best to heal and look towards the good.
Thank you once again i cannot thank you enough!
craig07920 kei1717
Posted
Hello Kei,
Please let me assure you 100% that you have nothing to feel ashamed or sorry about - this is a horrible virus and it really affects you Kei, your body needs rest and a period of recovery at this time, so it's important not to push things too hard at school and with swimming or anything like that at the moment, try to take things at a slower pace right now a pace that is right for you, but I do understand it's very hard when exams are coming up - but always remember your health is most important and a priority. And believe me if I had a pound / dollar for every time that I cried during this virus I would be a rich person!
Just very sorry to hear that your parents maybe haven't grasped just how horrible this virus makes you feel. If there is even a doctor or someone that could try to explain to them how intense and frightening this virus is, I just hope that they can come to understand and be supportive Kei - I was and am very lucky to have supportive family, friends and colleagues and don't know what I would have done without them when I was unwell with this. Even if there's someone else away from the family that you trust that you can talk to who will be understanding, a friend or teacher or minister or a counsellor, or someone that you value and know will listen and be supportive - it can really help if you can find someone to talk to that will help.
Remember not to be too hard on yourself or expect too much of yourself at this time - that's really important. This virus put you through the mill physically, mentally and emotionally and remember to be understanding to yourself at this time and not push yourself too hard, your body needs time and space.
Often with this thing it's just extended time that's needed for full recovery - and remember you WILL recover Kei. This thing does get better, this is the worst phase you are going through right now and I truly believe God is with you and going to get you through this. There is recovery from this thing I want you to know that - truly there is! You will get better, and if it's not immediate don't panic that can be normal but you absolutely will get there with a little time!
Message any time Kei - God is the great healer and I have strong faith He is looking after you and has AMAZING plans for your future where you can be living a good and joyful life as a young, happy and healthy person - that will come again Kei, fear not.
Thinking of you still and will keep you in my prayers.
Craig
lori93950 kei1717
Posted
you need to stand up for yourself ! you cant be going to school feeling so sick and this is an illness. you feel terrible most of the time and you need rest .
so dont care who you please you need to please yourself and get well!
kei1717 craig07920
Posted
I will keep all of your words in mind, especially during the hard moments. Like I said I really can't thank you enough for all of the help. I am really grateful for it.
I will be strong!!
Have a nice day or night, and God bless you
kei1717 lori93950
Posted
You're right about that. I will try to keep talking to my parents so that they can understand how im feeling, even if it takes a while because I really do need rest. If im feeling up to going to school then I will, but no matter what I should take things slow until I am better. Thank you!!
craig07920 kei1717
Posted
You're very welcome Kei, I get a real sense that you are showing courage during this very difficult and frightening time, and remember that you are going to heal and get better thanks to God! Even if it takes a little bit longer don't panic because it will come!
And also remember it's okay to rest and take it easy and take some time out when going through this - I've learned that the best way to fight this is to take things at a slow pace and not keep fighting in the face of it or pushing yourself, I know it's easier said than done though.
God is good Kei - thinking about you and remember He is right there with you through this trial and I believe He is protecting You and that you will have lots of healthy and happy days as a young person to look forward once your recovery really takes a grip and you start to feel better - which I truly believe you will! Hang in there and message any time!
Craig
kei1717 craig07920
Posted
Hello Craig,
I was able to talk with my mom about resting and she finally allowed me to stay home from school. I've been resting as much as I can and doing my best to eat healthily and still taking my multivitamins and fluids. I am curious though, aside from all of that and painkillers, are there any ways to help with the bouts of nausea and headaches? These two seem to be one of my worst symptoms, fatigue coming in third. Also, how do you sooth throat pain? The size of my throat hasn't enlarged or anything but its hurting for some reason. Sleeping has been difficult.
craig07920 kei1717
Posted
Hi Kei,
It is good to hear that you've been managing to get some extra rest and stay off school when feeling unwell, I really hope that your mom is understanding and able to learn (like we all do with this horrible virus) how debilitating this thing can be and how it's not at all easy or wise to push through when feeling so fatigued and unwell.
The nausea and headaches sound awful Kei, the best thing would be to get some advice from the doctor as my medical knowledge is limited I'm afraid. But I know that feverfew is a herb that is often recommended for headaches so maybe worth looking into. And peppermint can be a good herb for settling the stomach. Also taking a probiotic daily can help with the stomach too, or even eating things like yoghurt each day as that contains lots of probiotic. But of course always check for any interactions with other conditions or medication before you start on any herbs or anything and wise to take advice from doctor / herbalist too.
