I was diagnosed with glandular fever around a month ago after several months of feeling exhausted, depressed and falling asleep for no real reason. It turns out I had my first episode in November but it hadn't knocked me back as much as it does for most people because I was so fit and healthy (and stubborn). Before glandular fever I was working out 4-5 times a week (weight training and cardio), skating 4-6 hours a week and pole dancing 1-2 hours a week.
As well as feeling tired all the time, around once a month I would have an episode where my glands and throat became swollen, I'd vomit on and off for 24 hours and then have to spend the next day or two resting to recover. Since speaking with a doctor I now understand that this is because I was overdoing it when I felt better (returning to my usual routine) and this was causing my body to go into panic mode and the glandular fever would re-emerge. It ran on pretty much a 4 weekly cycle.
1) Be sick, feel terrible.
2) Still feel tired and horrid but resume normal responsibilities.
3) Feel much better, hit the gym, force my way through the tiredness.
4) Start feeling lethargic and like I have a cold coming but still pushing myself to go to the gym.
Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
My doctor has recommended exercise (in moderation) as this should help me recover quicker. (Previous recommendations of complete bed rest have since been found to make symptoms last longer).
So what is my advice to someone in a similar situation?
- Don't be too hard on yourself! It's okay if you need to rest. It's okay to not finish everything you planned to. Your health comes first.
- Talk to your friends and family, make them aware of what's going on. Call them out if they're disrespectful about what you're going through. Don't stand for someone telling you that you're just lazy. You're not lazy, you're ill.
- Start slowly. For me, light cardio and stretching is best. Activating your muscles but not putting them under great strain is good for getting the blood pumping and recommencing your old routine without ruining yourself for the day.
- Plan ahead. If you play a sport that requires that you give 100% (mine is roller derby) try and plan a rest day after. I also recommend having a day that is as restful as possible leading up to the event. If you need to book a day off work, do it.
- Prepare for the payback day. Make sure you're aware of what you're letting yourself in for. If I overdo it, my payback day is awful. My body feels like a deadweight, my muscles ache and twitch by themselves, I can't moderate my body temperature and I'm an emotional wreck. Ask yourself if what you're doing is worth the misery. For me, skating gives me a sense of normalcy. It's an adrenaline heavy sport it makes me feel like I'm back to full health. For me, it's worth it. But if you have something that isn't going to bring you any joy. Cancel. Focus on what makes you happy.
- If you weight train, only train at 50%. It can be frustrating when you know you can squat 90kg to only squat 45kg. But your body will thank you for it in the long run. It means less payback and that you might be able to make it through the rest of the day without napping or lying in your bed crying about baby pandas.
- Eat well. Now is not the time to diet*, you need to fuel your body so it can heal itself. Sometimes post viral malaise develops into chronic fatigue syndrome. It's worth having a few extra lbs right now to know that this will pass in the next year or two and you won't have to live it every day. (*this is not an excuse to eat cake everyday, even though you desperately want to).
- Stay away from stress! I find that stress and anxiety are the biggest drains on my energy levels. I can have a day sitting in the office, but if something stressful is happening, that's more tiring than walking four miles. Do what you can to eliminate stress. Don't get involved in other people's drama.
- Listen to your body! Your friend had glandular fever and was back to normal in a month? Who cares?! Everyone is different, you need to listen to what your body is telling you and do what it asks.
- Stay positive! It's hard. I know that it's hard. But try and look on the bright side! Do little things that make you feel happy. Laugh with your friends. The right mental attitude will get you through.
I know that if any of you are suffering with this and having a bad day that this will seem like the biggest pile of crap you've ever read. But the good days feel so much better when you have the bad days to look back on. They make you appreciate the days you can just get out of bed and not worry you won't have the energy to make breakfast.
So what fitness am I doing now? I'm skating at least 4 hours a week. Some weeks a little longer. I'm back at the gym 2 or 3 times a week. Not for as long, but enough to make me feel normal. 100% isn't the same for everyone, so don't feel ashamed of slowly plodding on the cross trainer whilst people are working like dogs around you. They don't know your story.
If anyone needs someone to rant about it to, feel free to contact me on my social media or email me - jezilynmartyn@gmail.com. Us sickies have to stick together!
I hope this was helpful!!!
Jez
