7 year old with prolonged fatigue, could this be mono again, or something else>?

Question

My child is 7yrs old. When she was 3 she was diagnosed with mononucleosis using the ebv titers (not just the mono spot test) which means it was a positive diagnosis. For the past 4 weeks she has been unusually tired. My child is normally VERY active and full of engery. Now she is too tired to play at night, lethargic, a little irritable, and falling asleep early on the couch. Within this time period she has had 2 illness. A 48 hour fever on 2/23/07, and on 3/9/07 an ear infection w/ 6 day fever treated with antibiotics. The tiredness has me worried. Doc says it could be mono again, although this is not common, he said it can happen. The ebv titer test was inconclusive. It showed she did have mono in the past, but the current infection test was uncertain, and the only way to know is to repeat 3 wks from now. I am scared it vould be something more serious. With the fevers, fatigue, etc., I am REALLY worried as my child is acting so different. Help!

Answer 1

Many times after having mono children can develop Fibromyalgia. Many of the symptoms you have described are similar to Fibromyalgia. Take your child back to the doctor and have him examine for Fibromyalgia.

I've enclosed a link to a website with more information about Fibromyalgia.

Best wishes,
Billie77

Answer 2

Don't you hate it when your little one's are sick? You think when they are bouncing off the walls, how wonderful it would be if they just sat still for five minutes. Right up until they do it. Unfortunately, yes it could be mono again. It could also be your baby has had the mickey knocked out of her with two big illnesses back to back. It takes a lot out of a body to come back from a serious illness or infection, and little ones really can struggle. As long as she isn't running fever or otherwise showing signs of illness other than the fatigue, I'd say just go with the flow. Her body is telling her it needs to recouperate and gather strength. Support that need as much as you can, with a good high nutrition diet and support that tells her she will get better again. In the meantime, find quiet activities that don't overstrain her batteries too much. Try some arts and crafts, so she has something to do with her hands that doesn't overtax the body. Water colors are good too, and if you use freezer paper, you can have her make one of a kind wrapping paper. I would try to keep her away from a lot of other kids, as much as you can- because at this age kids are walking bacteria carriers, full of snuffles and sniffs, which she doesn't need. Also, you might want to step up on the disinfection cleaning routine, just to eliminate anything lurking in the corners somewhere. It wouldn't have to be something deadly, just a stray cold virus she doesn't need to encounter. I'd wash the stuffed animals, pillows and bedding for a starter, and use an antibacterial spray on what can't be washed. Change out the filter on the furnace if you have one, and have a look at the drapes and carpet. If it's been a while since you cleaned, perhaps spring cleaning should arrive a little early this year. Aside from that, there just isn't a lot you can do, except wait it out. Even if it is mono, there is nothing but time and rest for that as well. I'm sorry your little one isn't bouncing, I know that stomach knot myself, and I'll remember to say a prayer for you both.

Answer 3

I have a 4 yr old that tested positive for strep on 2/13 and took 10 days of medicine. on 2/24 side was hurting and ER could not find a problem. On 3/1 doctor said he was positive with strep again and gave 10 more days of Omicef. on 3/20 high fever that I am unable to keep down. Strep is neg., and doctor says it is a virus. I am converned because my son was asymotomatic with CMV at birth and at age 3 was no longer shedding virus. Could CMV have his system down?

Answer 4

You are right to be worried. Take her back to the dr and tell him your concerns again. If he does nothing, find another dr for a second opinion.