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Original poster

Glandular fever

114 replies

SunshineCake · 18/09/2021 09:43

I'm about ten days on from diagnosis. Been in bed a week since home from hospital. Got up briefly yesterday. Feeling mentally worse than physically. I want to get up, strip dds bed and put a wash on. Dh is gone for the day dropping off dd at uni. The boys are going out. No one to walk the dog. I won't risk walking her but I'm worried about the risk to my physical health doing too much too soon, doctor said no running for six weeks but I didn't get any other advice, but mentally I'm in a rubbish place and running and getting the house clean would be my usual go to.I'm definitely not run until I'm allowed.

If you've had GF can you tell me your experiences so I can make a judgement please. Thank you.

OP posts:
SunshineCake1 · 22/09/2021 16:11

Well I'm glad no one has had it but has anyone got any suggestions? I am breathless, rang GP surgery told to ring tomorrow, pain in my tummy which hasn't been constant so a bit worried it is back. Surgery also wouldn't give me the face to face appointment the hospital said I needed and I have a phone appointment next week Hmm.

Artdecolover · 23/09/2021 12:13

You MUST rest op
I know that's not what you want to hear but it's the best thing
Nsaids if you can tolerate them
Start loading up on supplements/vitamins
Watch TV, read books or listen to podcasts
Sit in the garden if you have one
I found massages helped if you can tolerate the skin pressure

SunshineCake1 · 23/09/2021 12:20

Thank you @Artdecolover.

I managed to get up yesterday but was back in bed by 2. Today I'm not getting up. DH asked the pharmacist and they said nothing but rest. He's bought me a tonic and some vitamins and I'm about to have soup. I will rest as I'm struggling with the thought of months of this if I don't. I'm at nearly five weeks in bed Sad.

Artdecolover · 23/09/2021 12:25

It's hard but if you don't rest now you will put back your recovery by months and months :(

There are some supplements recommended for GF - if you Google you should find some info

Also bear in mind you may become lactose intolerant temporarily so easy on the dairy

Almostwelsh · 23/09/2021 12:29

I've had glandular fever in my 40s. There is nothing for it but to rest. If I tried to do too much I would be rewarded with crushing fatigue. I don't mean feeling tired, I mean collapsing to the floor and being unable to move.

Rest. Take it seriously. Or you will risk making yourself more ill. Once you do start activity, do it slowly in small sections. Don't for example go out for a long walk where you can't return home quickly. Small short walks in loops close to the house

Almostwelsh · 23/09/2021 12:31

And if it's any comfort, within 3 months I was fully recovered. Within 2 months I could do most things. You will get there.

Froppysue · 23/09/2021 12:34

My dd had glandular fever when she was 4 (not exactly comparable I know) but she was really quite ill with it for a long time, she had to take things easy for a couple of months due to an enlarged spleen as a complication.

Try and not feel guilty, you’ve been ill and you need to rest and look after yourself as much as possible. The bed can wait, the dog will cope without one walk. Take it easy and I hope you feel better soon Flowers

icedancerlenny · 23/09/2021 12:34

Please rest. I’m not going to scare you by telling you my story but I absolutely urge you to do nothing until you are completely recovered. I’m a runner and cyclist too so now how hard it is but honestly a few weeks off now could make all the difference. If my daughter ever gets it I shall be locking her in the house!! The Epstein Barr virus is linked to all sorts of long term conditions so don’t risk it

SlidDownTheElephantsTrunk · 23/09/2021 12:35

I had GF aged 42. Couldn't get out of bed for a month and returned to work after 2.

I slept on and off all day, while watching films in-between. I had a friend come over every morning to leave me snacks and drinks.

Please rest. Its horrific.

SlidDownTheElephantsTrunk · 23/09/2021 12:37

@icedancerlenny same here. I'm scared of my kids getting it. And yes, ended up with a well known linked autoimmune long term condition

SunshineCake1 · 23/09/2021 12:38

The consultant said no running for six weeks but didn't tell me anything else. Thank you everyone. It's not easy to read but it seems I have no choice Sad.

Theflamingnerd · 23/09/2021 12:41

I had GF when I was 18, all I will say is you absolutely must rest.

My recovery took around 2 months, I attempted to have a driving lesson nearer the end of this but even though I was on the mend both my physical and mental energy were so thoroughly drained that I was a liability and danger to others.

For the first month I was in and out of consciousness. I could barely lift my head to eat. Even getting up to use the bathroom was torture.

