Dealing with Glandular Fever
Since January, I have been grappling with glandular fever. Initially, I consulted two different physicians, but they were unable to diagnose my condition. Ultimately, after two months of uncertainty, a third doctor identified the issue. At first, I suffered from a painful throat, nasal congestion, ear blockage, dizziness, and an overwhelming sense of malaise that persisted for two weeks. Following this period, I began to experience intense nausea, continued dizziness, mental fog, and significant fatigue. These symptoms have lingered until just two months ago when I noticed a slight improvement, now only dealing with mild nausea and tiredness, though I am still not well enough to engage in many activities. Three weeks ago, I developed tonsillitis, for which I was prescribed antibiotics. Subsequently, I contracted a chest infection and required a different type of antibiotics once more. Now, I have a viral rash covering my body, but fortunately, it appears to be subsiding. I have not tested positive for EBV recently; however, my last blood test — conducted around two months ago — indicated that I'm still between positive and negative. Earlier tests also revealed that my white blood cell count is normal, and my doctor mentioned that I am in the post-viral recovery phase from EBV. Whenever I visit the doctor, I inquire about when I might find relief from the nausea, and the answer is invariably, "it requires time." While I understand and know that patience is essential, the constant uncertainty about nausea is exhausting, particularly since it is a significant fear of mine. I am also very keen to return to the gym, where I used to work out five to six days a week for one to two hours. I miss it dearly. Reading accounts of individuals who have not fully recovered is daunting and adds to my worries. This leads me to two pressing questions: 1. When can I expect the nausea to subside? 2. Will I ever be able to resume my gym routine? For additional context, I am a 23-year-old female.
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 4:31:00 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed given the challenges you've faced with glandular fever and the associated symptoms. Let's address your concerns about nausea and returning to the gym.
Summary of Key Points:
- Nausea can take time to resolve after a viral infection, but there are ways to manage it.
- Returning to your gym routine should be approached gradually, depending on how you feel.
Explanation:
Glandular fever, often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), can lead to prolonged symptoms such as nausea and fatigue. It's common to experience lingering effects even after the acute phase of the illness has passed. While it can be frustrating, the body's recovery process varies for everyone. Your doctor's suggestion that it "requires time" is based on how your body heals from these infections.
Managing Nausea: Nausea can persist in the recovery phase and is often linked to the body still adjusting post-infection. Here are some strategies you can try:
- Stay Hydrated: Sip on clear fluids (water, herbal teas) throughout the day to help settle your stomach.
- Eat Small Meals: Opt for bland foods that are easier to digest, such as crackers, toast, bananas, rice, or applesauce.
- Avoid Strong Odors and Triggers: Sometimes, strong smells can exacerbate nausea. Identify and avoid these triggers when possible.
- Rest and Relaxation Techniques: Gentle activities like deep breathing, meditation, or light stretching can help alleviate feelings of nausea.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Your Nausea: Keep a diary of what helps and worsens your symptoms, including foods and activities. Note any patterns to share with your healthcare provider at your next visit.
- Gradual Return to Activity: Once you start to feel better, easing back into your gym routine is essential. Begin with light activities, such as walking or low-intensity workouts, and pay attention to how your body responds. Set small, achievable goals for yourself.
- Discuss Management Options: Consider mentioning your ongoing concerns about nausea to your doctor. They may suggest additional strategies or even medications specifically for nausea relief if it persists.
Conclusion:
While recovery from glandular fever can be gradual, focusing on manageable steps will help. Your concerns are valid—taking one step at a time can contribute to regaining your health and returning to the activities you love. Remember to be kind to yourself during this recovery process. If you have any further questions or need guidance, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Experiencing Uncertainty: Possible Ischemic Attack?
