Chronic Glandular Fever

LegacyUser

Hi,

I think I may have chronic glandular fever. I'm trying to find someone who has suffered it to know how they coped with it... Mine flares up if I over exert myself, even slightly, or get stressed without meaning to.

I've been to my doctor a few times but to no avail. She doesn't answer questions and just gives me antibiotics. Changing doctors to try get answers. It's getting me down as I'm very active but this has me feeling tired. Worst are the sore throats that stop me eating. I've been referred to consultants but won't get to meet with them until after xmas....

So has anyone had similar probs?

LegacyUser

I suffered hugely from glandular fever about 2 years ago and ended up with chronic fatigue syndrome from it.
As I was very prone to chest infections and sinus infections the sore throats etc. never really bothered me that much, but the tierdness is was killed me.

What I found really helped was a complete lifestyle change, I dragged myself out into the fresh air every day no matter how bad I felt or whatever the weather,a quick brisk walk and that, but think the fresh air really helped.
Also I found from the tierdness I tended to skip meals or eat crap when I did eat as I didnt have the energy to cook.

Its something that I think will keep coming back when stress kicks in, but at least i know what way to manage it now.

It might be different for you, but just try a few things and see what works.

Oh and if you do change doctors, make sure you ask for a full set of bloods to be done, just to rule out thyroid problems etc. Once you know what your dealing with its a bit easier to handle!

LegacyUser

Thanks for that.

Actually got bloods done but one of the reasons I'm changing doc is she didn't go through results with me. Not sure if she even looked at them even after asking for them.

She told me I had bad health but I disagree with her. I think it's a lazy answer 'cause she hasn't asked about my diet which is healthy or any other aspects of my lifestyle. I don't smoke, haven't drank since being in hospital for this. I keep fit too. I have started taking supplements which I think might be helping a little to fight symptoms. Eating more fruit and drinking more water. Hopefully, like you, I'll learn to deal with it.

I have been a bit tired over last week but I think that may be because my throat flared up and my body fighting back. I'm a little worried as I'm in training for a job where you can't be fatigued! Can I ask has your fatigue lasted long? Do you still have it?

Thanks for your reply!

LegacyUser

Hi

I just wanted to share my experience with Glandular Fever. I am a 21 year old female, currently in third year in college. I was diagnosed with Glandular in November '07 after being misdiagnosed by college Doctors at least 4 times. (No exaggeration)

I have been hospitalised three times, having spent a total of 18 days in hospital between Nov '07 and Aug '08. The only small bit of relief I got was when I got my tonsils removed in Aug '08 after alot of persistance.

Since then, I have been so fatigued, picked up every infection going. Every couple weeks I would be put on one antibiotic or the other. I have tried so many time to build up my immune system using various multi-vitamins and eating more fruit & veg.

I do believe now that I have a very good doctor, he checks my bloods regularly. I was even in at him yesterday and there are further abnormalties in my blood. Which we believe are related to Glandualar fever.

I am currently preparing for exams in college after Christmas, and I am now so fatigued, weak,swollen glands, lack concentration and feel flu like all the time....

Basically, what I'm trying to say is that two years after the initial diagnosis I still have the symptoms of glandular excluding the sore throat....

I wish you all the best, I also find it very tough, depressing at times becuase you havn't the energy to do anything...but you will find a way through!

All the best

kangaroo

Chronic Glandular Fever would generally be called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) especially if it has lasted 6 months. Although the prognosis appears to be a lot better than a lot of other cases of CFS or M.E. People often recover from glandular fever/chronic glandular fever within three years. Although that doesn't make life any easier during the time you're ill.

So information on CFS could be useful in varous ways.

One can find a lot of information on the net.

I do voluntary work for the Irish ME/CFS Association [info@irishmecfs.org Tel: 01-2350965 (answering machine), PO Box 3075, Freepost F4439, Dublin 2]. We have a free 22-page info pack with a lot of basic information. Amongst other things the info pack has the first name and telephone numbers of over 100 ME/CFS patients around the country who have placed themselves on a list willing to talk to enquirers.

There is also a discussion forum: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/mechat-ireland/ with lots of Irish people with ME and CFS.

Here's a link to a recent drug trial which found an antiviral drug could be useful: http://listserv.nodak.edu/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind0909C&L=CO-CURE&P=R155&I=-3 . How easy it is to get it prescribed in Ireland at the moment, I'm not sure (I would be interested to hear what drugs people have been offered - there are also other potential antivirals).

LegacyUser

Hi all,

I had a severe case of glandular fever last march and I'm only just feeling myself now.

Suffered from extreme fatigue and constant sore throats where I was unable to eat accompanied with constant headaches. I found the smallest things extremely stressful and upsetting. Struggled through my college summer exams but found it very hard.

I visited various doctors but after being on a good few courses of antibiotics for recurrent sore throats and being so tired I would have to go straight home from college and sleep,

I would also recommend taking a good multi vitamin, eating well, making sure to get lots of sleep and cutting down (or out completely) on your alcohol intake. I'd also recommend getting a blood test to check for recurring glandular fever or thyroid abnormalities.

Try not to be too hard on yourself and don't push your self too hard. I know how frustrating and upsetting it is but try to remember it won't last forever! Hope this helps!