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Climbing after mono

Original Post
madskates · · Oakley, UT · Joined Aug 2013 · Points: 140

Hey guys,

I realize there isn't much information on this which is why i'd figured i would ask some opinions on the subject. Three weeks ago my climbing went down hill and i was sleeping a ton. I found out a week ago after a rather bad sore throat that i had mono and thankfully since then the medicine has taken care of the pain. However, i do still sleep more than most which that should fad away soon. Let me clarify that my physical symptoms have been gone a week now. I was wondering if anyone has any information or experience on when to start training again. I know that my spleen is enlarged and my body isn't 100% but I read a study by the USA swim team who bring their swimmers back a week after the sickness for 30 minute light swim's a day and gradually build up. If anyone has any info or experience on when to start climbing again and how to that would be awesome!

Thanks,
-Madison

Kelly P · · The Bubble, CO · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 10

Well, you sound like you had a pretty mild case all things considered. When I had it I was OUT for 6 weeks. Like, I could not even function, I just slept all the time(like 18-20 hours a day) and had no appetite. I would say as soon as your fever is gone and you feel up to it, try some short, gentle sessions and see how you feel. If you are even considering climbing, you are probably doing not too bad :) I couldn't even read a chapter in a book! Just listen to your body and take it easy. Feel better!

Marshall W · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jun 2014 · Points: 31

I would take it easy for another week or so just to be safe. I had a case of mono last year and after I was given medication most of the physical symptoms went away, so I resumed normal activity. After a couple hard days out climbing the symptoms came back and I was bed ridden and in pain once again. Like you said, maybe the best route is to slowly ease back into it without pushing yourself too hard all at once.

Tyler Phillips · · Cottonwood Heights, UT · Joined Jun 2014 · Points: 3,195

You will rebuild!

In the meantime, I blame Obama.

DrugDoc · · Dix, IL · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 0

You touched on the main issue: your enlarged spleen. If you've been asymptomatic and afebrile for a week, returning to exercise is fine. Do as much cardio, weight, or non-impact training as you feel like. Just remember that a fall that might otherwise be no big deal, could be life threatening with an enlarged spleen. Everyone recovers/heals at their own rate, so it would be imprudent to say someone's totally healed without at least an exam. Safe answer is check with your doctor.

Glad you're on the mend, mono sucks. I had a bad case about ten yrs ago, and it was the worst month of my life.

(Clinical and nuclear pharmacist)

Mike Kane · · Tucson, AZ · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 280

I just went through this a few months ago.

Why not call your doctor's office and leave a message? Most doctors will answer a medical question of this nature over the phone at no charge.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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