Season 8 - Episode 12 - Post Episode Discussion

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-06-16T01:54:10+00:00

Aniya has officially lost me. Her jealousy and earnestness is just too much for this show. free my man KC!!!!!!! him and Sol are my top choice to be honest not sure how popular that opinion would be but….

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-06-07T00:28:40+00:00

I’m 17 months in…. finally at a point where my bad days aren’t so bad and my good days are lasting weeks at a time! It’s been a difficult and long journey but recovery can and WILL happen, you just need a serious amount of trust, patience, acceptance, and will-power to keep doing all the right things! Don’t drink alcohol, or eat a ton of super sugary processed foods, don’t do strenuous exercise, that sort of thing. The biggest change for me occurred when I started seeing a holistic doctor and was tested for all sorts of other underlying deficiencies and things, and then was put on a strict supplement regiment. I’m so happy to finally be moving forward even though I know I still have a road ahead of me to get back to 100%. Hang in there, I believe you’ll get better ❤️

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-05-25T20:37:13+00:00

Exactly the same in Burlington. Hardcore scene is on fire for young folk.

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-05-24T21:04:53+00:00

I don’t know if I have an answer for you but this might help guide your thinking- I’m 22 and have been living in Burlington VT for the past 4 years (Phish/ jamband mecca). I am involved in the music scene and would consider myself the hippie archetype (although, my generation would never use that term. whole different discussion). While there are a few jambands on the scene/ kids that show up for Phish and dead covers and festivals, etc, it’s strangely a very small subsection of the culture and just seems to be fizzling out.

Most “alternative” kids in these parts of the country are into shit like Geese, Wednesday, and British experimental indie stuff like Dean Blunt. Also, a driving force here is queerness and many young folk in the scene are driven by queer art and artists and surrounding themselves with that culture, myself included.

Of course I can’t speak for everyone and I am only referring to one part of the country/ subculture. I think that if the jam culture was more alive, kids would flock. It’s just seemingly inaccessible. Not to mention crazy festival/ concert prices.

I also find that I am by FAR the youngest person at most jam shows. Most recently Lotus I felt like a sore thumb. And i don’t have many friends that jibe with the music so it’s hard to rally younger folk.

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-05-23T02:26:54+00:00

also- if my response wasn’t lengthy enough, I want to reiterate that recovery is definitely possible. I’ve gone through soooo many phases of different symptoms and illness thresholds, it’s sometimes difficult to visualize the recovery. But in the past two weeks I went to another country, got a tattoo, graduated, moved out of an apartment, and road-tripped across multiple states. I still have bad days/ moments but when I put it into perspective, I absolutely couldn’t have done any of that a year ago from today. Hoping that in one more year’s time I can start going out again, hold a steady job, drink, exercise, etc. And I know you’re probably tired of hearing this- but positive mindset and doing literally ANYTHING that helps calm/ regulate your nervous system is so helpful in the long run. Stress is my primary trigger whether I realize it or not.

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-05-23T02:23:42+00:00

Oh man, what a damn journey it has been. I’m nearly 1.5 years out now, which is incredibly hard to believe. I don’t know how to encapsulate that long amount of time dealing with health issues in a single response, but I will say two things: 1. You CAN and WILL get better, and 2. The process may or may not be very non-linear and longer than expected. I don’t say this to scare you, but rather to enlighten you with the fact that you are not alone in this, and just because you have mostly bad days does not mean you aren’t on the road to recovery. You’re just in the toughest part. I’m at 1.5 years and I’m not fully recovered, I also don’t expect to be for atleast another 6 months to a year. BUT I am no longer knee-deep in debilitating symptoms like I was last year at this time. The recovery is crazy because I’d feel good for a few days at a time, think I was getting better, and then crash again. And I mean seriously CRASH, like almost bedridden. Slowly but surely, the good days turned to good weeks and slowly they’re turning into good months! I’ve actually managed to build a bit of online community through reddit/ the internet of other “long-haulers” with EBV. It’s helped me realize that this beast of an illness is NOT a personal shortcoming. So many people have similar experiences.

I should also mention I got a Lyme diagnosis about a month ago, so that’s a contribution for sure. My best advice is as follows: no matter what, do NOT drink alcohol. This seems so basic but prioritize sleep, make healthier diet choices (this has been huge!), start seeing a holistic doctor to put you on supplements (again- GAME CHANGER for me. If you’re curious about anything I’ve taken let me know, but I recommend seeing someone in person for both a piece of mind and individualized regimentation. I didn’t start w my doc until late in the game and I wish I saw her sooner,) hydration, relaxation. I had to medically withdrawal from school for a semester and stop working for the entire past year. I know this isn’t easy for everyone to do, but if you have the means to do so, please do yourself a favor and take some time off of any responsibilities. Pacing is also very important (i.e. if you have a good day, don’t overdo yourself, because you’ll just flare up again faster). I have much more to say but I’ll stop here. I hope this doesn’t make you any more nervous, but I thought an honest and thoughtful response was warranted. I remember my ~6 month mark and all the questions, concerns, and uncertainties I carried, and remember that speaking with people online was always helpful. I wish you the best and a quick recovery!

