Ebstein Barr

[ku111]

My 11 year old son started out 5 weeks ago with severe headache, the vomiting and then went away.  Next week was just really tired and sleeping alot.  The next week slept 23 out of 24 and didn't even know what day or time it was.  We woke him up every 2 hours to drink.  Ped. said "looks and acts fine to me" and sent us home.  As his parents we said NO HE DOESN'T and went to walk in clinic to rule out strep.  Did blood test and came back 5 days later + Ebstein Barr but labs are perfect (CBC etc...).  Doing better but still takes naps about every 5-6 hours and now says feet and legs are hurting.  Hurting so bad having trouble/pain walking and trying to get into comfortable position.  Told to give him Ibuprofen and it doesn't do much according to him.  Sending us to Neurologist and Ped. Infectious Control Dr. next week and want to do spinal tap.  What is this?  Why a spinal tap?  Anyone out there have any ideas/comments?  We are so worried of how an energetic, funny, full of life and social child can change overnight and no one has answers.  Thank you!

[9DodgeFan]

I also should point out, in case you're trying to find out more about the virus, it's Epstein-Barr Virus, hence the EBV

[9DodgeFan]

Hi, I'm not a doctor, but most of those symptoms fit in line with EBV/mono.  I'm not familiar with a spinal tap, so I'm afraid I can't help you there.  I would be more interested in what the Infectious Control Dr. says; hopefully it's just EBV.  I know it seems hard to believe, but EBV is a powerful virus that can really throw some people for a loop!  I'm not at all trying to scare you, and the good news is that most people are able to fight it off, although the time it takes can differ greatly.  Hope all goes well, and please update with what you find out!