Experiences and advice on glandular fever at 40...

[alabasterangel]

Ok, looks like I've got it, weeks of feeling like I'm on the brink of flu which hasn't shifted. Blood tests have come back positive, she is retesting next week to confirm (not sure why that has to be done) but says she will see if the viral count is increasing or decreasing. I've had no sore throat, and no swollen glands, so hoping I have this mildy but I'm still pretty much wiped out by....

• fatigue, like being pg early weeks
  
• night sweats and chills
  
• headaches
  
• cold hands and feet, shivery
  
• aching neck
  
• aching eyes
  
• no appetite
  
• pain under my ribs (had a very slightly elevated ALT of 77 but feel myself this is probably due to excess wine?!)
  
• feel low and snappy
  
• vertigo, dizzy spells
  

I can manage to function okay when on painkillers, although when it's bad my eyes and shivers still seem to break through that.

Fairly sure in retrospect that I caught it from DS. Majority of the LO's at nursery came out in a pinprick rash and general unwellness about 5 weeks ago, went to GP she confirmed a virus but said she had no idea what it was, and within a few days he was okay. I've now learnt that's how it can present in young kids, and frankly I'm not surprised - shared chewed toys and the odd dummy on the floor that gets pinched by another and popped into the mouth. Not a surprise to me really!

Wondering what I'm in for relating to duration. Resting totally isn't an option, to children under 5 and a job, and a DH who is away quite a bit. Concerned about how this is going to affect us all.

Anyone got any advice?

[Ylluis28]

I strongly believe i got this after xmas and im still struggling with it - nearly three months on . I had a Full Blood count and other blood tests and doctors believe no signs of any concerns . They actually put it down to stress.

I have had all symptoms and my body is nothing like before , no energy what so ever .

I used to work full time , go to the gym 3-4 times a week , then home to cook and clean . So much energy and now bed ridden.

Ive been signed off work and had two go hospital on two ocasions due to heart palpitations and breathing probs .

Second ocassion in hospital they checked my heart _ecg and run blood tests. Doctor stated no sign of infection.

Ive never been so confused and concerned about my health .

Can blood tests come back normal whilst having GF ?

[Lel09]

Forgot to say also, my Dad spoke to a consultant GP he knows & told him about me... this GP said it doesn’t often result in CF which is good news.
So, yes, keep positive but rest a lot too.
From what I can gather, it usually lasts for around 6 months with full recovery in a year. X

[MummaO]

Wow that’s really interesting to hear what your GP says....I’m being positive and hopeful! I am definitely better than I was, but still really struggling at times. Fingers crossed for us both xx

[Lel09]

Hi

I just listened to it on catch up.. sounds frightening doesn’t it.
I’ve done very little this week & feel better to it... in definitely improving, just needs to happen a bit quicker!!!
My GP says CFS shouldn’t be considered for at least 8 months after diagnosis of GF.

Hope you’re doing ok.. xx

[MummaO]

Hey did you catch the doctor talking about GF today on the Jeremy Vine show?!? It was on radio 2, so you can get it on catch up if you missed it x

[Lel09]

Let’s hope for a better week. X

[MummaO]

I’m only working 3-mornings a week. I did too much on Friday and I’m paying for it now! I am praying it’s not CFS but it’s highly likely, it seems as though it’s very common after a virus and stress which I’ve had a fair bit of recently! Fingers, toes and everything crossed for us both xx 🤞🏼

[Lel09]

My husband knows someone else my age who is recovering after she developed ME from GF.... she recommended The Optimal Health Clinic in London..said they really helped her out.
I’ve been dreading hearing about ME & CFS...
I have several friends who said their GF lasted 6 months & none of them developed CFS so maybe it’s too early for that diagnosis.
I woke up this morning feeling weak.. stayed in bed till I felt better, had a shower & did some house stuff... now have to lie on the sofa as feel weak and shaky with a fuzzy head. Do you feel like that?
Can’t even go to the supermarket for long... how on earth are you working? X

[MummaO]

Yep am much the same as you. Very tired and achy and very fed up! My doctor has said that he will be referring me to the CFS clinic if I am no better at our next review (mid October). X

[Lel09]

Hi
Sorry, did mean to reply. Think I was having a particularly rubbish day and then forgot.
How are you now? Did you start the yoga?
I’m becoming quite fed up now, I’ve improved slightly but still nowhere near back to normal. I’ve forgotten what normal is, certainly no exercise.
I’ve booked a holiday for the October half term and hope I’m ok for that.
X

[MummaO]

Hey Lel09, sorry I’ve only just noticed your last message. I’m much the same, having good and bad days. Had a week away with the family last week which was lovely and relaxing. Am hoping to try a bit of yoga this week as I can’t stand not getting any exercise!! How are you doing? My doctor appointment will be next week.

