Persistent Cold Feet and Bladder Discomfort After EBV Infection
Greetings everyone! I'm a 31-year-old male who contracted Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) alongside strep throat in early October, after exposure from a partner. Initially, I experienced severe symptoms, including an intense sore throat, overwhelming fatigue, and a high fever. Once those acute flu-like symptoms subsided, I felt a brief period of improvement. I even returned to the gym and attended a concert, but soon after, I was hit with several distressing rebound symptoms. Although I may forget some, here’s what I recall: persistent cold and tingling in my extremities, painful urination, dry mouth, extreme fatigue, headaches, neck tightness and pain at the base of my skull, recurring high fevers, full-body aches, problems with balance, episodes of vertigo, occasional vision disturbances, difficulties in speech, insomnia, and heightened sensitivity to light. Now, four months have passed and while some of these symptoms have either diminished or completely resolved, I still face a few significant issues that I would appreciate your advice on: 1. **Cold and Tingling Feet**: This sensation typically worsens in the mornings and evenings. It fluctuates; some days it lasts only a few hours, while on others, it may persist throughout the day. The tingling feels more like a buzzing sensation rather than sharp pain. 2. **Bladder Discomfort**: I experience a burning sensation as my bladder fills, especially when I feel the urge to urinate. My nerves seem overly sensitive during this process; urination, especially with a strong stream, aggravates the burning sensation. Intimacy and ejaculation have exacerbated these issues, leading me to refrain from such activities for now. Additionally, I’ve noticed redness in that area, and tests for STIs, UTIs, and yeast infections have all come back negative. 3. **Hives and Histamine Response**: I've recently developed small red bumps across my body, which appear and disappear every few days. This symptom manifested last and has persisted for about a month, sometimes concentrating in one area before moving to others. 4. **Fatigue and Exercise**: My fatigue has improved to around 40-50% of its peak intensity. I’m now able to manage my work commitments, which involve moderate physical activity, but if I engage in a particularly strenuous workout, I find myself quite exhausted the following day. My feet feel heavier, I experience more lightheadedness than usual, and the tingling and aching in my feet intensify. I’m currently under the care of a urologist who will soon arrange an ultrasound, and I have a neurology appointment scheduled for February 23rd. However, I’ve encountered several doctors who appeared uninformed about the long-term effects of mononucleosis, so I would greatly appreciate insights from anyone who has dealt with similar challenges. It feels like my recovery has plateaued in the past month, which I hope is a normal part of the healing process. According to my online research, I might be facing central nervous system irritation leading to symptoms of Dysautonomia and Small Fiber Neuropathy. While I'm relieved to see gradual improvement, my goal is to fully recover and avoid a prolonged ordeal. This illness has considerably impacted my social, work, and romantic life, as well as my overall happiness, as it severely restricts my activities. Thank you for your support!
Answers (1)
2/16/2026, 11:00:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your ongoing symptoms. It sounds like you're dealing with a complex situation, and it's understandable that you're seeking clarity and support. You're experiencing residual effects from your Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection, which can lead to a variety of lingering symptoms. Let's break down your concerns and outline some actionable steps to help you address them.
Main Points:
- You are experiencing cold and tingling sensations in your feet.
- You have bladder discomfort and related symptoms.
- You mentioned developing hives.
- You're dealing with persistent fatigue, especially after exercise.
Explanation:
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Cold and Tingling Feet: Such sensations can be linked to nerve involvement, possibly related to your EBV infection. This could indicate a form of neuropathy, where the nerves are responding abnormally.
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Bladder Discomfort: The burning sensation could result from bladder irritability or neurological involvement, especially if other infections have been ruled out. Stress and anxiety can also contribute to increased sensitivity in the bladder.
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Hives and Histamine Response: Hives can be part of post-viral syndromes or allergic reactions. Consulting with an allergist may help identify triggers or treatments.
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Fatigue and Exercise: Your ongoing fatigue could be a component of post-viral fatigue syndrome, which many individuals experience following EBV infections.
Next Steps:
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Cold and Tingling Feet:
- Gentle Exercise: Engage in low-impact activities like walking or swimming to promote circulation without overstressing your body.
- Warm Soaks: Try warm foot baths or compresses to alleviate cold sensations.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of when these sensations occur to identify any potential triggers.
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Bladder Discomfort:
- Scheduled Bathroom Breaks: Try urinating on a schedule to reduce the urgency and discomfort.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, but avoid overly acidic or caffeinated drinks that might irritate the bladder.
- Calming Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques to help manage sensitivity and discomfort.
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Hives and Histamine Response:
- Topical Treatments: Consider over-the-counter antihistamine creams for localized relief.
- Identify Triggers: Keep track of foods, environments, or activities that correlate with the hives, and try to avoid these potential triggers.
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Fatigue and Exercise:
- Balanced Activity: Gradually incorporate more physical activity, but prioritize rest if you feel fatigued or heavy.
- Sleep Hygiene: Ensure you're practicing good sleep habits to support overall recovery (e.g., a regular sleep schedule, a comfortable sleep environment).
Regular Monitoring:
Since you have appointments already scheduled with a urologist and a neurologist, keep them informed of your symptoms, especially the bladder discomfort and neurological signs (like tingling or fatigue). They can provide insights based on additional tests.
Seeking Support:
Consider joining support groups for individuals recovering from EBV or similar conditions. Sharing experiences with others can provide emotional support and practical tips for managing symptoms.
Remember that recovery can be a slow process, and it's important to be kind to yourself during this time. You're doing a great job by actively seeking answers and pursuing medical care. I hope this information provides some clarity and comfort as you continue your recovery journey.
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