Nov 04 2008
Symptoms of Glandular Fever (Epstein Barr or mononucleosis)
Let’s have a look at the most common symptoms of glandular fever.
Symptoms typically include:
- Swollen glands usually in the neck, but sometimes in the armpits or groin
- Fever - ranging from mild to extreme
- Fatigue – can be debilitating and prolonged
- Sore throat – ranging from slight to extreme
Like any infection, some patients will also suffer from:
- Headaches
- Sore muscles
- Poor appetite
- Nausea with vomiting and/or diarrhea in some cases
- Skin rash (often seen in children)
- Abdominal pain (especially in children)
- Puffy eyelids
- Sensitivity to light
- Cough, congestion or runny nose
- Liver inflammation and soreness
- Enlarged, painful spleen
Some people, particularly children, may exhibit none of these classical symptoms. When my young 3 year old son picked up glandular fever we just passed it off as a mild cold. It was only a few months later when he had a blood test done, that we realised it was glandular fever.
Most glandular fever symptoms are mild and will disappear within a couple of weeks when adequate rest, fluids, an immune-boosting diet and the right supplements and herbs are taken (see my e-book for further ideas).
In rare cases, glandular fever symptoms can be severe, and in fact may be life-threatening. It is often in the patients who are above the age of 25 or 30 that symptoms can be uncomfortable and prolonged.
In the next post we’ll have a look at the four glandular fever symptoms that you should never ignore.
Just wanted to tell you about my daughters recent attack of glandular fever
which presented none of the common symptoms and lead to her having a 10 day
stay in a HDU unit where she received 2 blood transfusions because the virus attacked
her liver and spleen and her HB went down to 5. Her symptoms on day one were severe
headaches, nausea tiredness and temperature of 103f, by day 5 she had pains in her side
and back, by day 9 i instinctively felt this was no ordinary virus as she had no cold or sore throat like other people who were coming down with seasonal illnesses. I had noticed she was looking yellowish in colour so took her to the GP who sent her to hospital. She was checked over by the on duty consultant in A and E who wanted to discharge her, but was waiting for a blood result to eliminate certain causes as her urine was the colour of rust. By coincidence a renal consultant took an interest and examined her and was the first to mention glandular fever. She was admitted to hospital where she deteriated further as described in my first sentence. Finally the virus withdrew its attack on her organs as the doctors described and she has left hospital. i think this account could be of importance in the future diagnosis for other people who may present such symptoms.
kind regards
maria van day
Hi Maria,
Thank you for your post. I’m sorry to hear of your daughter’s experiences with glandular fever.
It must have been a very worrying time for you. I’m sure your post will help others who may
have similar symptoms to seek medical assistance and not pass their symptoms off lightly.
I hope your daughter has fully recovered.
Regards
Elizabeth
Hi this is a helpful list of symptons, I do not have all but I still think I have glandular fever because I have most ,when I went to the doctor he said I had pharyngitus but the antibiotics didnt work , and when I went for bloods I fainted as loss of appetite has made me stop eating , im returning next week for bloods and I have been told it mightnt show up, what would you say is the most important symptom to have.
Hi Frank,
Thanks for your post. The most common symptoms are the sore throat, fatigue, swollen glands and fever. If a blood test is taken early in the infection then sometimes the antibodies to the infection have not been produced in high enough amounts to test positive. A second test in a week or so should so if it is glandular fever.
Elizabeth
Thankyou
I’ve been suffering with EBV for just under a year now and it’s driving me INSANE. What can I do? I have completely altered my diet, sleep when my body tells me I need it and take only light exercise when I feel able. There’s literally nothing that I’m not doing to shake this thing off and it’s just getting worse rather than better. Help me
Hi Annabel,
Sorry to hear you are ill with Epstein Barr. It can be a very worrying time. It sounds like you have taken some good steps with resting and eating well. Your next priority is to get your immune system fighting off the virus with high dose vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin A. You will also need to repair your adrenal glands with magnesium and the B complex.
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 similar conditions.
With the e-book, you also get free email support for 30 days if you need further guidance on your individual concerns.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth, Just found your website. I have been suffering with EBV for 3months now. I had it 12 yrs ago. I have 4 young children and I feel like asking for support is wearing thin. I have had bloods taken throughout this time. My liver results were extremely high, I was having accupuncture and chinese herbs. After 2 months I seemed to be improving then i fell in a heap again, my liver numbers started to increase. Ive seen a specialist wants me to stop all treatment so he can do further checks on bloods. Have you found that this is normal for the liver to be effected by hepatitis? And that it goes up and down. My symptyms are mostly fatigue, trouble sleeping, aching musles and unfortunetly depression. My glands are still up. I dont want to get caught up in exploration of this disconected doctors veiw of patterns. I hope you can understand all of this from my foggy brain! Another symptom that must be driving those around me mad Thanks for your time Caroline Australia
Hi Caroline,
Thanks for your post. It must be hard struggling with EBV whilst trying to raise 4 young children. The Epstein Barr virus can infect the liver to cause hepatitis, swelling and pain. Here’s some ideas that may help:
A healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is on the top of the list of natural hepatitis remedies. Foods to focus on include the cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, antioxidant foods like lemons, grapefruit, berries and red grapes and plenty of healing beverages like beetroot juice, carrot juice, dandelion tea, green tea and pure water. Obviously liver-toxic foods like alcohol, coffee, excess fats, preservatives, colourings and drugs need to be eliminated.
Traditional liver herbs like dandelion, golden seal and red clover are some powerful herbs that have recently been scientifically proven to improve hep infection outcomes. The natural nutrients that heal and protect your liver are the antioxidants vitamin C and zinc plus the anti-inflammatory nutrients like omega 3 oils.
If your liver is congested with fats, toxins and microbes then it is an uphill battle to treat any infection. Some of the most effective natural hepatitis remedies are those that gently cleanse the liver and then keep it clean. These remedies include fat metabolisers like methionine and inositol plus a range of natural foods and herbs.
Stress is often the trigger for viral infections like hep A, B and C to take hold. Natural hepatitis remedies that address stress include the B complex, magnesium and vitamin C. Burning lavender oil in an oil burner or adding some to your pillow at night may help you get a good nights sleep.
It may be worthwhile finding a natural doctor or naturopath to help you along the way.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth,
I am in the process of learning about EBV, as I was diagnosed with in Jan/11. I was hospitalized for 5 days with symptoms such as jaundice, enlarged liver and spleen, severe migraine etc. They didn’t know what was wrong with me until a final blood test a few weeks after I was sent home. I was told I “had” (past tense) EBV and that the marker it leaves showed a recent infection. The Dr. didn’t tell me anything more than that, except that I’d feel tired for a couple of months (he gave me an iron prescription). So far, everything I’m reading sounds like once diagnosed this is an illness that sticks with you and re-occurs. Shouldn’t the Dr. have told me that? Is it possible it was a fleeting virus like a cold? Do I still have it? I’m so confused and I feel like conventional Dr.s just don’t have the time for me.
I really want to know what I need to do to recover fully (if that’s even possible), when I can do a cleanse to try and get my body back on track and if I have an increased chance of having an autoimmune disease in my future (my mother currently suffers from Fibromyalgia so not sure if heredity plays a part too).
Also, everything I read also refers to mono – are mono and EBV the same thing or just closely related? Can you have one and not the other?
I actually feel pretty good and have resumed normal activity (working out, full-time hours).
Any more light you can shed on this would be so appreciated!
Hi Robin,
Sorry to hear you have been ill. The symptoms you had are typical of EBV and it seems this is backed up by the blood tests. EBV is a latent virus that can relapse in the future if your immune system is under par. Most people however do get over the initial infection with no further problems.
I would recommend you focus on getting a good night’s sleep, eating a fresh fruit diet and doing some gradual graded exercise. Adding some nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, the B complex and magnesium will ensure your immune system is strengthened. Have a read through this blog – it discusses these therapies in further details.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
PS. EBV is the virus that triggers mono – a condition marked by sore throat, swollen glands, fever and fatigue. Doctors often use the terms interchangeably.
