Viral meningitis , Varicella zoster virus.

[RestisBest]

I was hit by VM back in July 13th 2016. 10 days before my wedding. Which of course was cancelled.

After about a week, which involved trips to a duty doctor for pain killer injections, and an over night stay in the hospital.

The following evening at home, the headaches or migraines increased and the projectile vomiting continued. My partner asked me, if we should call an ambulance, because I was at a stage, for the first time in my life, that was just simply unbearable.

I was emitted to hospital for 2.5 weeks.

They took an MR , CT skan, X ray and a lumber puncture. I was put on drips of morfine, penacilon ( for a few days) and another drip with a salt drip ,which was then the main drip used. ( sorry can't remember the name).

All my senses were inhernced, which was terrible and very scary. I could not stay outside the hospital, for fresh air very long. It was all too much. The hospital wing felt safe and peaceful.

I had short term memory loss and my sight was effected. It seems to be ok now.

I still have the symptoms of: sensitive to light, noise, and tinnitus. Also the strange head aches or head strains are still there as well. Extreme tired eyes or back of eyes when the body is need of a nap.

It's difficult to process many things, tiredness sets in. For example,having a conversation, sitting at a table, with many people talking, or going to the shops where much is happening.

I could not do any of this at the beginning, but I can now to a limited extent.

All these symptoms are alot better. Each month is a big improvement.

You will need plenty of patience, alot of naps. I had 3 aday and I am now down to one aday. Staying at home is a must. The brain needs to rest.

Pills were 2 paramol 4 x aday, and 1 ibuprofen in the morning and evening. ( ibuprofen should be taken after a meal)

I am now on 2 paramol (panadol) pills a day.

It has been 4 months now. I have just returned to work. With a gradual increase of hours. From 6 hours a week and by christmas, it will be up to 13.5 hours a week.

I hope and have faith that this horrible, or evil, or whatever this nasty experience is, just goes away. Realistically, I have given myself a goal, that I will be much better by late spring 2017, Better, in the sense of being able to do exercise, without being worried about over doing it.

Time, patience, peace and quiet, resting the brain and plenty of sleep, are your best friends, that can take you to the next level. Believe me this takes time. Be strong and be very patient.

I hope this helps you in some way.

I just got married yesterday 

My wife has been very supportive and had to look after our baby daughter from the beginning.

Male 42 years old.

Since I was hit by Viral meningitis, I have given up smoking ,coffee and apart from yesterday (my wedding) I do not drink alcohol. I was in good shape, and I enjoyed doing exercise.

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[Tonixshack]

Really reassuring to know things do get better, i was diagnosed with VM 20th october 11 weeks after having my baby girl. I struggle with a strange vacant feeling in my head and short term memory loss its so frustersting especially with my baby being so young. Im really glad you're feeling better!

[RestisBest in reply to Tonixshack]

Hi Tonicshack,

Really sorry to hear that you have been hit by VM as well.

Your baby girl, will give you so much love, which will give you strength and keep you mostly positive. You must keep hoping and be patient.

I understand how you must be feeling. Recovery time is different for every person with an illness.

The vacant feeling you have, would you say that is connected with your ears or is it some kind of pressure or aching feeling in your head.

As I had alot going on, with my ears and a continuous cramp feeling in the head. This gradually decreases in time. You will be able to notice the difference each month.

Being frustrated I can totally understand again how you feel.

For me it was connected to, the question why me! I didn't deserve this evil virus. Just being hit with it, suddenly with no explanation, we are given a mammoth task of getting well again. It's a huge shock.

Even though you will feel very alone with this. People, friends and family will support you.

It's ok to be frustrated. But yeah, it is, really really frustrating.

Communicating to people.Words just don't come sometimes, in mid sentence, and when I am really tired I can develop a little stutter.

It's a real horrible feeling. I really hope it will get better for you.

Stay strong and try to keep it positive. Speaking from experience, your daughter will give you happiness in this dark time.

[chrisdunn]

Great , but be careful and didn't not do too much even if you feel well.

[kelpie25]

I had VM diagnosed early June 2015, also with varicella zoster. I was told having had chickenpox as a child (and shingles maybe 10 years ago) the virus remains in your system. The A and E started treatment for both BM and VM until lumbar puncture done and result known. They continued with IV antiviral, then so they could discharge me 5 days after admission, went to oral one. Just as I was leaving, discharge stopped as the VZV was identified so 10 days of IV needed. Last 4 days done at home by community nurses. The virus also caused labyrinthitus and facial palsy. Although 90% recover completely from facial palsy, regrettably I'm in the 10% that doesn't. I was extremely sensitive to light and noise for a few weeks, plus headaches which I still have daily. But am just about back to my pre-VM state of health. I do have other conditions including 2 autoimmune which affect my mobility and cause disability. Stick in there, be patient - AND KIND to yourself. Meningitis Now literature was extremely helpful.

[RestisBest in reply to kelpie25]

Thankyou Kelpie 25, for sharing your story. I fear the worst, regarding the head aches and tinnatus. How do you stay sane after a year. I'm starting to get a little worried, that I may be stuck with this.