Mono/EBV help!

My 3yr old was hospitalized this week for high fever and elevated white blood count.

A whole slew of tests were ordered including a mono spot and EBV.

The mono test came back negative- however the EBV test took some time to get back..

We were discharged with a dx of an ear infection and severe tonsilitis (a cat scan showed severely swollen lymphnodes)

In the hospital he was given 2 strong doses of IV antibiotics and then discharged with an oral antibitoic for 10 days...

2 days after discharge we saw the ped. Throat and ears were clear and he had been fever free... the only thing was the antibiotic was causing some diarhea.

The Dr had us cut the dose in half- since it was a very strong antibiotic.

Today he got a rash on his body (mostly belly and back- a few spots on neck and face- but no where else)

We went back to the Dr and the ped called the hospital to check on the EBV lab results..

He said EBV-normal goes to .8 and DS had .9- so they are saying he has mono and ebv.

We have been back and forth to the Dr a billion times since 5/11- and I have heard several different dx.

being .1 over after a negative mono test- just isnt selling me...

They took DS off the antibiotics-since they are unsure if the rash is from being allergic to the meds OR if its from the mono.

I am due to have a baby in 5 days- I have no idea if DS is still contagious and my DR cant give me a straight answer...He just said not to let him kiss the baby... I mean- can DS still visit me in the hospital???

Anyone have any experiences like this??? Any medical advice/suggestions from any nurses or Dr's???

I trust my ped- but I just cant figure out where my 3yr old got mono... he is finally feeling good- no fever and active and I want us to get out of this house!!!!


ETA- no enlarged spleen...

Message edited 5/30/2009 5:05:04 PM.

Re: Mono/EBV help!

I dont really know if this will help...about 10 years ago, I had mono. It was a very mild case. I had a relapse this past November. My doctor tested me for mono in November because for 2 months straight I was constantly sick...sinus infections and really bad colds. Nothing helped including anitibiotics. Anyway, as far as being contagious, my doc told me that I was contagious when I didnt even know it. It wasnt when I was actually diagnosed with the mono, it was the 2 months prior when I was constantly sick. I didnt even know that I was contagious...I had mono at that point and didnt even know it!

I was so worried about Jacob getting the mono from me. You dont just spread it by kissing. Someone that has the virus could sneeze on or around you and then you catch it. I would just have DS wash his hands and not get physically too close to the baby. Did the doctor suggest that he get retested? They could tell if the mono has gone away by another bloodtest. But the thing is, once you test "positive" you always test positive...its something with the levels that tell the doctor whether or not he actively still has it.

I am so sorry that you have to deal with this. Lots of

Re: Mono/EBV help!

I know this isn't what you want to hear. I would be very, very careful with R's contact with you - and absolutely NONE with the baby if he has it because you will become the carrier before you even know that you're sick.

I have no experience with EBV or mono, but do know that if ds has something contagious, it is almost impossible to keep a newborn from getting it when ds is snugging with you.

The good news is he'll have been on an antibiotic for about 7 days before ds2 arrives.

Message edited 5/30/2009 8:24:15 PM.

Re: Mono/EBV help!

I have some experience with mono and chronic active EBV. I FMed you. If anyone else wants the information, feel free to FM me.

Re: Mono/EBV help!

Posted by nrthshgrl

I know this isn't what you want to hear. I would be very, very careful with R's contact with you - and absolutely NONE with the baby if he has it because you will become the carrier before you even know that you're sick.

I have no experience with EBV or mono, but do know that if ds has something contagious, it is almost impossible to keep a newborn from getting it when ds is snugging with you.

The good news is he'll have been on an antibiotic for about 7 days before ds2 arrives.

Re: Mono/EBV help!

Posted by 05mommy09

Posted by nrthshgrl

I know this isn't what you want to hear. I would be very, very careful with R's contact with you - and absolutely NONE with the baby if he has it because you will become the carrier before you even know that you're sick.

I have no experience with EBV or mono, but do know that if ds has something contagious, it is almost impossible to keep a newborn from getting it when ds is snugging with you.

The good news is he'll have been on an antibiotic for about 7 days before ds2 arrives.

I have had both, and was told IM not really at risk-since I have already been infected....

I was also told DS may not even be contagiour anymore...

And there is no antibitoic- they actually STOPPED the meds when the got the tests results..

The whole situation is so damn confusing to me