Greetings, everyone, including healthcare professionals. For the past year, I've been managing high blood pressure, and I'm currently prescribed a regimen that includes Amlodipine at 10 mg and Bisoprolol at 5 mg. At 44 years old, I’m a woman who is classified as overweight and also deals with hypothyroidism, low ferritin levels, liver issues, and slightly elevated cholesterol levels. Typically, my medications maintain my blood pressure within a range of 110/70 to 140/80. However, two days ago, I experienced a stressful episode, causing my systolic pressure to spike to 155/95. Upon standing, I sensed weakness in my left arm, which felt as if it were slightly twisting. A wave of panic hit me, and I feared I might be incapacitated or having a stroke. Despite my anxiety, I was still able to grasp a glass and tightly close my fist. Briefly, my right arm felt a mild sensation that lasted only a second. This peculiar feeling persisted for roughly a minute. I then consumed some mint tincture mixed with alcohol and engaged in deep breathing exercises, which remarkably alleviated my symptoms and brought my blood pressure back to a stable level. I contacted my physician, who inquired about my symptoms and their duration. Aside from the discomfort in my arm, I wasn't experiencing any additional issues. A second doctor relieved me of any immediate concerns regarding the necessity for an MRI, and since I underwent one a month prior that showed no abnormalities in my cranial blood vessels, I felt some reassurance. Now, back home and with lingering fears of having experienced an ischemic attack, I wonder if an ultrasound of the neck arteries is warranted. Do my symptoms indicate a potential attack? What steps should I take next? Has anyone faced a similar situation? Thank you all for your insights.
Seeking Guidance on Ice Treatment Post-Surgery
I’m a 34-year-old male, weighing 158 pounds and standing 5 feet 6 inches tall. I lead a non-smoking lifestyle, consume three alcoholic drinks weekly, and do not have any known allergies. I'm currently recovering from right hand and wrist surgery, which took place five weeks ago. I need some advice regarding the use of ice for my treatment, as my wrist remains quite swollen. While I understand the advantages of icing, I find the experience quite intolerable. I attempt to immerse my hand and wrist in ice water completely, but the pain is so intense that I can barely last more than 15 seconds. Is this a challenge of mental resilience where I need to push through the discomfort for the sake of a proper 10-minute soak? In the past, I worked with racehorses, and we would apply ice to their legs for 30-minute sessions, significantly accelerating their recovery. I recognize the effectiveness of this method, yet the pain from the cold is unbearable. Should I endure this discomfort for longer periods?
Rash on My Arm: Should I Be Concerned?
Hi there! I’m a 65-year-old female, and for the past four days, I’ve been dealing with a strange rash on my arm. Unfortunately, I can’t visit a healthcare professional until Monday, so I’m hoping to get some clarity in the meantime. I’ll share some images. If they don’t upload here, I’ll post them in the comments instead. The first image, taken last night, is a bit out of focus, but this morning, the rash has appeared even redder. Although it doesn’t itch now, I did experience some itching during the initial two days. As for my health history, I generally don’t have major health concerns apart from elevated cholesterol levels and a recent A1C reading of 5.9, but I do not have diabetes. I keep fairly active for my age group. During the first couple of days, there was some pus, and I managed to clean it with an alcohol wipe, which helped remove it. Could this be related to a spider bite? I noticed some small spiders (specifically daddy long legs) in my bedroom, especially near the balcony door, and I eliminated a few of them today, so that could be a possibility. Should I be wary of any serious complications from this rash? Any advice would be immensely appreciated! My ER co-payment is quite steep, and there’s no urgent care facility nearby. My only option is to request an appointment with my primary care physician next week, but I’m uncertain if it’s something that warrants immediate attention.
Experiencing Widespread Muscle Weakness
I’m a 36-year-old male and have recently been facing a troubling situation where the muscles throughout my body seem to be losing function—including my eyelids. The trouble began in May 2021 when I lifted a heavy garbage can with my right arm in a shrugging action. Following that, I felt a combination of pain and weakness concentrated in my right shoulder blade, as well as my shoulder and collarbone. Soon after, I noticed my shoulder began to pop and click. Afterward, I consulted with an orthopedic specialist who conducted x-rays on both of my shoulders. He informed me that everything appeared normal and dismissed the popping sounds as inconsequential. I also mentioned experiencing neck pain, but he indicated that addressing neck issues wasn’t his area of expertise. He diagnosed me with bilateral shoulder and neck discomfort and recommended physical therapy. The day after my appointment, I attempted to adjust my position in my desk chair by leaning on the left armrest, putting my forearm under the weight of my body. Suddenly, my shoulder jolted, and I felt a sharp weakness in my arm, accompanied by popping and clicking noises, similar to what happened with my right arm. I reached out to the orthopedic office to inform them about this incident, but the physician assistant who responded said the doctor would not see me