I talk about polar history because that's my dayjob

*y'know, for the disclaimer

oh absolutely, it really depends on what you mean by long mono though

mono ie epstein barr virus is a latent disease found in 99% of the population, it hides in B cells and activates during stress - for those of us who catch it later in life and get very sick what tends to happen is something called post viral syndrome

For some people this manifests as POTS, chronic fatigue, or something similar. This is what happened to me.

You might also be getting frequently sick, possibly due to viral re activation or immune suppression in the wake of your period of illness.

The path you take depends on what's going on. Which means you need information. If you haven't already, get a blood test to check for epstein barr antibodies to confirm you've been exposed, although this is more informative when you're initially sick. If you find you're getting sick frequently you should also consider looking at your level of immune function in general. You need to know the CAUSE of your long mono in order to manage it.

If you like me have a POTS or chronic fatigue-like manifestation get some differential diagnostics done. A sleep test, coeliac test, and a general look at your immunity and blood markers like iron, b12, vitD, whole blood count, CRP etc.

For me, slow but consistent exercise worked. By that I mean literally walking slowly for 5min and working up in increments over years. Sleep as much as you need to and do everything you can to help your circadian rhythm. Take any medication offered if you do get diagnosed with a sleep disorder. Track your energy levels extensively to map out your "energy envelope", gently push this boundary with walking but never overdo yourself.

If you're getting tonsilitis type illness frequently, you may need your tonsils removed, discuss with your doctor. I personally had some reduction in my antibody levels, anaemia and some mild reduction in liver function in years following my infection which all resolved on their own for the most part.

I got sick in 2018, i now consider myself 90% recovered. It takes work and it takes years but it's possible to increase your functioning. Do not listen to anyone who tries to put you on a treatment regime associated with the PACE trials, it has been proven to not work or even harm your health if you have MECFS.

POTS like symptoms can be managed as well depending on your phenotype, try a tilt table test to see if you fall into the POTS diagnostic category and then discuss with your doctor.

But the person he’s made himself into, the self-centred lonesome asshole he’s become, is completely destroyed by the fact that Franklin likes him too. That Franklin takes him as he is. He no longer has to muscle through it all alone.

The plot: