After viral meningitis, am immensley fearful of getting ill again - how to overcome this ?

[pineapplelady]

Its to the extent that even a cold or tummy bug makes me panicky ...

[Tiga]

1st thing is to not freak out when you read stories on this site of people having it a few times, i know i did, it is normal what you are feeling, if you had been run over by a buss, you would have fear of buses, same things with VM, make sure you eat well ,yes nag nag mummy talk, but it is true, eat fish veg etc and keep up with vitamins !!!!!. when you feel tied, REST, if you get hot, place a wet cool towel behind your neck. i know for the 1st six months i kept cleaning my hands, and would not let anyone kiss me. mind you thats not a bad thing LOL. pineapplelady, just take each day as it goes, fear it self can bring on so many illness!!!! when you feel scared JUST SAY TO YOURSELF, "YOU GOT THREW IT, YOU KICK VM ASS" you will get well again, or as i say " been there done that" baby steps hon

[kel80]

i feel exact same ...also just past the year mark fir the first mist serious time i was nervous so so nervous thinking i can't take that pain again .. but it has helped me to learn not to push myself .. and rest when i need to ... so fingers crossed fir us al xx there just has to be a night

[kel80]

just has to be a light at the end of tunnel xx

[Canada3]

Yes and yes again to you all... its so scarey and everytime you get even a cold bug, you just assume its the horrid thing again... but even post VM you can get a cold, upset tummy,even flu and need never get the damned thing again. Take heart, and rest just as Tiga advises, never never push yourself, its not worth it and it takes an age to recover anyway. You arent your old self you are your new self and it can only get better. Good luck..

[recovering777]

Hi pineapplelady,

i was so reliefed that somebody else has this fear. I have had two bouts of Meningitis, so naturally am afraid of contracting it again as its so debiliating. I think mine is the anxiety of the severe head pain .It was so terrible, not to mention losing the use of my legs and only being able to crawl for several days when released home.

I realise these fears are unfounded, so take heed. If your fears become unmanigable, then i suggest some counselling to enable you to deal with this. A little counselling goes a long way in helping us manage our emotions and fears. I feel for you, and relate to you which on its own can be comforting . You will be fine, and in due time this fear will leave you. Keep in contact with us on this site, we have a great bunch of fellow supporters.

Blesings,

Della.