Hi Elizabeth,
I started having feelings of ‘confusion’ 10 days ago. That was in the evening. The next morning I woke up with sensitivity to light and feeling ‘lightheaded’. I’ve had ocular migraines before so I thought this was the beginning of another one. I rested most of the day but if I did try to get up I was lighheaded/dizzy and I’ve had vision issues.
I went to my GP and he said that he thinks I have vertigo. But I felt like the sensitivity to light was not fitting right with the diagnosis. I went to my eye doc and he said to have my thyroid tested. I did and all the blood work came back clean. I went to my chiropractor and he said I have EBV in my brain. He’s given me ‘probiotic drops’ to take 4 times a day. I haven’t felt much better and since have been to see 2 more eye doctors that are confident that there is nothing wrong with my eyes. In fact, the last doctor said that the photophobia is probably ‘a brain issue’. I am having much trouble functioning mentally and remembering things short term. Do these issues sound familiar to EBV? I am concerned and feel like I should head to a neurologist next.
Thanks.
Hi Donna,
It is possible you are experiencing symptoms of EBV however it would be good to have a blood test to confirm it. A neurologist should be able to run this if he thinks it is probable. In the meantime focus on drinking plenty of fluid, resting your body, eating a fresh food diet and perhaps adding some magnesium, B vitamins and vitamin C to help with the dizziness and vision. I hope you get some answers soon.
Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth,
I was told that I had glandular fever from a doctor according to a blood test. I am only 16 and i have only had a sore throat for a couple of days which is now gone. Im still at home resting and i feel like I can go back to school. I’ve read a lot about glandular fever and it says it takes 2-4 weeks or more to recover. I feel almost 100% again, i have no other symptoms and it has only been 4 days. Does this mean i still have glandular fever? Is that a sign that i’m over the infection? Also is it a possibility that I have glandular fever but I am immune to it and by coincidence i had a strep throat at the same time? Does glandular fever sometimes barely affect people? I know there are a lot of questions but the blood tests and the doctor say i should be home for ages because i’m really sick, but i feel pretty much back to normal, and i am just slightly confused.
Thanks
Hi James,
Thanks for your post. Good to hear you are feeling better after your glandular fever diagnosis. Some people do bounce back quickly and there is no reason why you can’t return to school if you are symptom free. Just take it easy for a few days
to see how your body copes. This means no sport, late nights or excess sugar or junk food. If you eat well, drink plenty of fluids, get a good night’s sleep and pace yourself you should be fine. Strep throat is usually typified by a nasty raw, red throat.
It is possible that you had strep but my guess is that you just had a mild glandular fever infection.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
Hi, I’m waiting for blood test results.
(
I have a very painful throat, swollen and tender.
Tierd, achey, upset tummy and on/off head ache.
I can’t sleep very well either.
Lost my apitite and feel sick and miserable, I’ve had
2 lots of antibiotics and am on my 3rd! Nothing
Seems to help
I just feel so ill.
I’ve been like this for 4 weeks!
I have restless legs that ache.
Just a little exercise makes me ill for a few days!
My doctor is pretty sure its glandular fever.
Anyone else think so?
.x.x.x.x.x.
Maria
Hi Maria,
Sorry you have been feeling so ill. It ceratinly sounds like glandular fever but only the blood tests can confirm it. I would recommend you stay in bed, eat a liquid-only diet of hot soups, herb teas, water and fresh vegetable juces and get onto some immune-boosting supplements like vitamin C and zinc. If it does turn out to be glandular fever then you would find the e-book of use as it outlines all the natural treatments to get you back on your feet.
Take care,
Elizabeth
I’m suffering from what I believe to be as glandular fever. I went to the doctors when symptoms first started to appear (last Thursday, today it’s Saturday), all the obvious ones mentioned on this website and he took a blood test and now I’m waiting for results on Wednesday. I most likely have it because my boyfriend caught it last year before we met but only found out what it was 2 weeks ago. And I’m guessing I caught it from kissing him. I’m feeling like absolute crap at the moment. All the vomiting, fever, body aches have gone away but at the moment I’m left with a very very extremely sore left side of my throat/tonsils/glands. It hurts to swallow. I’ve been taking regular panadol every 4-6 hours and drinking lots of water. I just want the pain to go away! Even talking gives me so much pain! I will take a look at the ebook.
