While I've had some periods of moderate wellness, going out with friends, working full time in a physical job, I've crashed terribly and I'm so so depressed. Last time I was like this, I worked a 53 hour week, then on my 1 day off went to a concert in another city. I started to feel really ill and ended up off work for a month. That was around 2.5 months ago.
This time I didn't go too crazy at work, did about 35 hours the last week, however I felt quite wired and wasn't sleeping much due to thinking about a new job opportunity on top of a relationship issue. I was walking around town and felt that I was getting shooting pain in my shoulder, as well as a strange vibrating sensation in my chest, I put it down to too much caffeine. A few days ago as I tried to go to sleep I had the chills and had to wear a dressing gown to bed, then as I was trying to sleep I kept getting those weird jerks that wake you up. I ended up sleeping about 3 hours This is exactly what started after the concert a few months ago. When I woke up I had awful nerve pain and cramps all over my body, pins and needles, a bit of a tremor, I have brain fog and feel lightheaded, I feel sick and lights look too bright, I also feel pretty fatigued as the sleep I'm getting doesn't feel very restful. I'm terrified I'm going to be off work for an extended period again, and that this will be my life from now on, working a couple of months, and being off for a month. I've now been off work for 4 days and have no signs of improvement.
I'm such a hard worker by nature and this just kills me, I feel so depressed. I'm worried that I've developed CFS and my body is stuck with the effects of this virus forever.
Hey ballerina!!
i do ballet, well, I did until glandular fever stopped me. That was 2 years ago now.
i am so sorry you feel like this, I know from experience that you can't push your way through this virus, it just pushes back twice as hard. I am too a hard worker and someone who just can't sit still, I just like to be busy, but I have had to learn to slow down and take things easy, year one was dreadful, this year, year 2 has been a whole lot better for me, I would say I'm 99% back, I just haven't gone back to my ballet classes yet or I don't do any classes or rigorous excercise as I still get times when I feel a bit fatigued, but it's going slowly.
all what you are going through seems pretty typical to me. If you can get help and take more time off work to recover then I'd say do it, give yourself the chance to recover. There is hope and you will get better.
Im finally starting back to college next week(lost my job, now changing career) so things are getting there.it will for you too.
caroline xx
That's good to hear :D It's hard explaining to people that I'm ill with glandular fever, I don't even believe it myself as everything you read online seems to say you should be well after 6 weeks. 
Everyone says to me, it's been nearly a year how can you still be ill?? And everything online says if it's longer than 6 months basically it's CFS which is incureable. I don't really have any hope at the moment 
Strange thing is, I have been well-ish inbetween these relapses, so guess I've got to focus on reducing stress and remaining in these well periods.
Hi, I get and feel everything you're saying.
i think sometimes people look at me and not quite understand. I can get quite annoyed with it too, why do I get stupid relapses, I can't rely on my own body, it lets me down, I just don't have that resilience yet, not like I did. I saw an endocrinologist at the one year mark and he said to me another 6-12 months and I would be fully better!!! So I still have about 3 months before I hit that. He was positive so I keep that thought in my head.... These things take time. I'm just going with it and definitely don't worry about cfs. We haven't got that.😊😊
caroline xx
Yah well I hear that too. How can you be sick for so long. I will tell you I built a very successful company with over 50 employees. I used to work endless amounts of hours and never get tired. I could bid jobs all night and work on the job site the next day without sleeping. I did that kind of stuff for years. I finally got the business running on its own with plans to vacation and finally do fun things that I had missed out on because I worked night and day to build a business.
Then horr set in, the most horrible thing I have ever experienced Epstein-Barr Virus. I’m on month 8 now just coming out of a relapse for 6 weeks. So I can completely relate to what you said. I will beat this and return to a normal life I guarantee you that. What I have learned the hard way so far is just don’t push it and rest all you can and don’t put yourself in stressful situations.
