Help! I am a hardcore runner with mono!?
Question:And I mean REALLY HARDCORE! This sucks! So according to my test results, my doctor said that I am in the middle stages of mono, and last Friday I got really dizzy at practice and I just haven't been able to keep up with my group at practice.
-How long (approximately) will this take to go away?
-Can I do anything physical activity related in the meantime?
-When should I go back to track?
ANything you know would be extremely appreciated because I am SO DEPRESSED right now!!!!!
Answers:
You are running down the stairs.?
All I can tell you is listening to your doctor and resting is the only sure way to get better. Like the first person said, it will take around 4-6 weeks to clear your body but if you push your body you'll be in worse shape.Here are some suggestions on how to feel better at least and perhaps since you are in good shape your body will recover faster.
Viruses do not respond to antibiotics. However, there are a number of things that you can do to feel better.
- GARGLE with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of table salt and 1/2 cup tap water) as often as desired to soothe sore throat.
- USE LOZENGES according to package instructions or hard candy to relieve throat discomfort.
- TAKE IBUPROFEN (600 mg 3 times a day) or ACETAMINOPHEN (650 mg) every 4-6 hours for fever and discomfort unless a physician advises against these medications.
- APPLY WARM, MOIST TOWELS to neck, where swollen, as often as desired.
- REST. This is no time to be jogging, playing sports, or exercising. Do not tire yourself unnecessarily. Resting does not mean you should stop all your normal daily routines -- but be sensible.
- AVOID PRESSURE TO THE ABDOMEN. This means no heavy lifting, no contact sports, no vigorous sexual activity. Anytime you develop a tender abdomen, seek medical attention. We make these recommendations because the spleen and/or liver are usually enlarged, and, though rare, rupture of the spleen can occur.
- DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL, especially if your liver is large or you have jaundice.
- PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE: Wash your hands, cover your nose and mouth when sneezing, and properly dispose of all used facial tissues. As with all contagious illnesses, consider others when making decisions about sexual activity.
Mono(nucleosis) is a viral infection, and there is no "cure". Basically, your immune system will take care of it in about four weeks. The signs of mono usually develop 4 to 6 weeks after you're exposed to the virus.
Unfortunately, the best treatment for mono is just rest and drinking fluids. And here is where it's going to hurt you a lot: that means no sports. One of the possible complications from mono is rupturing your spleen, which can be aggravated by physical activity. You will need to avoid physical activities for about 3 to 4 weeks after the infection starts.
You mentioned that you started feeling the symptoms last Friday, so you're about one week into your infection. You will need to double-check with your doctor to be safe, but you will be out of action for about an additional 2-3 weeks.
I know it must be a difficult time for you. Runners often get a "high" from their exercises, and to suddenly lose it can be quite devastating. I still remember the first time I got injured training for a marathon. I was up to 30-35 miles per week of running when I got a knee injury. When my therapist prescribed rest, I cannot tell you how depressed I was. It was one of the most painful experiences I had to go though. All I can tell you is that things will get better sooner than later, and you should probably concentrate on how you will come back, better than before.
Good luck on your recovery.
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