Hi Shani,
Thanks for your post. I hope you are over the worst of your symptoms. It sounds like you are resting your body and drinking lots of water. If your throat is still sore I would be looking at doing some salt water gargles and drinking some hot lemon drinks.
If your symptoms persist then adding some healing nutrients like zinc and vitamin C would be beneficial.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
Hi
My daughter (17) tested positive for glandular fever in January. Her symptons were a severe sore throat, exhaustion, very swollen face, vomiting. lack of appetite and general flu like symptons. Her throat infection got so bad & swollen she could barely speak and the smell coming from it was incredible!!! Having 3 children and all the usual childhood illnesses, this is by far the worst we have ever experienced. The first doctor said it was tonsilitis even though I stressed to him that I thought it was glandular fever. I visited the surgery again a few days later which was difficult as Rachael could barely walk and another dr, did the blood test at my request – So my advice to anyone is to shout if you are not being heard by your GP.
My daughter was very sporty and has still been unable to return to her schedule, which is hard as she loved it!
We are now 5 months into this horrible virus and it seems to have recurred, We thought that we were making slow progress, until recently, she developed a sore throat, lethargy and slightly swollen eyes. The tiredness have never really gone away.
We are finding it so diffficult to watch our once energetic, fun loving daughter be listless.
Do you think we are beyond the glandular fever and maybe some of thoose other horrible things that I do not even want to mention are maybe developing. We are so worried.
Hi Laura,
Thanks for your post. Sorry your daughter has been so ill with glandular fever. In some people it can linger on for several months or turn into post-viral syndrome. Since it is a latent virus it can also relapse when the body is stressed or under par.
I would recommend you find a good naturopath or wholistic doctor that you can work with. You need to focus on building up your daughter’s immunity, repairing her adrenal glands and cleansing her liver and lymphatic system. High dose nutrients, herbs, immune boosting foods plus plenty of rest and sleep are essential. A good gastrointestinal and liver cleanse may be needed if her symptoms persist.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
Hello.
I first tested positive for epstien-barr when i was 15. I was extreemly fatigued, had swollen glands, and had a mucus that turned into pneumoina. I have never gotten rid of these symptoms! I have had blood taken multiple times when sick and wouldnt ya know….still active epstien-barr. I have been diagnosed with mono 14 times. I am now 25 and have tested positive again. I hate feeling this way. It ruins my job, relationships, and quality of life. When i was 22 i went to a homeopathic doctor who said that i have chronic fatiuge and maybe even fibromyalsia. I also had my adreanals checked…it is undetermined if they have been affected . I have been on multiple different diets and medicines; nothing seemsto work. I feel hopeless an EXHAUSTED!!! How do i know that the EBV is the cause of my symptoms and not the affect?
Let me know what you think.
COMPLETELY FRUSTRATED,
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
Sorry you’ve been struggling with Epstein Barr for so long. I understand where you are coming from -
I had chronic Epstein Barr for about 15 years.
With your history you should clarify if you have any other microbes like mycoplasma, Lyme’s or
Chlamydia pneumonia which are complicating your recovery. It is also important to test for other
conditions like anaemia, allergy, low blood sugar, underactive thyroid, liver problems, sarcoidosis etc
that can mimic Epstein Barr.