[Lel09]

Hey... how are you now?

[Lel09]

Hi
How are you today.. any better?
I thought I was on the mend two good (ish ) days, Friday & Saturday & then it’s back!
Felt really unwell Sunday & today... haven’t even got dressed. Feel sick & really weak.
I cannot believe it’s lasted this long... 11 weeks today since I first felt unwell with a sore throat.
I had really hoped to go away somewhere next week, doc says it’s ok but I couldn’t face an airport feeling like this. Trouble ya you just don’t know how you’re going to feel from one day to the next.
I don’t know how you can go to work, even if only for two days... my GP keeps saying to rest all the time. Boring!!
Anyway, I felt like a moan... sorry... school holidays nearly over & I feel like I’ve missed the lot!
Really hope you’re improving. X

[MummaO]

I’m exactly the same, haven’t been to kickboxing or the gym since May. Don’t feel like I could even get there to be honest! Thank you for the tip re metatone I will give it a try. I’ve also heard that alternative therapies can be effective so I am seeing a holistic therapist next week. Meditation is also on my agenda but I fear I will just fall asleep as that’s what happens when I practice it at home! Fingers crossed we will get through this x

[Lel09]

Morning,
Thanks for the update.
Bit of a nightmare summer isn’t it!
I haven’t been to the gym since May, that upsets me more than anything😬
Someone I spoke to recommended Metatone from the chemist, it’s a mineral drink you take 3x per day... I’ve had it for 5 days & felt so much better... not recovered but a great improvement. Hard to believe really.. give it a go. X

[MummaO]

Well I’ve been to the doctor and still have the diagnosis of post viral fatigue, doc says it’s usual to last 4-months + so still early days for me!!

[MummaO]

Thank you Lel09, I’m exactly the same was kickboxing and doing heavy weights at the gym, 7-8 hours per week as well as lots of walking. This post-viral fatigue is a nightmare x

[Lel09]

Morning...
I’ve read that you can’t get it twice but I know someone who says they have so who knows!
I was also really fit & active... I went to the gym 4/5 times a week... have suspended my membership now.
Am really fed up with it now...
I hope you’re having a better day... let me know what your doc says.. X

[MummaO]

I’m 46. I have also been diagnosed with Epstein–Barr virus. I thought I had GF when I was younger but I’m not sure now if that diagnosis was right.

[Lel09]

Do you mind me asking how old you are?
I’m 48 & was told it’s very unusual.. X

[MummaO]

No I don’t feel good at all today! If I do too much then I really struggle the next few days afterwards. Am seeing the doc again this week to get his thoughts as I am getting really frustrated. My glands are also back up today and I feel exhausted x

[Lel09]

Hi

I’ve had it since the end of May as well... no idea how I got it either.
I’m still suffering, it sounds like you’re on the mend.
I still get a sore throat every few days & I feel exhausted & really sick on most days but not all day thankfully. Some days I can do stuff other days I’m just pottering about the house. Really frustrating.
I don’t work but if I did I’m not sure I’d be back yet... it seems to be taking a long time to shift.
Do you feel normal most days now?
It really is an awful virus!
Lesley. X

[MummaO]

Hey Lel09, sorry to hear you have it too. I’ve had mine since end of May and am still suffering with the post viral fatigue. I’m only working 2-mornings a week which is plenty. I was really fit, healthy and active before it struck me. I have heard that it can last for a very long time. How are you feeling? Are you off work too? X

[Lel09]

Hi

I have it too 😬 age 48!!!
I’ve had it for nearly 3 months... it’s awful... how are you now?
I was told I’m too old but tested positive after feeling really unwell for 4 weeks.

[MummaO]

Stacker - I’m interested in this post too, I think I’ve recently been diagnosed with GF but I think I’ve had it for about 6-weeks. Am so tired and feel poorly if I do too much. It’s exhausting! My speciality said that it could take 6-12 months to feel better x