Hi my name is Mia and I'm 17 and live in Somerset. I was hospitalised at the beginning of September with viral meningitis. I was a very odd case. I had no rash and only minor headaches which are thought to be two of the most common symptoms. Because the infection affected the bottom of my spinal cord the most I had severe back and leg pains, stopping me from walking and sleeping, the Drs were primarily unaware of why these were my only symptoms. RASHES DO NOT ALWAYS APPEAR. It is now Dec and even though still struggling with fatigue and emotional strains, my biggest issue is the pain in my legs. I have seen other people experience this but it's become unbearable and is a massive strain on all aspects of my life.
Does anyone have any genuine ideas of what helps or may help and not just my GPS usual "go to your physio (2 month waiting list) and rest"
Thankyou
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MIAH2000
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Hi I had it two years in a row take it easy for at least 2 more months no lifting anything walks on flat ground no stairs listen to your body when it hurts stop it will get better maybe not 100% but 80 . Good luck helpman
Hello, 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.
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.
Looks like cranial massage is the way forward. I'm also going to try out acupuncture as I know someone who does it so fingers crossed. Am trying my best to just keep a normal life but i think I pushed myself too quickly which has made me worse.
Hello - I had VM diagnosed back in July 2013. It took me awhile to recover (1+ years at least) and some of the best advice I received, from this website, is that it takes time to get through this and don't over do it. To avoid the heavy pain killers that the docs here in the states push I stayed with Ibuprofen and used a heating pad in areas where pain was the most intense, neck and back mostly. Fatigue was a big problem for me as well, so take it easy as best you can. Most doctors don't know how to deal with the after effects of VM so websites like this where real people who have also dealt with it and can offer their advice are enormously helpful. You will get better, but it takes time and a lot of patience. Take Care!
Thankyou for all your advice. I'm struggling to keep up a normal life and go to work everyday. And now with Xmas coming round I have the flu so painkillers are a must right now, definitely do not want to be on anymore than I am though.
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