Thinking about you Kei, hoping that your sleep pattern settles down as that must be so horrible not to get good sleep. And just want to encourage you to hang in there, even though it's tough just now it's not always going to be this way, this thing does go away with time, I know that doesn't help when in the midst of it all - just want you to know there is hope and just look after yourself and keep praying to God. I will keep you in my prayers too Kei I am believing that God is looking after you and going to heal you and get you back to full health again with a little time, so hang in there and hoping for a settled weekend for you and do keep talking to your mom or someone you can trust and will be understanding at this time - that can really help getting through the tough time of mono.
You ARE going to get better Kei - I am trusting God with that for you!
Craig
craig07920
Posted
Also Kei sorry meant to say in last post, throat pain sometimes the herb oregano can be good for it - or the baking soda remedy, which is taking 1/2 tea spoon full of baking soda dissolved in plain water twice per day on an empty stomach for one or two weeks (no longer than two weeks), the alkaline effect of that can be very good for fighting infection and viruses and of course you can gargling in your mouth and throat before you swallow.
But again just check with doc and take care before starting any remedies in case there's any interactions or anything like that.
Craig
kei1717 craig07920
Posted
I Appreciate everything you've said and im very grateful. Update on my condition, I'm still feeling the same but today I woke up feeling a bit better. Hopefully after this school break I have at least the energy to attend school. I'll also email my doctor to ask about the things I can do about my symptoms. I think from what you said i'll try the baking soda and also the yogurt if they think its okay. They did give me zofran for my nausea and it did seem to help, I'm just hoping that I wont need it anymore in the future since theres only a limited amount.
Thank you for your help once again, Im doing the best that I can to battle this virus!
craig07920 kei1717
Posted
Hi Kei,
Hoping that you can continue to feel a little better / more settled this week too, remember it just takes time with this so it can be frustrating in that respect but it doesn't mean to say you won't get better, because you will. Hoping that the medication that the doctor gave you can continue to help, sounds wise to email them and get some further advice. Hoping that the yoghurt and baking soda remedy can help, these can be very effective for your stomach and fighting infecctions. Peppermint is another excellent herb for the stomach.
Hope things with school are okay and that you can feel a little better after the school break, it's just one day at a time with this thing so just deal with each day as it comes and remember God is with you and will get you through - He is a good God, a great God! Keep in touch to let us know how you are doing and message any time.
Craig
kei1717 craig07920
Posted
Hello Craig,
I'm here to update on my condition.
3 days ago my headaches went away when i woke up, along with the dizziness & nausea. Still felt sluggish but better than ever! Even the spots on my throat started to go away... But I feel a little bit worse today. I was fine when I woke up, until the afternoon where I started to feel heavy fatigue again, and just now my nausea returned along with my stomach making weird noises again, so I currently don't feel all too well. I am a bit down because of this, since the past 3 days it seemed as if I really was getting better until tonight. It feels like a slap in the face, although I guess it really is just a matter of patience.
My anxiety started to kick in but I managed to ease it so I am okay right now, just feeling down is all.
The yogurt helped, along with peppermint though! The anti-nausea pill I was given did help like I've mentioned but I have finished it the previous day, and I'm hoping that I won't have to rely on that any longer. Right now I am wishing that I still have some but I think it's for the best that I don't at the moment, I find myself only wanting to take it when I think I'll throw up. Like i said i don't want to rely on medication so much.. I never really had a issue with vomiting but for some reason I've been feeling on edge about it ever since I've gotten mono, is this normal? I feel more frightened about it than usual which is weird, because before I wasn't like that. Sometimes I'm kind of scared to ride in a car to go to the store because I don't feel good enough, and I'm just hoping this is because of how i feel from mono and not another issue.
I apologize for going on and on.. It's just that the only support I have is my mother and the people here on this site. It's the only place I can let out how i really feel, So I am sorry if I am a bother.
It's very hard to stay strong but .. no matter what I will remain strong. I will work for my recovery. To anyone else who is going through this I believe in you too.
I will always mention this but thank you so much Craig for helping out so much people including myself. You are a great human being!
craig07920 kei1717
Posted
Hello Kei,
Firstly just want to say that you have absolutely nothing whatsoever to be sorry for, this is what the forum is here for so we can all support each other! I remember only too well how terrible and anxious and low I felt when going through this thing Kei, it really was the worst of experiences and just want you and others to know that I empathise and that there is hope and that things do get better - you absolutely will get better! And that's coming from me who struggled with it for months and months and just felt so drained and weary at times. I know it was only down to God I was able to get through it, and God will get you through it too Kei, I have 100% faith in Him with that - so don't worry He's got your back and is looking after you even in the hardest of moments.
