Hi James,
So sorry to hear that you have been going through this very tough time and that you have glandular fever. Really empathising having went through a tough time with the virus myself a number of years ago.
Definitely it can be very normal to get all sorts of muscle and joint aches and pains when going through glandular fever, it really is a horrible virus and the first few weeks I remember how unwell I felt and how much my body felt like it was taking a beating every day. I just want to reassure you that the swollen glands and sore throat and fatigue are all classic symptoms with the virus too.
It really is a horrible virus and I just want to encourage you James that it does get better, and to really take time to rest and look after yourself at this time. Most people, naturally, try to keep pushing through and working through like maybe they would with a cold or flu or whatever but this virus really needs respect and proper rest and time for your body to recover, if you can remove any stresses in terms of work, study, school, whatever please do that James and put your health first at this time.
Key thing also is not to panic if recovery isn’t immediate or overnight, it can take a while for your body to get back on its feet after this but absolutely it will with time! Truly you will get there! Getting rest and removing stress at this stage can really help with the recovery process.
Things that helped me during recovery were taking vitamins and herbs - a good strong multi-vitamin per day (I take Immuance Extra which is on sale here in the UK), higher doses of Vitamin C (1000mg-3000mg per day), a B100 complex vitamin and/or Co-enzyme Q10 per day (great for energy levels and nervous system), and immune boosting herbs like echinacea, siberian ginseng, oregano. Of course I’m no expert in vitamins or herbs and it’s always important to check for any interactions with other medications or conditions before taking any supplements, and wise to check in with doctor and / or herbalist too.
Just want you to know that I really know and remember how awful those initial few weeks were after diagnosis, and to reassure you that you will get through it and back to full health again, but sometimes it’s just a time factor and being patient and hanging in there at this stage which I know is not easy at all. And be kind to yourself - rest when you need to, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy if you can, all these things can really help. If you need to take time out or away from work or whatever, please do it know I had to as I was so fatigued and feeling so unwell with this thing. But it does and will get better. Just getting through a single day in those initial weeks can be so hard and draining, I remember that for sure, so just take it one day at a time and remember you will get better with time. I know it was only down to God that I was able to get through it as felt so down and drained and unwell with the virus, it frightened and worried me so much, but definitely want to reassure you that things will and do get better and you won’t always feel how you do just now. But for now just coping with one day at a time is all you can do and listening to your body and resting up when you need to is important.
It’s a great and supportive forum on here with lots of kind people who know what it’s like to go through this dreadful virus, sometimes it is all the scare mongering stories you read on the internet and it just makes you feel worse, but definitely this is a good site to stick with and message any time - I know how much I needed support from others when going through this so it’s really important for me to encourage others too - and to let you know James that you will get through this and get better - God is the great healer! I believe you are going to get well again, and even if it takes a little time don’t panic because it will happen!
Craig