Mononucleosis

Just got diagnosed with mono and I'm in the worst pain I've ever been. Swallowing is HELL and my tonsils are so swollen it makes breathing difficult. A steroid was given to me about 10 hours ago but so far nothing's helped. I've done ibuprofen, gargling with salt, cough drops, etc. but I'm still in excruciating pain. For anyone whose had it- what helped with swallowing and throat pain and how long did that symptom last? Also- how long did it take for the white stuff to go away on your tonsils?