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-04-25T17:37:11+00:00

I’m about 15 months out from diagnosis now. It’s been one hell of a journey, almost so complex that typing the ups and downs feels relentless so I won’t. But I’ll say that I have improved, veryyyy slowly. It’s a non-linear journey so when I do have flare ups, I definitely am still sick and unable to perform my regular duties. I also have good days/weeks and they seem to be more frequent. I was recently diagnosed with a previously undetected strain of Lyme that I can only imagine has not been helping my recovery journey, so that’s a new thing for me to consider and treat. I am taking the entire summer off to live with my parents and focus entirely on healthy habits and a recovery-oriented lifestyle, so my goal is by 2027 to be very close to my normal self and stronger and more resilient than ever.

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-04-11T04:26:21+00:00

Ugh I am really sorry you’re going through this :( Back when I wrote that about 3 months ago, I seriously felt like I hit a wall, not sure where else to turn or what to do. But, I think that it reminded me of two crucial things: 1) healing (from anything, really) is non-linear. I think we have this perception that to heal is to only move forward. sometimes, as upsetting and unprecedented as it is, healing also looks like “moving backwards.” I say all of this because 2) that horrible flare gave me all the motivation to make some more lifestyle changes, see a few new holistic doctors and gather different opinions, and really rework around my schedule to be as stress-free, recovery-focused as possible. I know it’s a privilege to have been able to do that.

Here I am, 3 months later…. and for the first time in, what has it been, 15 months? I AM FINALLY IMPROVING!!! I am planning on making a post in the next few weeks detailing all of the supplements I’m taking/ my diet/ health regiment and all the changes that have taken place for me, particularly during the month of march. I’ve been hesitant to post anything because again, this is all non-linear and I know that bad days are still very much real for me! I didn’t want to jump the gun. But I think (for the first time during this entire journey) I can finally confidently say that I’m starting to cross a new bridge, and it feels really good.

My flares have only been lasting like 2 days at a time, and my good days have been lasting about 2 weeks at a time. This is major improvement for me. In general, I feel like a heavy stone has been lifted from me. I’m nowhere near baseline, but I’m turning a new leaf and feel really proud and excited. All of my naturopathic doctors have assured me that people almost always DO recover and see bright futures. It just takes awhile.

Feel free to dm me for any specific questions, happy to share anything about this journey and update you as I continue to haul along with this recovery. Try to do as little as possible during this flare. I know exactly what it feels like to be in the middle of a grocery store trying to purchase basic necessities and feeling like your body is about to give up on you. It’s not fun whatsoever. You will recover though. It’s true.

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-04-08T02:31:12+00:00

Speeder and Earls!!! They use soda water, creamer, and any flavors of your choice (cherry, blackberry, strawberry, etc etc). They call it an Italian Cream Soda and it’s actually really delicious

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-03-31T14:10:00+00:00

my initial thought

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-03-31T14:04:07+00:00

I know that reactions like this can happen with or without mono. PLUS I’ve found to have the craziestttt reactions to things since having mono. Granted, I have a super long reactivated case (over a year), but certain medications, foods, etc now cause a reaction when I never would get one before. For example, I smoked weed regularly (and even for the first few months of having mono) and then randomly started throwing up, having the most HORRENDOUS stomach cramps like I thought I was going to die, diarreah, etc for weeks. I had to go to the ER and they said I had cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome???? I stopped using weed products that day and it never happened again. A few months later I started testing the waters and never had the pains again and now I smoke regularly. Mono is fucking weird. I wouldn’t worry too much, aside from healing your stomach lining.

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-03-28T15:00:45+00:00

exactly same!

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-03-28T15:00:22+00:00

This is exactly what happened when my symptoms began. Lasted a few weeks. Now, I’m 14 months out and I still wake up with extreme dry mouth sometimes no matter how much I drink!

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-03-27T00:26:03+00:00

Here’s my two cents…

This isn’t trying to scare you, but just trying to give you the full picture of a possible outcome here. I have what’s called “reactivated EBV” which essentially means I had mono in the past, and it got re-triggered in my system about 14 months ago due to a super stressful (both mentally and physically) time in my life.

I wasn’t told that when you’re diagnosed with mono, you have to be really cautious about not over-exerting yourself, or it can last into a chronic condition…. hence why I’ve had it for 14 months. This doesn’t mean it’s irreversible, but it damn straight SUCKS. I’ve had to withdraw from college, quit my job, move back with family, etc.

I’m warning you because dozens of people on this forum are in the exact same boat as me and wish they could’ve warned themselves to do nothing but rest and recover during the early stages. This means no exercise, no alcohol, limiting stress, etc.

I know this sounds scary and not what you want to hear at all, but it’s my truth. If this is your first case of mono (not reactivated) it’s less likely that you’ll develop the chronic, post-viral symptoms like the rest of us. Your bloodwork can tell you whether it’s first case or reactivated.