I am 50 years old and came down with mono last November but wasn't diagnosed until January. November through January were rough but after January I was slowly getting better until I crashed at the end of July. I have been battling this relapse for 6 weeks now. Same symptoms. Dizziness, Tired eyes, Fatigue, Anxiety and Nausea in the mornings. There seems to be a pattern with people relapsing between 8-10 months in. Fortunately my work has been understanding and allowed me to work at home most of the time. I just keep praying and reading my bible know that this is part of God's plan for me. If you trust him in the good times you should trust him when things aren't going your way. We will all get out of this spot eventually. It's going to take time weather we like it or not.
HI Ballerina,
Oh goodness what an awful time you'd had of it, thanks for sharing your experience and I really do empathise having went through this horrible virus many years ago.
How long into the virus are you, is it 2.5 months or has it been longer? I really do want to reassure you that things do get better with this, it can be very normal after 2-3 months still to be feeling in the intense symptoms phase of this, it is the most horrible experience I know but it DOES get better - I know it doesn't help much when having to cope with each day feeling that way. Even if it takes a little time still, you WILL get there and make a FULL recovery, I truly believe that you will recover and CFS is not going to be an issue - it is very normal for people to go through such intense and horrible symptoms for months and then make a full recovery - hang in there there is hope and this thing does go away with time.
Definitely agreeing with Caroline that it's so hard to work and push through this virus. Remember that by taking a step back and allowing your body time to recover isn't giving up or doesn't mean to say that you're not a hard worker - it's not like a normal virus that you can push through, the more you push through the more exhausting it gets - it's so hard when you just want to be well and working I know, but please do put your health first and be kind to yourself at this time and get plenty of rest and reduce stress as much as possible.
Taking vitamins and herbs really helped me, a good strong multi-vitamin per day, immune boosting herbs like siberian ginseng, oregano and echinicea, higher doses of Vitamin C (1000mg-3000mg per day) and B100 complex and/or Co-enzyme Q10 (great for energy levels and nervous system).
Thinking about you ballerina, the depression and mental angst that ensues with this are awful - but please please do know that this virus tries to make you feel that way, it tries to make you think and feel like you won't recover because of its intensity and longevity - but ABSOLUTELY IT'S NOT THE CASE - you WILL recover and WILL be back to full health and activity again, with time - and remember God is the great healer and I believe He is going to get you through this. Hang in there and thinking about you, and just cope with each day as it comes as getting through every day is an achievement with this for sure.
Craig
You give such sound advice and hope Craig just when people nee it the most,thank you again,so glad of this group to turn to when things get too much,only those who have gone through it really get it,just to let you know Craig about my family member,he is in hospital and going to be there for a while,so I can now relax a bit knowing he is safe,perhaps I might be able to get out of this bad relapse now as all that stress from that was horrendous,hope your doing ok Craig xx
Hi Craig, I'm 11 months in, my last relapse before this one was 2.5 months ago. Unfortunately I've just got back from the doctors, explained my symptoms, I'd never seen this doctor before however she's from the same medical practice. She basically said "So you've been suffering glandular fever for more than 6 months, you've got ME" handed me a information sheet on ME/CFS and pushed me out of the door. I'm devastated My whole personality is that of an energetic hardworking girl and I feel like I'm just a shell of myself, really really struggling with this
I really wouldn’t put too much weight on that baloney diagnosis. It’s a diagnosis that cannot be proven, it is just the thing they tell you when everything appears normal. I really truly believe that it’s a virus that is just nasty and takes a long time to get under control. Viruses can be brutal! Think about stuff like Ebola or HIV... just a virus? No! Those are the most extreme dangerous ones, of course, but viruses aren’t all just a “you’re sick for two weeks max then you’re all 100% better”. Whatever virus you have, whether it’s EBV or something maybe that isn’t identified yet but presents like mono, it WILL go away. This isn’t just a random fluke of events. I was told I have post viral fatigue possible CFS, but I’m better today. 85% to 90% normal. Because my body is sloooooowly fighting this bug! 10 months in! AND if I had CFS, how come two family members got sick after me with similar symptoms for months? CFS is doctor baloney. You will recover.