I would also recommend you have a read through my e-book on the natural approaches to
Epstein Barr treatment. With the e-book, you get free email support for 30 days if you
need further guidance on your individual concerns.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
Didn’t go n get tested for glandular fever but I knew something was up because I had kissed a girl n my posterior cervical nodes were swollen. It started with sorethroat(worst Iever had). My stomach hurt for like 30 mins (felt like dying). Had puffy eyes in first week.tiredness triggerd me a lot that I felt sleepy everytime. But that’s all gone now. My posterior cervical nodes & nodes behnd my right ear are still swollen for 2 months now. Not painful jus lumpy . What should I do . Any advice pliz
Hi Mech,
Sounds like you had a bout of glandular fever – especially with the sore throat, swollen glands and fatigue. For your swollen glands some of the anti-inflammatory nutrients like vitamin C, zinc and quercetin may help. Lots of hot soups or broths based on ginger, garlic, turmeric and cayenne are also worth trying. Gentle exercise or lymphatic massage is another way to improve lymphatic circulation and reduce the swelling.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
Hello,
I have kind of an interesting story. I started not feeling well in January (2011). I had tons of blood work approximately 3-4 times. I was always told my results were completely normal, probably just the flu!! After about 3 weeks had more blood tests. I was told that it looked like I had an “old” mono infection but they couldn’t determine if in fact I actually had mono at the present time. Everyone kept telling me it seemed a lot like mono. In the back of my mind that’s also what I thought. My symptoms seemed very odd. Not the typical sore throat, fever that everyone talks about with mono. Started with neck pain on one side, pain around the ears, lots of inflammation in the neck, face, ear areas. Does this affect the nerves? Nausea, FATIGUE, eye floaters, headaches, tingling in arms and legs, and the list goes on…After seeing approximately 10 different doctors, (family dr, ent, chiro, internist, etc), i decided to go the natural route. A test was done on me and immediately within 5 minutes I was told I had Epstein Barr. My physician thinks otherwise. Who do I believe? I am going on almost 6 months with this. How long does this virus last??!! I am a female in my early 30′s with small kids and it’s very debilitating. I am currently taking a number of different natural supplements. I started on a natural anti-inflammatory which has really helped. I take a Raw multi-vitamin. The supplements I am taking contain a lot of B vitamins, magnesium, and many other things. I’ve been on them for 2 weeks. Is there anything else you would recommend doing?? can epstein barr cause anxiety and depression?? I have a lot of anxiety related symptoms (tingling, tight throat feeling, headaches, palpitations, nervousness,) but I don’t know if it’s actually anxiety caused by the virus or something totally different. My physician wants me on anti-depressants, but I’m really not wanting to go that route. HOw long until I see a difference with the natural supplements. I just had more bloodwork again after 6 months, and again results are perfect. Thank You!!
Hi Linda,
Thanks for your post. Sorry to hear you have been struggling with ill health since January. It does sound like Epstein Barr (the virus that can trigger mono) may be the culprit. EBV can affect the nerves to cause neurological symptoms like headaches, body aches and pains and dizziness.
Most people get over this virus within a few weeks however in some people it can linger on for months.
It sounds like you have taken some good steps towards your recovery. The B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, vitamin C and fish oils in good dosages are all recommended however they can take a few weeks to bolster the immune system and reduce inflammation. I would also look at eating a fresh food diet
which focuses on lots of vegetables, quality protein and low carb fruit. The anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, turmeric, raw pineapple and paw paw may also help.
This virus can cause anxiety and depression, especially when it lingers. There are a variety of natural therapies which can help but you need to discuss it with a good holistic doctor or naturopath.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
Hi,
I’m a college student and I was diagnosed with mono in late March. I didn’t have any of the typical symptoms like extreme fatigue or a sore throat. But nearly 3 months later, my spleen is sensitive at times and I still feel out of it, almost like I’m in a dream state. The latter symptom has caused me a decent amount of anxiety because my “out of it” feeling is persistent. I’m assuming me worrying so much isn’t helping my body fight off the virus. I also play soccer in college and mono has restricted my previously very active life style. I was wondering if these symptoms are at all normal, and if you have any reccomendations for how to treat these symptoms.
Thank you
Hi John,
Thanks for your post. The Epstein Barr virus that causes mono can affect the nerves of the body to cause neurological symptoms like feeling spaced out, dizziness, headaches and nerve pain. I would look at adding some B vitamins, magnesium and vitamin C to your regime to see if they help. Drinking plenty of water and eating small, regular protein-rich meals are also important. If your symptoms persist it may be worth seeing a chiropractor or osteopath to get their opinion.