I want to reassure you also that yes it most definitely is VERY normal to feel on edge and anxious and very emotionally fragile and down when going through this. It is a traumatic experience this virus for many reasons, especially the deep and intense symptoms and the longevity which makes it so hard - if it was just a few days or a week even of feeling that way it wouldn't be at all nice but at least it would be over fairly quick, but it is so mentally draining as well as physically draining because of how long it can last. This virus really knocked my confidence Kei and it took a while to rebuild again - you will rebuild too but just remember to be kind to yourself and that this is normal and that you are dealing with a nasty nasty virus and to remember that with some more time you will get back to full health again.
Those kind of ups and downs can also be very normal too Kei, it is so frustrating when you feel a little better for a few days and then all of a sudden feel worse again - this also can be a common thing with this virus, it doesn't in any way mean anything else is at hand, it is just the strange way that recovery seems to go with this thing. So just remember when things are tough that they will stabilise again and this kind of zig-zag and up and down nature can happen during the recovery phase, but everything will level out and you won't have those kind of setbacks once your body starts to kick this thing out fully, which will come Kei so take care and hang in there.
Glad to hear that the peppermint and yoghurt have been helping, definitely keep those up! Don't worry about having to take medication when you need to, if it helps that's the main thing, but I do understand it's not easy and you'd rather not have to take anything.
Remember you can post here or message me any time Kei, it's a horrible thing to go through this virus and please use all the support networks that you find helpful and hoping that your mum and friends / people you know are being supportive too - that makes such a difference.
And most importantly remember you ARE going to get better - even if things are not great today, it's not always going to be this way and I believe you are going to have lots of healthy and happy times to look forward to as a young person once you get through this time - which will happen with God's help I have faith!
Craig
maria56453 craig07920
Posted
Craig.....
You are so positive and uplifting. I have been struggling with this terrible virus for 6 months. I have yet to feel better. I have an on/off sore throat, on/off headaches for days, dizziness and feelings of unsteadiness, feel nauseated a lot and very tired. Sometimes I just want to give up. I am 43 and I have two kids that truly rely on me. I hope that I will recover soon. I am feeling so hopeless. Is there anything that can speed up this healing?
I am feeling desperate that I will never recover.
How old were you Craig when you got it and how long did it take to completely recover?
Thanks for being so positive all the time!
Maria
lori93950 maria56453
Posted
ive been suffering a year now tried all the supplements MANY of them didnt work ! the only thing ive researched is the blood ozone therapy which is also used for many other illnesses. its expensive and you may have yo travel to find a practioner who does it . anything is worth a try .... this thing lingers a long time and one more day of this is too many days !
craig07920 lori93950
Posted
Hoping you are feeling okay Lori after the latest session of ozone therapy, it sounds pretty intense indeed and remember just to try and get some rest and relaxation in between those journeys and sessions. Still thinking about and rooting for you Lori, hang in there our God is fighting for us. Still struggling myself at the moment finding it tough right now, praying for God's help and mercy for us both.
Craig
kei1717 craig07920
Posted
Thank you so much Craig,
I genuinely appreciate your advice and words to help with getting through mono.
I attended school yesterday and felt very fatigued and went home a bit early. I attended today as well although it was tougher today even though i woke up feeling a bit decent. I cried many times throughout today but thats okay! Whenever I'm in a room full of people I feel a bit worse. Not so sure if it is entirely because of how mono is affecting me, or if I have developed anxiety because of mono. I think its both now, although since I'm unsure I will get checked with a therapist soon, and I'll be seeing my doctor again to see how things are.
I've gone home early from swim practice today, still very tired and affected with symptoms here and there but I'm doing my very best to stay optimistic! I've also been doing my best to maintain a healthy lifestyle too. I'm going to focus on getting my grades back on track while I also do the same with recovery.
I hope everyone has been doing better and know that you all can push through any obstacle. You are all very strong. Hope you've been feeling better too Craig.
We all can do this!
lori93950 craig07920
Posted
yes craig the whole thing is very taxing but im making it and trying it . nothing more i can do but try . hope you are feeling better and things more settled for you with your pain
craig07920 kei1717
Posted
Hey Kei,
I see real wisdom and courage in how you've been handling this tough time you've been going through, you should take real heart and strength from that Kei. To keep going to school and to keep trying when feeling like this takes real courage, and just remember don't overdo things and just be careful with not overdoing exercise or study or anything right now. It's okay to rest too!