HI Diane,
Oh I really appreciate your kind words Diane, your advice and words of wisdom have been tremendous. I know for sure it might be easy to give advice but so much harder to take it on board. I wish I was better at applying it myself at times! I'm still thinking about you Diane and just hoping and praying this bad relapse can start to settle and you can see improvement and recovery over the coming period.
I hope your brother is getting the help he needs now, the stress of that situation certainly is likely to be a contributing factor and hoping that you can now take some time to focus on yourself and looking after yourself - I don't mean that to sound selfish in any way, it's just you've had it so tough lately Diane that it's really important that you be kind and caring and compassionate and understanding to yourself, and allow yourself the time and space for recovery.
Thanks as always for the kind words and still fully believing you are going to get through this, still trusting God with that - He is fighting for you Diane and won't give up until the victory is yours.
Craig
Hi Ballerina,
Oh so sorry to hear you've had this awful experience when you seen the doctor. I totally agree with what Van says, I absolutely believe and have seen with my own eyes that many doctors don't seem to know what they're talking about when they come out with this kind of thing. After 6 months they tried to tell me something similar and it was frightening and devastating, but thanks to God I was able to recover and get through it.
A key thing I think is missed and Van has hit the nail on the head, is there is a significant difference between post viral syndrome / effects and CFS / ME. Mono is a nasty nasty virus and often leaves people with post viral for a long time, but that doesn't mean to say it doesn't go away or get better - post viral DOES get completely better, it just means your body needs that extended period of time to cope and recover from such a nasty thing. The vast vast majority of people that go through mono, in my opinion from what I've read and my own experience and reading the stories of lots of people on this forum, experience Post Viral and not ME - but their doctor tries to tell them ME because they don't have a full understanding and are just going by a text book which tells them 'oh if it's not better after 6 or 12 months, just write them off as that'. The reality is post viral can last that long and longer for some unfortunate people, but it DOES MOST DEFINITELY get better.
My experience Ballerina was the the first year was truly awful, a terrible thing to go through and it took so much of my confidence away and just wondered if things would ever get better. But Year 2 was so much more liberating, a year of recovery. God willing you won't have to go through anything like this first year again, there most definitely IS hope and I for one truly believe that you are going to make a FULL recovery still and most definitely challenge those things the doctor is trying to tell you - for him just to hand you a sheet and palm you off like that is a total disgrace - it frustrates me so much that doctors show such a lack of compassionate, time and duty of care for people who are in a vulnerable and fragile place with their health.
Anyway that's my rant over! But remember you ARE going to get better! It can be very normal with this virus for it to go on this length of time and get fully better. It happened for me thanks to God and many others on the forum I've read were still in a bad way after a year but saw a breakthrough coming into the second year - hoping and praying for that for you and thinking about you!! And of course do rest and be kind to yourself and take vitamins / herbs - trusting that God is going to get you through this - He knows more than all the doctors and is the great physician!
Craig
I'm approaching my year mark with Mono next week. I am definitely feeling a "pressure" that I should be better by now. I also feel somewhat embarrassed and/or ashamed to tell people that I am still sick. While I am much better than I was in the beginning or during my 2 relapses, I still have quite a ways to go. Other than not even considering attempting to exercise yet, yesterday was the most "normal" day I've had in months. Surely, this whole journey will be over soon!
I've also had fears of CFS, but I really don't think that's what we're going through. I hope you start feeling better soon. Whenever my sleeping isn't going well, I find that everything in the world seems worse. Sometimes I can reassure myself that everything will be all right if I just remind myself, "Ah, yes, I haven't had good rest lately. Everything will be "off" for awhile. I'll reassess this issue in life once I get sleep." Of course, that can be easier said than done!
Hang in there and best wishes for your recovery!
Thank you kindly Craig,i am so exhausted,i managed to get up today get breakfast let dogs in garden and then back to bed,im wiped out,but listening to my body and if this is how it has to be for now then so be it until my body gets stronger.....
