Mono/Epstein Barr - Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) Message Board

Sweetpea33771 · 01-08-2006, 03:17 PM

I recently tested positive for epstein barr, my doc thinks I had mono and now I'm dealing with the epstein barr virus. I did not know I had mono because my symptoms were not bad, I brushed them off and did everything as if I normally would. I had alot of anxiety about what was wrong with me once I start feeling really sick, which was about 2 weeks ago... one day I woke up and had sensitivity to light, fatigue, and random aches and pains. I got panic attacks while waiting for the blood test results, it was a really rough time. Now that I know I have epstein barr... I'm still having a rough time. I felt like I was starting to get better and then one night when I was trying to sleep all of a sudden I felt like I couldn't breathe. I went straight to the ER... I was breathing, but I had the sensation that the air was going no where. I guess I should also say 2 nights before this I woke up in a panic. I feel like I stop breathing when I fall asleep... but the ER docs told me it was probaby my nerves along with my chest feeling heavy from the fatigue. They did x-rays, the test that checks for ashma, and checked my pulse oxygen level (which was 100/100). My chest still feels really heavy and I have such a hard time falling asleep. They gave me medicine to calm my nerves and take the edge off but its a small dosage and I still have problems sleeping. I feel like I'm battling with myself. I know I need sleep but I cant or don't want to. I also have a weird sensation on my left side under my ribs... the ER doc also said my spleen might be enlarged but the discomfort seems to be getting worse. I hate being cooped up in the house, my family doesn't understand how depressed I am about this. I feel like I have no one to turn to. My boyfriend and his family are very understanding and caring but I can't expect my boyfriend to be able to be there for me 24-7. He has work and his own agenda. My parents just keep telling me its mono and that I'll get over it. And I understand that But it could take months, and i just can't take it anymore. Does anyone have any advice? I'm sorry this was kind of a rant... but I just feel like this thing is killing me, and I needed someone to talk to. Thanks.

_mystictiger_ · 01-08-2006, 05:46 PM

Hiya Sweetpea.

I have Mono and active EBV. You wont die from this. All you need to do is sleep when you feel tired, drink and eat healthily and perhaps taking vitamins will help you. Some people with EBV are fine after they take vitamins. It might be worth a try taking these if it will help you to feel better.

EBV can cause your spleen to be enlarged but its usually in cases of active MONO where the spleen in enlarged. Just dont lift anything heavy as if the spleen is enlarged, it will cause you more pain.

Feeling exhaused, tired, experiencing hot flushes, breathing problems, stiffness in joints is ALL part of EBV and MONO. MONO is worse than EBV because EBV is a predessesor to MONO. However, one good thing here...if your doctor thinks you had MONO and the MONO test was negative this time, it means your body is already fighting this off hun so you should be better in a few weeks.

MONO usually sticks around for 3 months but in some people with weak immune systems it sticks around longer. EBV is always there but its only active when you first have it (like you have it now). However, EBV can flare up when under stress.

Sleep it off and take care of yourself. You have nothing to worry about. But you could ask your doctor for another test for MONO in 2 months time to see if you have the onset of MONO now. If you have onset of MONO it wont be picked up in blood test for 7 weeks. Also get tested for Lymes Disease as this can happen after EBV sometimes.

Sweetpea33771 · 01-08-2006, 06:21 PM

Hey thanks for the reply.

would it also cause a feeling of numbness in limbs?

I did get tested for lyme disease... it came back negative. They tested me for alot of things when I first got sick.

The feelings of weakness and numbness scare me I'm afraid I wont be able to move wheN i wake up tomorrow... Thank you for taking the time to type that all up.

kehorner · 01-08-2006, 07:07 PM

Has the weakness and numbness come on suddenly? You might look into Guillan-Barre syndrome, which can sometimes be associated with Epstein Barr virus.

Joez · 01-08-2006, 07:36 PM

I had mono too. and I felt very much similar to what u are feeling and the feeling does go away. Mono exists in a large number of people and it can be spread by saliva which is how I think I got it, from kissing. the good news is once u get the virus, u can't get it again and it can't kill u although u should avoid contact sports for some time. the tiredness does go away. some things which may help include drinking fluids, try juicing vegetables( I use the jacklalane juicer), and maybe a light box especially in the winter when sunlight exposure is less. also, don't forget to laugh, don't forget to pray. they both have helped me. I purchased this cd called laugh tracks. u can but it on the internet and it about 30 minutes of pure laughter which can energize ur body. try those things. good luck with everything.