Spleen involvement is common in mono although the first month or so is usually the worst. Adding some lymphatic herbs like cleavers and red root may help to ease the discomfort. If your spleen is still swollen or enlarged then contact sport should be avoided.
I hope this helps.
Elizabeth
How long does it take for the immune system to recover after having glandular fever?
Hi Stephanie,
Most people find their immune system bounces back within a few weeks of having glandular fever. Some people do take longer – up to several months or even years in severe cases. If you rest up, eat well and support your immune system with the right nutrients and herbs you give your body the best chance to heal.
Elizabeth
Hi… I am a 26 year old female with glandular fever. I was diagnosed with the virus about 6 weeks ago. But no blood test was done. I am extreemly fatigued, had swollen glands and headaches. My glands is still swollen in my neck and groin area, especially in left side groin. I have days when I feel fine and then days when I just want to faint of pain and dizzyness. I also have IBS with this so I feel pretty sick at the moment. I also want to begin to exercise but don’t know when its safe to do so. Any advice will be appreciated! Thanks
Hi Thelma,
Thanks for your post. Sorry you are not feeling well. Your priority should be to rest your body, eat a fresh food diet and take some immune-boosting supplements like vitamin C and zinc to help your body fight the infection. If your fatigue and pain persists then the B complex and magnesium would be beneficial.
For your IBS have you tried some probiotics like acidophillus and bifido bacteria? These can help re-balance your bowel flora and help immunity. I would not be resuming strenuous exercise until you have resolved these symptoms. A light walk on your good days may be OK if you bounce back well.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
Thank you for your support and great advice! I will be doing that! i’ve been taking a probiotic for my IBS for about a week now and I feel some what better in that department. but my glands in my groin is very painful and it keeps me up during the night. Is that normal with glandular fever when only those glands are painful? What kind of pain is normal cause mine feels like bladder infection pain but on the sides?
I feel so much better when I know there’s a great support system for this and I thank you once again for helping so many of us!:)
I’m going to try your advice and let you know how I feel!:)
Hi, we have just had positive result test results for my 9yr old son today after a 11day fight with GPs to get him correctly diagnosed! He started off with a few days of a sore throat/cold type virus, progressed to aches in his thighs/back, went onto a fever of 38ish for 3days. We thought this was a simple cold/flu type bug until he woke up one day with puffy eyes, abdominal pains, headache, and severe earache. All through this time he hadn’t eaten a thing and was reluctant to drink at all. I took him up GP with the list of symptoms but GP only looked in throat and ear, diagnosed ear infection and a course of antibiotics. I stressed to the GP that I thought there was more to it, my son is rarely ill and even when he’s had the odd throat/ear infection has never been like he had this time. GP dismissed it and sent us on our way. After completing the week long course of antibiotics, my son’s ear wasn’t sore but his other symptoms were getting worse. Temps were rocketing up to high 39degrees, he was close on collapsing and his eyes and face were so so puffy. I took him to GP again who said after looking in ear and throat again and checking urine that it was just a virus. At this point I nearly broke down in the surgery due to my son being a shadow of himself. I knew there ws more to it but again was told to carry on giving fluids and paracetemol. 12 hours later I had to take my son to the out of hours emergency doctors service – his temp was 40degrees, his face was ballooned and he was crying in pain from his abdomin. The doctor listened properly to our story, examined him thouroughly and ran blood tests for glandular fever. That was yesterday and today my GP rang to say results were positive. Shame he couldn’t have picked up on it sooner eh?! My son is covered in a bumpy rash today, he has now also developed large white lumps on his tonsils, temps still high 38 ish and every now and then low 39s but seem to be over the worst of it. He’s also started to feel hungry again but I’d like to know what is best to give him. He’s lost so much weight, I’m tempted to fill him with junk food to fatten him up again as he’s such a skinny little thing anyway but I know this won’t be good for him. Will it be helpfull to supplement him with multi vits and a build up drink?