HI Kris,
So sorry to hear you've been through such a terrible year with this virus. I do understand that feeling of pressure that you feel like things should have gotten better by now. I feel like that in my own situation with back pain and being off work too. It's an awful feeling Kris, but remember this isn't your fault, this is a horrible and debilitating virus and you have absolutely nothing to be ashamed about. I do understand those feelings Kris, have been feeling a bit shamed myself lately because of my circumstances and not working and feeling like not doing enough to help myself, it's easy to tell someone they shouldn't feel that way but sometimes I know these feelings can be overwhelming and so difficult to cope with. Sometimes I feel like a hyprocrit because I like to come on the site here and try and encourage others even though my own situation is a mess!
Hang in there Kris, I'm thinking about you and remember just cope with one day at a time, try not to put a timescale on recovery, and God willing you won't have to go through anything like this last year ever again. Praying for God's help for us all on the site here!
Craig
Hey Diane,
You're still in my thoughts and prayers, you know getting up and doing those tasks that you did is a big achievement when feeling that way. It might not feel like it but it is really Diane, when you're feeling so unwell it would have just been so easy to stay in bed but you got up and did something and are being sensible by taking rest after that.
I must admit Diane I've been feeling a bit down and discouraged today. I have to meet the boss of the job I'm most likely going to lose today and the whole circumstances and reality of everything is hitting me. I feel so guilty that I have been feeling I don't want to go back to that job and to the stress of it all, feel like I'm taking the easy way out and it has weighed down on my mind so much - I worry I won't be able to forgive myself and move on if I throw away something which was a big part of my life.
Sorry for my moaning Diane, just grateful for you being on the forum and want you to know that you are contributing greatly to helping me and others just with your wise words even in the hardest of times for you. God bless you today Diane and praying for a miracle in your life and circumstances, in Jesus' name.
Craig
Aww, Craig, you're always so kind. Hang in there. Brighter days are surely around the corner for all us!
Hi Kris I see youv had 2 relapses in the year you've had this,may I ask how you were during your relapses and how long it took you to feel something like again after your relapse? im on my 4th relapse in the 14 months since ive had it and im so exhausted I can barely function xx
Thanks Craig,and im hoping all goes well when you see your boss today, and don't worry your not moaning at all,its better to get things off your chest,i hope you make the right decision for yourself,it must be awful if your feeling so stressed about work,perhaps a fresh start is what you need,keeping you in my thoughts and prayers Craig please let us know how you get on,just remember your happiness and peace of mind is what is important......
Oh no, four relapses, that's awful! Both of my relapses were similar to the onset of my mono. I was feeling okay one day and woke up the next miserable: achy, flu-like, fatigued, not wanting to move. I stayed in bed a few days and then moved from the bed to the chair and didn't do much else. Both relapses and the onset have been similar. I start off miserable and then just very slowly start to feel better (with ups and downs). Each time, it has taken about 3 months for me to return to a feeling of being able to function for a few hours a day. Before the 2nd relapse, I didn't know relapsing was possible. I'd had Mono for 4 months and started feeling better and thought, "Okay, I'm healthy. This is over," and I jumped back into life. After the 2nd relapse, I pushed too much once I started feeling better and I relapsed again. Now, I am starting to come out of this relapse (after a slow 3 1/2 months recovery) and I'm struggling with wanting to do things and try to "catch up" on life. Yesterday I was active doing light housework (which eventually broke me out in a sweat so I stopped) for about 3 hours in the morning. I slept in the afternoon and then I had "jelly" legs and was just horribly fatigued all evening.I know I have been doing too much the last couple of weeks, but it is so mentally invigorating to be more active. I get so dang tired of laying in bed! I'm sure you feel the same. I thank you for asking this question because in writing about this, I've realized how I need to slow down.
Each relapse has been less severe, so that is positive. I think I wrote more than you were expecting and I hope I answered your question somewhere in there. (The last couple of weeks I have really been struggling with brain fog.)
How long do your relapses last and what are they like?