Any Nurses Who Have Had Mono?

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 28, 2014

Are you sure that your current health problems were caused by the mono? I had it about 10 years ago and had no lingering effects. In fact, at age 58 I am probably healthier now than I have been my whole adult life. Shortly after that experience with mono, I developed metabolic symdrome and dealt with that by starting a regular exercise program and eating better. I've lost 50 pounds and have felt great. The only exception to that was/is when my thyroid levels are inadequate and I feel like cr** -- but an increase in my levothyroxone fixes that.

Your post does not say whether or not your personal physician thinks that there is still something wrong with your immune system or not. Perhaps you are just being exposed to a lot of new bugs in your new enviornment ... or perhaps you are pushing yourself too hard, not eating well, not getting enough sleep, not getting enough exercise, etc. If you are doing all those things and still having problems, you should be worked up by your physician to find the cause.

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · Jan 28, 2014

I had mono in nursing school twice. It was physically and emotionally draining and took quite a while to recover from. I also got sick frequently afterward when I had a robust immune system before.

Take it easy. Sleep like crazy. Mono can have serious long-term effects. Feel free to PM me if you'd like.

Jentry · Jan 29, 2014

Thank you both for the info!

I would definitely say that I'm stressed and not getting adequate sleep. I'm sure that's not helping matters at all. Like you, SoldierNurse22, I had an incredible immune system; healthy, healthy eating and workout habits and managed stress well. Aside from the low immune system, I am still maintaining healthy habits. I guess I'll just have to ride it out. My physician has just encouraged me to get sleep and continue to do what I can to stay well. Although, it's good to know that I'm not the only one who has struggled post-mono. I know it'll pass, I am just impatient and want it to pass now.

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2014

Unfortunately, during the first bout of mono, I had to drop a semester of prereqs, which delayed my graduation by a month. The second one hit my last semester. It was in the summer and I did very little aside from sleep. I think I watched a 45- minute TV show (5 seasons) in about 2 weeks! It sucked at the time, but it was worth it to fully recover.

Jentry · Jan 29, 2014

That sounds awful. I remember going through quite a few seasons of Grey's Anatomy when I had it. I was also taking Organic Chemistry at the time. Thankfully I didn't have to drop anything and I made it through the semester okay, but I didn't do nearly as well as I had hoped I would. I also don't think I rested like I should have, which may be why I'm still struggling a little bit. :/

meghanbeth09 · Jan 31, 2014

I had mono May of 2013. It was terrible. Luckily I had just finished school and was out for the summer. I was in the hospital for 4 days. The hospital staff said that I had the worst case of mono they had seen in years. The best treatment is to make sure you get enough rest. It's going to take some time for your body to fully recover and your immune system to build back up. Drink plenty of fluid as well. My doctor suggested Gatorade because it has a ton of electrolytes. Also you may want to take some daily vitamins. My doctor also recommended me take an Iron tablet. If you have any questions let me know! Hope this helped!

Meghan