I recently contracted mono. I spent most of last week in complete agony and pain. I've almost fully recovered and feel very eager to get back to working out. My doctor said that I can go back to normal activities when I feel up to it, but my doctor said that I shouldn't do "heavy" lifting because there is a possibility that spleen might be enlarged due to the virus and that it may rupture.

What is considered heavy lifting? I've changed my routine recently to focus more on running. I apologize if my exercise terminology is wrong. Here is my routine before falling ill:

Sunday: 2- 3mile run
Monday: 1 mile run; 3 sets of 12 bicep curls (35 lbs barbell); 3 sets of 10 lateral raise (8lb dumbbell), 3 sets of 12 tricep pushdown (on the machine, 50 lbs); 3 sets of 8 butterfly chest exercise (50 lbs machine)
Tuesday: Rest day
Wednesday: 2- 3 mile run
Thursday: 1 mile run; 3 sets of 10 squats (85 lbs, barbell); 3 sets of 10 deadlifts (65lbs).
Friday: rest
Saturday: rest

More info about me: Height: 5'1-5'2 (5'2 on a very good day!); 110 lbs; female.

I'm happy with my routine and would LOVE to return to it at full speed and full strength, but I know that that's not best for my health right now. I will definitely cut down the weights when I return to lifting. I'm planning to start running this Thursday. Does anybody have experience with mono and what do you recommend? Should I cut down the weights, avoid lifting all together or what? I've been cooped up at home all week and I want to exercise! AHH! I'm going insane. Sorry, that's enough of me. Thanks everyone.

I recently contracted mono.

Actually, if your spleen is enlarged then running's gonna put it in greater jeopardy of rupture than most weight training activities. Can you feel it? (pressing gently around the underside of your left ribcage) If so then you want to be very careful. Can you see it? If so then stay the hell out of the gym 'til you can't anymore, at least.

If you want to be cautious about it then avoid high impact exercises and anything that will cause you to compress your midsection. As far as lifting goes, using weights that keep you in the 10-12 rep range should be fine. Machines should be perfectly fine.

I sympathize with your frustration. I got mono my freshman year of college and was climbing the walls after a week.

Be cautious of any sharp blows to your midsection and if you start feeling nauseated or notice any discoloration/bruising around your ribs or belly, get to a doctor immediately.

M@

Thanks!

I pressed where you told me to and didn't feel anything. I don't see anything either. I'm trying to schedule an appointment with my doctor so she can tell me whether or not my spleen in enlarged or not since I can't tell myself.

This is so frustrating!!!

If you can't see or feel it then it's probably not enlarged much, if at all, and you should be okay taking a careful approach at the gym. Good on ya for scheduling a doctor's appointment. :tucool:

Hang in there. ;)

M@