Recent diagnosis of VM

[Mrspegg]

Hello and thanks for the add! I am Tracey 38 and from Scotland. I am just at the start of my journey as was only recently diagnosed with VM. I woke up last Friday (17th November) with an unbearable headache which got progressively worse. By lunch time my neck was stiff and lights starting to hurt my eyes. I went to see GP who called ambulance. Taken to A&E and immediately started on antibiotics pending test results. Got CT scan and Chest Scan and loads of bloods done. Had Lumber Puncture the following morning which diagnosed VM so antibiotics were stopped. I was discharged on the 21st November. Still have some pain in back where LP was performed and neck stiffness/pain. Head feels “woolly” and keep getting the strangest noises in my ears. I am off work this week but seeing GP on Monday to see how things are going x

[herbmonster]

Hi

Reading your post, could be me! So similar. On Sunday 19th November I was also admitted to hospital as headache, stiffness in neck, intolerance to light and nausea. I had a high temperature and according to Dr my heart rate was 'rapid'. Immediately put on antibiotics and a CT scan done and lost count of bloods and culture's.did a L.P. on the Monday which came back positive for viral meningitis. They stopped the IV anti biotics discharged me, but did give me some antibiotics, not for the VM but for an infection that one of the Dr said they thought I had due to the high temperature. Told to rest, drink lots of fluids and take it easy for a week.

A week later and my head is still as though 2 boxers are having a fight in there. My back is in alot of discomfort, small price to pay as the L.P. was horrendous as took nearly 2 hours of constant needle stabbing. I have next to no energy, just finished anti biotics which I am glad about as I am hoping it was them that were making me nausea.

My note from the Dr runs out on the 27th and I am thinking there is no way I am fit to go back to work yet. Reason I had to have a note was I had truthfully started to feel unwell on the Wednesday so had already self cert for 5 days.

Hopefully once the headache lapses and i get more energy i will get my strength back.

I am a teacher so cannot really function in a class with a pounding head.

[Mashall89]

I was diagnosed 5 weeks ago. I still I’m getting over it. I have been off work the whole time. I still get the headaches and ear pressure. My neurologist has given me Tylenol 4 with codeine to help with the pain that’s seems to help. Having VM is a long virus for some. So if anyone tells you that you will be ok in about 7-10 are wrong. You have came to a good group here. This site has helped me along the way. Good luck to you. I hope you feel better soon.

[Helpman]

No work for 3to 4 weeks no lifting anything no stairs listen to your body if it hurts stop doing it take walks on flat ground .good luck helpman

[Lippistix]

Hello Tracey, sorry to hear, and so sorry to say you could be on a long journey of recovery. My 28 year old daughter suffered for near on two years post VM, but there again her close friend who contracted it at pretty much at the same time as her, made a full recovery in a matter of a few weeks.

You can find my daughter, Rosie S' Story, via the link on the forum stories from the home page.

We found that cranial massage worked wonders for her. Her job is working with horses on pretty much a daily basis and is very physically demanding.

It is rare for a story to be so positive and we have tried to let people know that this amazing complementary therapy worked for her. It helps release the spinal fluid which VM leaves a blockage for. Rosie is pretty much cured after around 10 sessions coupled with actupuncture, although found awesome relief after only one appointment. She is now free of all pain killers and antidepressants and feels right back to her old self.

We can only let you know what worked for her. It's not for all, but has now given amazing relief for many. It seems the success could be to do with the skill of the cranial osteopath you use. So it is important to find out the osteopaths credentials and experience in this specialised field particularly dealing with VM sufferers, if you can. (Not all osteopaths realise that this helps VM sufferers, it is often carried out on young babies with birthing problems). You need an osteopath and not a therapist who mearly has some training in cranial massage.

So Tracey, if you find you are getting the violent headaches and feeling lethargic and depressed after a few weeks, give this complementary therapy a go, it really could be worth it and save you being on prescribed drugs, along with months, years, of unnecessary suffering.

Kind wishes and best of luck

Teresa