And absolutely it's okay to cry, I wish I had a pound / dollar for every tear I shed during mono, I would be a rich man! It is very normal to experience that anxiety especially when with other people and in stressful situations like the classroom, when others don't fully understand how you have been feeling and what you have been going through. Remind yourself in those moments that you're not on your own, God is with you and is looking after you and will get you through. Even just a small thing I was taught really to say either in my head or out loud when feeling anxious and overwhelmed 'It's okay, I'm okay'. It sounds such a small thing but just repeating that over that help calm you down in the tough moments, it can be very effective indeed.
Also if you can let a teacher / teachers at the school know how you've been feeling and what you've been going through too (you may already have done that I know) then that is important too, so they understand that at times you might need to be off or go home early or take extra rest and remove stress from you right now. If you can do something each day that helps you de-stress, something that doesn't take a lot of energy but that you enjoy, it can be something simple like watching fav film or tv show, reading, listening to music, having a bath, going for a short walk - something that helps take a bit of stress away for a while - that can help too. Be kind to yourself your body has been going through a tough time right now so it's important to be understanding to yourself!
And most importantly remember you are going to get better! Truly you will Kei, this is a horrible horrible virus but it does get better with time, just frustrating that it lingers and can take a while but don't panic that is normal and you will get back to full health. And you're doing all the right things in terms of healthy lifestyle and good attitude, etc, to help yourself. And don't beat yourself up if you find it hard to be optimistic all the time because this is a very tough thing to go through and there will be some better and some worse days, but you are going to get better!! Really you are!! I struggled for a number of months with this and was so weary and frightened and anxious too, just so grateful God helped me and brought me through, I know I couldn't have done it myself in any way and just remember God is good and loves you Kei is going to pull you through this too!
Thanks for your kind and supportive words for me too, have been feeling a bit more settled than I was earlier in the week, just taking things a day at a time myself too. I struggle too and need God's help every day.
I believe in my heart you are going to have lots of healthy and happy times to look forward to as a young person. Things might be tough right now, but it's not always going to be this way - you will get the victory over this thing, God is working on your behalf right now. Thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers! Hoping for a settled weekend for you and remember just take take care of yourself and take it one day at a time, that's all you can do when going through this horrible virus. You ARE going to recover FULLY!
Craig
craig07920 lori93950
Posted
Thanks Lori have been a bit more settled as the week has went on, last couple of weekends have been quite tough hoping for a more settled one this weekend.
All we can do is try each day and some days will be easier / harder than others. I know so many days have been so hard for you lately, it's not always going to be this way Lori - things aren't always going to be this hard. Praying for God's blessings and healings and hand to move in your circumstances Lori, still believing completely that you are going to be well again. Hoping and praying for a good weekend for you in Jesus' name.
Craig
lori93950 craig07920
Posted
thank you craig ... yes weekends are tough when you are housebound most of the time . hopefully it goes quickly and i can be back at my appts next week . and yes its been horrendous ..
hope you have a nice weekend .
craig07920 lori93950
Posted
Thanks Lori, I hope you can have a peaceful and stable weekend. Have you been able to manage for a short walk any days at the moment? Even that or just seeing some friends or making it to church for prayer, just something to break the day up a bit being in the house all the time is so hard I do empathise. It won't always be with this Lori you ARE going to get well again - I have strong faith in that still and remember other people are having the faith for you at this time even when finding it hard yourself, so hang in there, you don't have to carry that burden yourself - God knows it's hard and understands.
Craig
lori93950 craig07920
Posted
thanks craig ... im having some detox so some days after my treatment are hard. managing what i can on the days i dont have treatment . yesterday was good today but after an awful sleep with bad nightmares last night ... not so good . im still resting alot to aid recovery .
craig07920 lori93950
Posted
Hey Lori,
Hoping that you are coping okay with the detox days, I know it must take a lot of discipline for that and to follow all the regime that you need to. Hoping very much it will be worth it and you certainly deserve to reap the rewards because you've invested yourself in doing what you can to help yourself through this treatment.
Nightmares are horrible Lori, hoping they can be replaced with much more peaceful sleep over the coming period. Still thinking about you and believing in your recovery. Hoping for a good weekend ahead. Don't stop believing.
Craig
lori93950 craig07920
Posted
thanks craig ! its oh so tough you are right .. praying this nightmare is over soon ... and yes im 'trying' thats all i can do with this therapy .