I don't really have any advice other than rest. I can't even recommend reading or watching TV, the only think that helped me get through it both physically and mentally was to just sleep it off.

chequeredinlove · 23/09/2021 12:47

I had it and I stayed off and in bed for 2 weeks. I then went back to normal. However I was fatigued for YEARS after and got ill a lot. It took a year out of my life in total from the impact on studies etc

DidgeDoolittle · 23/09/2021 12:49

My son had glandular fever whilst at uni. He was so bad he was in hospital for a week.
When he came out of hospital I looked after him. He stayed in bed, ate properly and I gave him multi vitamins. I think the most important thing was that I insisted on him having a proper sleep for two hours every afternoon.
He was back at uni after a month.
You must rest. No short cuts.

SunshineCake1 · 23/09/2021 14:02

I've just had some bad news so I'm feeling properly sorry for myself which is annoying me as I don't usually. I feel like crying. So bored in bed. Can't sleep. Can't concentrate on anything.

SunshineCake1 · 24/09/2021 15:23

I don't feel any better than the start really . Did think I was a bit better this morning but now yuk. So tired. Headache. DH not a happy bunny.

icedancerlenny · 24/09/2021 21:07

[quote SlidDownTheElephantsTrunk]@icedancerlenny same here. I'm scared of my kids getting it. And yes, ended up with a well known linked autoimmune long term condition[/quote]
Sorry to hear that. I wonder if it’s the same one. I think glandular fever is very underrated.

CambsAlways · 25/09/2021 12:09

Please rest I was 15 when got glandular fever lost a stone in a fortnight, had to be carried to the bathroom, never felt so ill, it took six weeks to feel better, but I did find I would tire very easily for months afterwards, it’s something you can’t rush, if I was you I would rest rest rest, and try and heal by taking vit c supplements plenty of veg and fish, light meals,

CambsAlways · 25/09/2021 12:10

I will add years later I developed autoimmune disease and the dr did ask if I’ve ever had glandular fever, so I’m thinking it could be linked

TheHouseIsOnFire · 25/09/2021 12:15

Had it as a teen. Was ill for months, I was in the school play and didn’t want to miss out so I pushed myself to go back early. Ended up exhausted and teachers told me to pick one or the other - school or the play! Lucky they were so understanding. I also have a long term autoimmune condition which is more common after GF. I’d honestly recommend doing as little as possible, get a cleaner for the next few months and get your H and the boys to do the cleaning when they get back. You shouldn’t be exerting yourself. It’s taken a lot more seriously in the US re long term affects. Here it seems to be dubbed “the kissing disease” with teenagers passing it around, but no mention of the long term implications. Take it easy.

SunshineCake1 · 25/09/2021 13:23

Well you are all right. I just got up to look for something for DS and now I'm just worn out. I am getting fat. I would have thought I would have started to feel better by now but I really don't. I have vitamins and dh brought home immune support yogurt drinks. He is keeping me fed. I am rarely ill and I am a terrible patient. I am always so busy. I haven't walked the dog in five weeks Sad as I was in bed for two weeks before hospital with migraines. I miss running which is perfect for my mental health Sad. I'm too old for this. Kissing disease!!

PastMyBestBeforeDate · 25/09/2021 13:28

I'm also going to tell you to really rest up for as long as it takes. I had GF as a teen and I have two autoimmune conditions, one of which is the thing pp mean.

Schulte · 25/09/2021 13:33

Sorry to hear you’re ill. I had glandular fever in my early twenties and was wiped out for a good 2-3 months, couldn’t even leave the house. It took me half a year to feel normal again. Please do rest, I spent the whole time on the sofa watching telly. Are they monitoring your liver? I had to go for blood tests and scans twice a week if I remember correctly. And strictly no alcohol, even once you start feeling better.

Schulte · 25/09/2021 13:35

The no running for six weeks made me snigger, sorry. I couldn’t even walk to the supermarket without breaking into a sweat and that was after the worst was over!

SunshineCake1 · 25/09/2021 14:32

No one is checking on me. DH dropped off my discharge note at the surgery and told the receptionist I was to see a GP in two weeks by order of the hospital. She said the doctor will decide. After 12 days dh rang to see if I had an appointment and would need a face to face one. She said no and has given me a phone appointment for six days later. Now that I have learnt where they are I know I am having pain in my spleen and liver as well as my chest and head. I'm tearful too at the worry this will go on for months.

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