Mental & Emotional Health

I was diagnosed with Mono over 2 months ago.  Most everyone knows the generally symptoms.  The enlarged spleen, the liver issues, the swollen glands and the fatigue.  But, the one symptom that no one tells you about is the one that works on you causing mental fatigue and causing you to be an emotional wreck. 

I would find myself asking what day it was and what time it was about every 2 or 3 hours.  My mom was getting very upset when I would ask her day after day, hour after hour, the same questions.  I couldn’t keep up with what time to take kids to school, pick them up from school, and never mind trying to keep up with when bills were due to be paid.

So, I’m going to give you a few Mono facts from WebMd

because most people are clueless.  And, this is certainly one of those illnesses that people say affects adults in a much more serious manner than it does children.  If you suspect you have mono (it is noticed mostly by the fact that the glands in the back of your neck are swollen, not just the ones under your chin.  I had glands down my shoulders that were swollen as well.), check these symptoms and go get checked immediately.  Mono is terribly contagious so do your part to keep it contained in your home.

1.  It is also known as the Epstein-Barr Virus

2.  Mono can be spread through contact with saliva, mucus from the nose and throat, and sometimes tears. Because the virus can be spread through kissing, it has earned the nickname the "kissing disease." If you have mono, you can avoid passing the virus to others by not kissing anyone and by not sharing things like glasses, eating utensils, or toothbrushes.

3.  The most common symptoms of mono are a high fever, a severe sore throat, swollen glands and tonsils, and weakness and fatigue. Symptoms usually start 4 to 6 weeks after you are exposed to the virus.

4.  Mono can cause the spleen to swell. Severe pain in the upper left part of your belly may mean that your spleen has burst. This is an emergency.

5.  Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and examine you. You may also need blood tests to check for signs of mono (monospot test) and the Epstein-Barr virus. Blood tests can also help rule out other causes of your symptoms.

6.  Usually only self-care is needed for mono.

• Get plenty of rest. You may need bed rest, which could keep you away from school or work for a little while.
• Gargle with salt water or use throat lozenges to soothe your sore throat.
• Take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) to reduce fever and relieve a sore throat and headaches.
• Avoid contact sports and heavy lifting. Your spleen may be enlarged, and impact or straining could cause it to burst.

For me, the mental fatigue and the emotional outbursts were far and away the worst problems that I experienced.  But, now you are more educated about it than I ever was so you know what to look for.

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