Oooh and also……is it normal to have good spells and bad spells? From lunchtime today he was not so bad, regular temps etc and then in the last hour or so he was literally knocked off his feet, temp up in the high 39s again and looks awful
How long does it go on this bad for?
im a 33year old female who was diagnosed with ebv 7years ago, but had it for two years prior before being diagnosed with it. I have suffered chronic fatigue non stop since diagnosis witch i had been able to cope with, but a year and a half ago I lost my father due to cancer and my health took a turn for the worst. I have lost almost 14kgs due to having no appetite whats so ever, I sleep like im in and out of a coma. But I have recently been suffering from severe anxiety and depression which I refuse to take anti-depressants so because of this I find myself turning around and coming straight home before I even get to where I am suppose to be going and its heartbreaking, embarrassing and just so over it all. my doctor has found four lumps on my thyroid and my lymph nodes have numerous nodules on them. has anybody else had this issues with ebv. my husband and I
sorry bout that my shakes get the better of me sometimes, as I was saying my husband and I are at our witts end and have no idea were to go from here or what the lumps on the the throat entail. Our doctor has referred me to the cancer clinic for investigation of the lumps and due to family history, is there a connection to the ebv and cancer. I would greatly appreciate any input or advice anybody might have for me.
Hi Kate,
Sorry to hear you have had such a hard time with EBV, Chronic Fatigue and now nodules on your thyroid and lymph nodes. There can be many reasons for such growths – they may be benign or due to an auto-immune condition like sarcoidosis. There is a link between EBV and cancer but it is rare. I think your first step is to get some further investigations done to ascertain what you are dealing with.
It is common to feel anxious and depressed when you have been struggling with poor health for so long. There are some good natural treatments that may help without the side effects of conventional drugs. The natural approach to depression is fueling the brain with nutrients like fish oils, zinc and the B complex. There are also some good natural antidepressants like St Johns Wort which you can try with the help of a holistic doctor or naturopath. Scientifically sunshine and regular exercise have been shown to help. Taking the time to rest, eat a high protein diet and drink lots of water is also important.
I hope this helps.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
Hi Jo,
So sorry I missed your posts from last week – I hope your son is feeling a bit better. In answer to your questions:
- Yes the nature of recovery from glandular fever is to have a few good hours (or days) followed by a bad spell. The key is not to push the body too hard – get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluid and eat well.
- Junk food may provide your son with calories but it won’t help his immune system or his recovery from glandular fever. If he is not hungry then focus on broths, soups, protein smoothies, vegetable juices and fresh fruits. Small, frequent meals are best.
I would also look at adding some nutrients to help his immune system and restore his appetite. Vitamin C, B, zinc and fish oils would be a good start.
- If his fever is still an issue then let it run its course – suppressing it with medication can prolong the healing process (unless it is dangerously high – above 40 degrees).
Hope this helps.
Elizabeth
hi Elizabeth,
thanks for your reply, I had full blood works done and alls good, my chest xrays show I have scoliosis, witch i was not expecting at all. I have an appointment next week with my doctor. I dont know but it seems really hard to find a good doctor who knows about this or if you know what kind of specialist deals with this. Im just lost and dont know what direction to go now.
thanks again, kate
Hi Kate,
I would recommend you find a holistic doctor who can monitor your health and
guide you through this tough time.
I suggest you do a search on the doctor’s list on : http://www.co-cure.org/Good-Doc.htm
Elizabeth
Hello,
My husband has been having fever for 16 days now. On his third monospot test, it finally came back positive for mono. He was hospitalized for 2 days. They did all tests and the only thing wrong is the mono and its consequences. The usg of the liver found it mildly enlarged, but very fatty. He generally feels ok, but the fever only goes away with advil. How long is the fever supposed to last? We dont know what to do anymore!!! Please help. Docs say its mono, the fever should have gone away by now.
Thanks!
Hi Camila,
Thanks for your post. Sorry your husband has been ill with mono. Fever is a classic symtom seen in the early stages of this illness. In some people it can last several weeks. Fever has a role in raising the body temperature so as to kill off the virus. Suppressing the fever with medication can just prolong recovery. I advise my patients to rest up when fever strikes. Drink plenty of fluids and if needed use a cool washer on the forehead to keep comfortable. Supporting the immune system with nutrients like vitamin C, zinc and a multi vitamin may also help.