again simply due to how I was sitting, and suggested I attend physical therapy first. She mentioned that if I continued to experience weakness, a neurologist might be necessary. Feeling concerned, I returned to my primary care physician for a follow-up appointment and recounted my experience. He didn’t appear worried, and my blood tests returned normal results. During the summer of 2021, I began physical therapy where the therapist diagnosed me with strains in my trapezius and rhomboid muscles. The subsequent therapy sessions consisted of painful exercises and stretches, yet I observed little to no improvement in terms of strength or stability. Activities like using the arm bike and weight machine were excruciating, and I frequently inquired whether my symptoms could be attributed to a tear or nerve damage, but the therapist insisted that was not the case and dismissed my concerns. After my tenth session, I decided it was best not to return. In April 2022, I visited a neurologist. I struggled to lift myself onto the examination table and needed assistance from a step stool. He didn't suspect any neurological issues when I asked him about an EMG or other assessments, he declined to proceed with those tests. Disheartened by these experiences, I chose not to pursue further medical consultations. Fast forward to April 9, 2025, I misstepped while descending some stairs, causing my right heel to catch, and I landed hard with my toes pointed. I had no visible signs of injury such as swelling or bruising, but soon after, I began to experience persistent pain and weakness, especially in my toes and the arch of my foot. By April 13, I instinctively elevated the toes on my left foot, and to my dismay, the same pain and weakness emerged, again without any visible signs like bruising. Since then, both feet have lacked strength, and my big toes feel unusually floppy. In July 2025, I had a troubling experience after having my hair washed at a salon. I held my neck in an awkward position for the duration, which resulted in a burning sensation. Regrettably, I didn’t express my discomfort, fearing a scene. Following this, I noticed significant weakness in the muscles at the front of my neck, under my chin, which gave the appearance of a receding chin. Additionally, my facial muscles, particularly in my cheeks, felt weak and could easily be pressed in with minimal resistance. In January 2026, I bought a new game controller for my laptop, having not played video games for a long time. Initially, it was manageable, but soon after, my hands and forearms began to feel uncomfortable and painful. This discomfort escalated significantly to where I had to discontinue use completely; my hands felt drained of energy and experienced achiness, tingling, and numbness. Then, on February 3, 2026, while seated and using my laptop, I noticed a peculiar sensation when moving my eyes. My eyelid muscles felt weak, and one of my eyelids began twitching. I found it increasingly difficult to open my eyes as widely as I used to. I plan to see a primary care physician once more, but I’m uncertain how to communicate all of this effectively to receive proper care. My circumstances have reached a point where my parents must assist me with everyday tasks, including driving, opening doors, and even lifting light objects. My ability to raise my arms above my head has become severely limited as well.
Liver Mass Assessment
Patient Profile: - Age: 61 years - Height: 5'9" - Weight: 240 lbs - Gender: Female - Lifestyle: Non-drinker, non-smoker, no illicit drugs Current Medications: - Atenolol 10mg (morning and evening) - Rosuvastatin 40mg (evening) - Duloxetine 60mg (evening) - Spironolactone 25mg (recently added) - Jardiance 10mg (recently added) Medical History: The patient has a notable history of multiple pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas, having undergone surgery on eight occasions. According to scans performed three years ago, two subcentimeter retroperitoneal masses were identified, suggestive of potential paraganglioma. Additionally, she suffers from secondary polycythemia and possesses the PHD1 gene mutation. Previously, she received treatment at a prominent research institution in the United States. However, her endocrinologist has since retired and returned to their home country. Current Condition: At present, she is mostly asymptomatic. However, in January 2026, she experienced a concerning event requiring an ambulance transport to a local emergency room, where her oxygen levels registered at 88-89%. This incident was unsettling, given her extensive medical history. The emergency physician initially diagnosed her with congestive heart failure (CHF), but upon discharge, her family medicine doctor suggested pneumonia. During her hospital stay, a cardiologist—who has never managed a pheochromocytoma patient—recommended a chemical stress test. A CT scan performed on her chest revealed a 3.2 x 2.5 cm mass located in the left lobe of her liver. Her blood tests typically show elevated levels related to pheochromocytomas; however, the laboratory does not conduct resting catecholamine testing, which leads to unreliable results, despite them being consistent over time. Furthermore, she has received care at major hospitals in Minnesota and both leading hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. Unfortunately, when she required her last surgery, the tumor board declined her case, citing an unfavorable risk-benefit ratio. This leaves her without a specialist in pheochromocytomas. Request for Guidance: The patient is seeking advice or recommendations for her current health situation and management of her conditions.