And now the health update

[cupcake_goth]

I probably don't have walking pneumonia!

::cheers weakly::

I might have mono.

::stops cheering::

My doctor took some blood, and we get the test results back today or tomorrow. Yes, my doctor will be around on a Saturday to look at the test results and contact me. My doctor is wonderful.

I REALLY REALLY hope I don't have mono, because I do NOT have time for the lingering exhaustion, thanks. Unfortunately, getting dressed and drinking some tea made me kind of tired and woozy, so I fear that my hopes that I don't have mono are a trifle foolish.

Soooo, if people could hope/wish/pray/cross their fingers/whatever luck-enhancing thing you do that I DON'T have mono, and this is just some sort of lingering flu, that would mean a lot to me.

Comments

[mumminator2008.livejournal.com]

Crap! This is the link I wanted to leave before...
Treatment Plan
Common treatment for mono includes bed rest and plenty of fluids. You may feel so tired and weak that you can hardly get out of bed for about a week, but symptoms generally begin to improve after about 2 weeks. Patients should avoid contact sports and heavy lifting for 2 months due to the risk of rupturing the spleen.
Drug Therapies
There is no cure for mono, but your health care provider may prescribe the following medications to treat some symptoms:
Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for fever. Do not give over-the-counter pain relievers to children without talking to your doctor first. Children under the age of 18 should not take aspirin because of the risk of developing Reye syndrome, a rare condition that can cause vomiting and can affect the liver, brain, and other organs.
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may be used to ease swelling of tonsils
Antibiotics don' t work against mono, but your doctor may prescribe them to treat strep throat.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Several studies report that stress and relaxation affect our immune systems. Stress can make your body more susceptible to infection. Steps that reduce stress may help prevent infection with viruses such as EBV.
There is some evidence that nutrition and plant-based medicines may help reduce the long-term effects of EBV infection and complications linked to EBV.
Always tell your doctor about the herbs and supplements you are using or considering using.
Nutrition and Supplements
These nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:
Eat more antioxidant-rich foods (such as green, leafy vegetables and peppers) and fruits (such as blueberries, tomatoes, and cherries).
Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or beans for protein.
Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
Reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
Drink plenty of filtered water daily.
Gargling with warm salt water may help soothe a sore throat.
These supplements may also help:
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tablespoonful oil two to three times daily, to help decrease inflammation and improve immunity. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources. People who take blood-thinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin) should talk to their doctor before taking fish oil.
Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus ), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day, for gastrointestinal and immune health. Taking antibiotics, in particular, can upset the balance between good and bad bacteria in your gut. Taking probiotics, of “friendly” bacteria, may help restore the right balance.
Herbs
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of your health care provider. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, you should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.
sometimes suggested because they strengthen the immune system:
Green tea standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg daily, for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune effects. Use caffeine-free products. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb.
Echinacea 900 mg per day, for 5 – 7 days, to strengthen the immune system. Cranberry from 15 - 30mL of unsweetened 100% cranberry juice each day or one to five 300 - 400mg capsules of juice extract two times per day 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.