I hope your husband feels better soon.
Elizabeth
Hello Elizabeth,
My 5yr old nephew is currently in the hopsital, and the doctors are saying he has glandular fever. One alarming symptom he has is cloudy bloody rust looking urine. Is this common? Have you heard of this in relation to glandular fever? Any insight about this would be great.
Thanks
Landon
Hi Landon,
Sorry to hear your nephew has been diagnosed with glandular fever. Glandular fever (and other infections like strep) can trigger nephritis or kidney inflammation although this is not common. The inflammation causes blood and protein to leak into the urine making it look rusty or cloudy. In the majority of cases this inflammation resolves naturally. Lots of rest, fluid and a fresh food diet will aid healing.
I hope your little nephew feels better soon.
Elizabeth
hello,
my daughter is now six and just been confimed with glandular fever after three blood test over two years, one doctor – swine flu, and then a year of antibiotics and tonils removed where the surgeon believed she had glandular fever and here we are with her still ill, and getting worse each day. I had to push for a further blood test as the first two years ago was never for GF although it had been requsted the second at the hospital lost ! and third time a postive result. My daughter looks like death weighs less then my nearly three year old. She eats healthy and i also allow her to eat what she likes on the days she can not face food just so her poor skinny, bruised body gets some fat intake. I can put her to bed at five in the afternoon and she will sleep ( snoring very loudly] all night but look more tired then when she went to bed? She will run around for half an hour then lie on the sofa exhausted. She goes to school but has days/ weeks off. I am very worried that she has further complications ie ME ? I have searched every web page etc and proparing for a battle just to get my daughter who has been ill for two years referred to a pediatrician. I have three further kids one already had tonsils out and complaing of tummy ache all the time could she have GF and another due to have tonsils out as they are stopping her breathing again has this been passed on ? Kids are always sharing things, any advice would be great ….
Hello Elizabeth,
I’m 28 years old and my symptoms have been pretty severe. My throat began hurting on it’s own with no other symptoms. I went to urgent care and they missed diagnosed me with strep. The throat pain and swelling became so severe I didn’t eat for 3 days and started having trouble breathing. I finally went to the ER and they gave me an IV with steroids and pain medicine. The tested by blood for mono, and it came back positive. After a couple weeks with the help of the steroids and pain medicine, the symptoms subsided. That was 2 months ago…
Last week, my throat started hurting again in the exact same fashion, extreme pain with swelling but no other symptoms. I went to the ER again and again, I tested positive for the Epstein Barr virus.
These episodes are extremely painful and traumatic for me. Is it common for this virus to keep coming back and giving me these chronic problems? Is it possible for complications to occur? Is there any other test my doctor should be administering to me?
I would like to know more about your book, because I think it would be a wise investment for me if this is going to be an on going part of my life….
Thanks,
John
Hi John,
Thank you for your post. Sorry to hear you are ill with Epstein Barr.
It can be a very frustrating time.
Once you have had EBV, the virus stays in your body and can
relapse when you are run down or stressed. In about 6% of people
it relapses more than once.
Fortunately there is a lot you can do with natural therapies to
help your recovery.
Your priority is to get your immune system fighting off the virus with
high dose vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin A. You will also need to repair
your adrenal glands with magnesium and the B complex.
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 similar conditions.
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
Director
Wholistic Therapy Centre
Hi Tanya,
Sorry to hear your daughter has been so ill. It can be a very
worrying time. It sounds like her tonsils and adenoids are
enlarged – especially with the snoring when she sleeps.
I would recommend you get your daughter onto some nutrients to fight
the virus and repair her adrenal glands. For a child of her age I
recommend at least the vitamin C (2 – 3 g a day), vitamin A
(10,000 IU a day), zinc (60 mg a day), magnesium (200mg a day)
and the B complex (25mg).
With her history of antibiotics it is important to replenish the
gastrointestinal flora with some probiotics. Seeing a holistic
doctor or naturopath is advisable to monitor her progress.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth