The Epstein Barr virus that causes mono can affect the nerves of the body causing body aches and pains. The spleen is often enlarged which causes pressure and pain in the abdominal area. The approach I use with my patients is to give some high dose magnesium (600-800mg a day), the B complex (50mg) and vitamin C (3-5 g a day). These nutrients will help relax the nerves and muscles to hopefully bring your daughter some relief. Some anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, red root, fish oils and zinc may be of benefit.

Epsom salt baths (2 cups to a hot bath before bed) and massage would also be good for her. It is also worth seeing a chiropractor or osteopath to ascertain if her neck and back is out. If the symptoms are not clearing with the above advice, then it may
be that your daughter’s liver is congested and enlarged. This is common in mono. Drinking at least 2 – 3 litres of water a day to flush out the virus and toxins in her system is essential. Start her day with lemon juice in warm water. When she is a bit stronger, a liver tonic would be a good idea.

I would recommend you find a good naturopath or holistic doctor who can guide your daughter through this difficult time.

Best Wishes
Elizabeth

It is now 16 months later and she is hardly able to walk. Any movement or laughter sets her off to bouts of stabbing pain. She sleeps MANY hours and hardly gets out of bed for more than a few minutes at a time. She complains of sore throat and many times is running a low grade fever. Sonograms of he spleen show a large but still normal size of spleen ( for an adult ) but she is in CONSTANT pain, like a woman in labor.

She complains that her spleen feels like it is contracting rhythmically ALL the time with stabs of sharp pain that radiate up to her shoulder and across he abdomen to her liver. She is lately complaining of trouble breathing. The doctors say there is no way this has anything to do with the mono now, or trouble of her spleen but seem to be saying it is psychiatric problem.

She had been completely out of pain twice in the last 16 months, Once, for two hours following and ultrasound done to assess the size of her spleen, and once after I took her to an acupuncturist- looking for ANY relief I can bring to her.

You seem to be seeing a lot of patients with mono complications and I was wondering if you have ever heard of something like she is having.

Thank you for considering this post.

Inflammation of the liver does not always show up on liver function tests. Liver inflammation is common with viral illnesses like Epstein Barr and normally resolves within a few weeks. Adding some anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, turmeric, fish oils, zinc and vitamin C is worth a try if you feel your liver is enlarged or inflamed in the long term.

Best Wishes
Elizabeth

Diet is at the forefront of treating an inflamed and uncomfortable liver. You need to eat a diet rich in raw vegetables and fruits. Drink “green juices” rich in chlorophyll like those made from broccoli, parsley, cabbage and celery. The addition of some carrot or beetroot juice will sweeten the juice and boost its healing powers.

Avoid alcohol, sugar, highly processed foods and excess fats, especially trans fatty acids like those found in margarine and processed foods. Avoid drugs that have not been prescribed by your doctor. Herbs like dandelion, golden seal and milk thistle, to name just a few, act to rebuild and repair the liver. Nutrients like the B complex and the antioxidants normalise liver function and protect it from further damage.

I hope this gets you started.

Elizabeth

The symptoms of a bad sore throat, cough, temperature and bad fatigue are typical of the acute, initial stage of the infection. It still sounds like your adrenals may be under stress so supplementing with magnesium, the B complex, vitamin C and fish oil may help
you cope better. Lots of rest and a pure fresh food diet are essential.

Hope this helps.
Elizabeth

I have been testing a weak positive for Epstein Barr for 6 months now (raised IGM for Epstein Barr). I think I had the full on virus in December 2010 as that is when I had 10 days of a really bad throat, cough, temperature and fatigue, after that I struggled with recurrent viruses and problems handling stress like bad headaches, dizziness and my periods stopping. This is what led me to get tested in July 2011 but my IGM for epstein Barr levels haven’t changed hardly any in 6 months and I still have problems with tiredness and trouble handling stress.

Looking back I had issues with handling stress on and off from about july 2010 which is 6 months before the first full on virus. Do you think it was likely the problems with stress caused the glandular fever? Or could the problems 6 months before have been early symptoms do you think?

Fortunately there is a lot you can do with natural therapies to help your recovery. Your priority is to get your immune system balanced with some supplements like
vitamin C, zinc and essential fats. You will also need to repair your adrenal glands with nutrients like magnesium and the B complex. There is no harm in taking all of these supplements together in safe dosages. Before you take the immune boosting herbs like echinacea, astragalus or olive leaf it would be worth seeing a herbalist to make sure they do not interfere with your auto immune disease.

Diet does play a big part in recovery. A low carb, high protein diet with lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and pure water is important. Some anti-inflammatory foods and
anti-viral herbs will also help. If your symptoms persist you may need to do some liver cleansing in order to clear the virus from your system.

All these techniques are outlined in my e-book and have been used with good results by many patients who have had chronic EBV and autoimmune problems. With the e-book, you also get free email support for 30 days if you need further guidance on your individual concerns.

I hope this answers your questions.

Kind Regards

Elizabeth Noble

I was diagnosed with mono and strep throat in high school. In 2006, after pushing myself for 4.5 years to finish my schooling while I worked full time, I started feeling “off.” By 2008, I was very sick with an EBV flare up. I now have active EBV that is chronic as well as an auto-immune problem. I’m also prone to low vitamin D and iron levels. I had to visit an endocrinologist this year for thyroid issues as well.

At 43, I have now been in an active state of EBV for 5 years. Since the flare up, I have put on 40-50 lbs and this is something I struggle with daily. I am so unhappy with my health situation, but I simply cannot exercise like I used to. I am very interested in improving my immunity. I think this is the key. I know my diet needs a major overhaul and might possibly be one of the main reasons I became sick in the first place.

With regard to supplements, I have read a lot of varying articles that discuss a wide selection of supplements that can boost the adrenal glands and thus immunity. I’m curious if it’s safe or even wise to take them all. Some of the supplements I have read about include: licorice root extract, 2-3K vitamin C daily, vitamin B, MSM, magnesium, ginseng, zinc, echinacea, olive leaf extract and astragalus.

Is it safe to take all of these? I would be willing to invest in anything that might improve my condition, but only if it is not harmful to combine them. I currently take Acyclovir (sporadically); an antiviral that fights the (herpes) EBV.

Thanks so much for your input!

Lori