DS diagnosed with mono. Any tips/advice?

Parents Forum
1

DS17 missed the entire week of school last week. I took him to the doctor on Wednesday. He was tested for strep and flu which both came back negative. We went back to the doctor on Saturday as his fever had not subsided, and he developed a severe sore throat. He tested positive for mono and was told he would need to be out of water polo the next 4 weeks (they are 2 weeks into their season). DS17 also learned that day he was rejected from his top choice school (USC). It was not a good day for him. I feel horrible for him.

I’ve been in touch with his teachers and the school nurse as well as the attendance office. My concern is how he will get caught up/complete tests, homework, etc. For example, he missed an AP Calculus test and AP Biology test last week and has an AP Literature test this week on a book they finished last week (he obviously hasn’t finished reading the book).

DS17 returned to school yesterday, promptly fell asleep after school, ate some dinner and then asleep again. I know fatigue can last 2-4 weeks. He has Spring Break next week along with a college visit. I am hoping he can catch up on his rest over the break.

Has anyone been through this before? Any suggestions especially in dealing with the school/teachers?

2

Do a word search in the C.C. search box. Here is one extensive CC discussion about mono:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/1931771-dang-it-hes-got-mono-anyone-else-been-through-this-with-college-kids-p1.html

3

I think that you have done the right thing by contacting the school nurse and the teachers. It may make sense toask the nurse if you should send in a doctor’s verification note for her files. I would have your son talk to each teacher and let them know how he is doing now (that he is asleep after school and can’t manage a lot of homework,studying etc.), and make any arrangements needed to make-up missed work/tests on a timeline that will work for him as he recovers.

It may not hurt to let the guidance counselor know of his illness as well – this way if there is any marked drop off in grades this last semester he/she can include a note or something saying that your S had mono this marking period when he sends the final transcript over.

Hopefully things will look up for him shortly.