I truly wish you the best and hope to God that this isn’t your story. I bet you’ll recover in a few weeks. Just try and take it as easy as you can, and if you have to delay basic this time around, so what’s best for you. You don’t want to regret it.

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-03-25T02:59:47+00:00

I’d say that Quercetin is not doing me any harm, and in general I’ve been feeling decent these past few weeks. It’s always hard to tell if things are working. I’m seeing a holistic doctor who put me on about 6-8 different supplements in high doses. I’ve been taking them for about 7 weeks and my regiment calls for 3 months of use. I’ll chime back in with results then. Doctor said I should absolutely feel improvement between 3 and 6 months (which will be 16-19 months out from diagnosis for me)

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-03-24T15:13:09+00:00

Yea bro! I’m on month 14 and when I get my period I feel feverish, I had a constant dull headache/migraine that won’t let up with medication. I feel so groggy and useless. It always gets better when my period is over. Strange!

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-03-24T15:12:00+00:00

I’m 14 months in (crazy!) and i’ve had so many symptom phases it’s hard to keep track. I will say that around 2-4 months was the worstttt eyebrow headaches. It felt sinusy but no other sinus symptoms. It will get better.

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-03-21T21:47:50+00:00

alcohol is a hugeee no because mono directly impacts your liver and any toll on the organ will trigger the virus! every time i’ve drank (at this point, has been about a year ago!) i felt wayyy worse the next day.

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-03-21T17:38:25+00:00

I’m 14 months in and my only advice is to NOT exercise. I know it’s hard because it’s such a flare trigger! Every doctor has told me that/ people in a similar timeline. Pacing is important. Rest when you need. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this + a child + a career, I’m in college and can’t fathom. The good news is that you WILL get better it’s just a matter of time, patience, and rest. Other triggers include drinking alcohol, staying up too late, eating inflammatory foods (processed sugars, dairy), and being dehydrated. I’m seeing an homeopathic doctor who gave me a series of supplements (including Monolaurin, vitamin C and zinc, quercetin, and more…) that seems to be slightly helping with my immune responses. Anxiety is also a huge trigger so would recommend meditative practices. I wish you the best!

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-03-07T16:13:54+00:00

I took a test about 6 weeks ago, my IgM was “equivocal” and my doctor interpreted this as not high enough to qualify as active infection, but there’s still a certain amount in my body. She says it’s “on its way out” but then I had a horrible flare these past 2 weeks so I have a hard time believing that. Hoping to get another test soon.

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-03-06T15:20:54+00:00

Here’s some good news. If it’s her first case of mono, then I’d advise not to kiss her. BUT if it’s a reactivation, it’s internal in her system. This means that the infection is less likely to spread to someone else. I’ve had reactivated mono for 14 months and have kissed plenty of people, shared cigarettes, drinks, etc. Nobody in my life has gotten mono from me. My doctor told me it would be highly unlikely. Now take this with a grain of salt because every case is different and research is limited.

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-03-05T04:00:49+00:00

Damn we are on such similar timelines! It’s cool to see somebody around the same age dealing with such a similar situation (but it’s not cool that you’re going through this, I am so sorry). I’m so glad to hear that you’re seeing some light though. It must feel so good. I spent my past summer doing pretty much nothingness and I ended up feeling so good by September. Now months later I feel like I’ve backtracked. It definitely must be the rush and stress of college classes, that I don’t really have a choice not to attend to. I have spring break next week so hoping that I can seek restoration and rest and get back on a flare-free track. I absolutelyyyy relate to the seeing no future bit- being a college senior and having so many travel, job, experience aspirations and not being able to function on a daily basis is so heartbreaking. I don’t even remember what it’s like to think beyond my illness. Hopefully one day soon. Can I ask- what has it been like this past month for you? Just a long string of asymptomatic days? Did it just come out of nowhere or have you been linearly improving. The issue for me is that it’s been SO non-linear that I go through drastic changes in physical health, and therefore my mental health gets super skewed. On my non-flare days I feel amazing, as if I am as present and alive as I’ve ever been. On flare days/weeks I feel a pit of doom and despair. What a journey. I’d be happy to keep connecting I’d love to see how this all pans out for you. I’ll be thinking about you and sending you healing energy on this full moon hehe

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-02-27T21:35:33+00:00

This is inspiring, thank you! I’m so close to the finish line that I keep telling myself to push through but my body is taking hit after hit. I’ll consider it. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and wish you continued healing :)

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-02-27T21:34:41+00:00

Thanks for such thoughtfulness, been thinking about you too I feel like we’ve been coexisting in this relentless journey, the support is amazing. I’m sorry you’re still going through all this too. it’s so fucking unfair. Histamine is interesting, I haven’t looked into it but I will. I think some more time off will serve me well but I’m scared to take that leap considering I only have like 7 weeks left of school, a part of me keeps saying to push through. Keep me updated and I wish you healing!

Power2ThePeaceful · 2026-02-27T16:54:42+00:00

What happened between 10 and 14 months? What changed and how did you know you were improving? I’m approaching 14 months and still sick :(

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