mono - how would you handle?

2girlsmom
Sat, 03 Mar 2007 23:57:38 +0000

Got back last night from checking on my daughter – she was a little better when I left than when I got there. “White spots” on tonsils are going away, and sore throat/swollen neck is becoming more bearable – she is able to cut back on the Tylenol/Advil that she has been having to take to even be able to swallow. Fortunately the doctor at UHS had put her on penicillin in case she had strep (it wasn’t, but there was an overgrowth of bacteria on her throat culture). Hopefully that will take care of any opportunistic infection that may try to set in.

What did I accomplish……made sure that she is eating/drinking, and stressed again and again what this can turn into if she doesn’t take care of herself. Told her about complications, and what to watch for – and what warrants a call to mom ASAP.

Also had to absolutely MAKE her contact all of her professors (via email) and let them know what is going on with her – I guess she thought they would think she was “weak” or something.

She was encouraged that all but one replied quickly and told her that her health was the most important thing, etc. There was one professor that didn’t reply, and hasn’t been nice about the whole thing – I made her contact the dean of students at the architecture school and let her know about the mono – if this difficult professor won’t work with her, then I’m thinking the dean of students would be her liaison.

When I spoke with her today, she had slept 16 of the last 24 hours – I’m sure her body needed it.

If she can just make it through one more week, it will be spring break – but this next week will be a long one, with mid-terms and lots of projects due. I fully anticipate driving to get her and bring her home, as I don’t want her driving when she is dealing with this fatigue.

I’m hoping that the most acute phase is nearly over, and the lasting fatigue will be her worst symptom– albeit a bad one. Thanks so much for all of your guidance and advice